First of all, we booked this hotel without carefully studying the reviews available on the internet. Not a wise decision. Our own experiences correspond to observations by other guests, on this website and also on other websites with hotel reviews. It underlines the importance of such reviews. So please write down your experiences in the hotels you stay. We write our review everytime we stay somewhere (and we're traveling the US for more than 50 days this year).

Okay, overall our experience was not so bad. The room was adequate, although the airconditioning was obviously too small for the size of the room. Also, the two chairs in the room were very weak: we preferred to use the beds as chairs. The room was farly clean, although it would be a nice idea to remove the bugs that have been killed the day(s) before.

One problem was solved: the pool has been renovated and was nice and clean. We also appreciated it that the hotel has laundry facilities. Our own check-in procedure (by the owners' son) was very pleasant and efficient. We also got recommendations for a place to eat. A proper welcome, nothing to comment on.

However, we witnessed other guests who had been given a key for a room that was already occupied (they said the room had other stuff in it). This is not professional, of course. But the way they were treated by one of the owners was even worse. Instead of apologies, they were just barked at and given another key.

We stayed in the hotel with three children because Econolodge has a "children stay for free unless additional bedding is required" policy. Soon after checking in, one of the owners came to us accusing us of only reserving a room for two adults and secretly smugging three children in the room. Luckily, we could show her our confirmed AAA reservation, which clearly stated that we booked the room for a party of five. She then said that the hotel has the policy that children over 12 must pay additional charge. We looked everywhere on the internet, including their own website, and did not find any information about this policy. In the end, theyt agreed that we did not have to pay. Our biggest concern here is not that we would have to pay extra money; but the costs must be clear when you make the reservation (with nio hidden or unwritten rules) and we don't like to be falsely accused.

A second bad experience was breakfast the next morning. We had checked in after 4 PM, and read that breakfast would be served until 9 AM. We entered the breakfast room at 8.30 AM, and just when we were about to sit down, one of the owners came in saying "No no no, no breakfast for you." She showed us the sign of the breakfast times, where 9 AM had been changed into 8.30 AM. This must have been done the evening before. The breakfast room had been reserved for a meeting and the owner wanted to clean up for half an hour. Again, it's not about the breakfast, which was merely okay, but we don't want to be treated this way. It's okay with us to change the breakfast times (although many other guests would probably not want to be so flexible), but the least a hotel can do is to notify the guests about this change and to stay nice and polite.

We have seen similar examples of both events in other reviews. It looks like the Econolodge in Fort Stockton has a persistent problem. And that's too bad, because the hotel could easily get higher ratings with more professional and friendlier staff.

This could have been a pleasant stay. Instead, the expression "No breakfast for you!" has become a running gag in the family on this trip.

Stayed Friday, June 29, 2007.

The rate wasn't even that good at $65 per night. Check-in staff was okay, but that was the only thing that wasn't absolutely horrible. Really, giving them ONE star is too generous.

1. Bathroom door was filthy. Looked like there were bloody booger-snots wiped on there that had dried up, and housekeeping hadn't cleaned it.

2. Walls were filthy

3. 60% of the lightbulbs in the room were missing.

4. Drapery rod was broken, with broken and missing hooks, so we couldn't get the drapes to cover the window more than 4/5 - anybody could look in if they wanted to.

5. Bugs all over the place.

6. Pool was split-pea-soup green, could not even see the top step on the ladder.

7. When my 17-year-old son went to get his "continental breakfast" (white bread for toast or frozen waffles), they kicked him out right at 9:00 even though he was still eating. I mean, I can understand removing the food at 9:00, but kicking somebody out of a dining area while they're still eating and not allowing them to finish what he had on his plate?

8. Carpet was yucky-looking, so we wore our shoes until the moment we got into the bed.

9. Birds nests in the breezeway with bird crap all over the sidewalk.

10. Shower didn't drain well, I had about 4 inches of water standing in the tub when my shower was done.

11. Plaster cracked on most walls.

12. Spider webs in bathroom.

13. No alarm clock in the room

14. In-room refrigerator never got very cold (yes, we checked to make sure it was "on" and plugged in)

I'd definitely do Motel 6 instead of this one for a cheaper rate, and probably cleaner rooms, closer to the Interstate. Better yet, drive the extra 40 or so miles to Alpine and get a much cleaner room with much nicer hotel staff for a much better rate.

NOT BY I-10, long drive into neighborhood far from other motels, quite seedy by night

1 - air conditioner is manual & was not on - room was hotter than hot texas air outside
2 - cranked air conditioner & headed for shower. Drain stopper was at side of tub, drain clogged - ended 10 min shower standing in four inches of water. Other bathroom issues included cracked window to outside, bath sink detached from counter - about a half inch high on one side, crude tub repairs & patches, mismatched paint on the wall, towels very thin & not fresh smelling
3 - carpet will have you squealing eeeeeuck! if you have to walk an inch on it
Furniture is standard for a super economy motel. Fridge & micro are provided. The one real plus for this motel is it's courteous staff.

While you may be drawn in by the price, here's what you'll be repelled by... Numerous rude front desk people acted annoyed and said "no" when I asked for an extra pillow and a post-breakfast muffin...Didn't have a friendly check-in experience either. Lobby smells of rotting Indian food (from the owner's apartment nearby). Room sparse but spacious, smelled like smoke and air freshener...in serious need of a remodel. No alarm clock, phone, or refrigerator. Stains on carpet and chairs in room. Bed had only a sheet and a comforter, no blanket. Noise from barking dogs outside and people talking in the next room kept me awake. There are many better places to stay closer to the highway and restaraunts with people who actually want your business. I would not stay here again.