Our family has been staying at this Budget Host Nights Inn for over 30 years now, and we have perhaps an expert's take on this lodging. I wish I could recommend it as I have done so in the past, but to be bluntly honest, I can't anymore.

Our experience from the drive up, in sequence: "Always the lowest rates" beckons the white neon sign below the "(K)Nights Inn" streetside sign. Looks the same from the street as it always has, so I pull up to the driveway. Checking in was easy and courteous enough, and the rate - *including* tax - for two was $52. Seems fine by me so far.

Getting to the room, I noticed that the parking lot was very empty, even though it was suppertime. The parking lot felt rough and uneven to my feet, which were in sandals. No repaving in many years, I would say. Not a good start.

Inside the room, I noticed right away that the red carpet, first laid down in probably circa 1980, was still there. Still in one piece, but well worn (not bare, though) and soft to the touch. Shedding, even. We tested all items in the room (plumbing, light fixtures, etc.) as we always do upon getting a room, and we found that one light by the side of the queen size bed was not working. Replacing bulbs didn't help. Checked the outlet, it was plugged in. So the light fixture needed repair/replacement. Everything else worked fine, including the television (which included cable channels such as several ESPN offerings as well as Fox News), microwave and dormitory size refrigerator. We had to set the time to the microwave, and the refrigerator had to be plugged in. No biggie on those. The television channel lineup was way out of date - we had to find our preferred programming by channel surfing on our own. Another sign of cheapness.

Mattress and pillows were fine - in fact, the pillows were on the large size. When it came to the blanket and bedspread, however, we were disappointed in the thinness of each. In fact, we could see through the blanket! Good thing it was almost Summer. Air conditioner/heating system built in below the windows worked fine, but it is obvious to us, veteran, seasoned travelers, that this unit has been in this location for a long time. The fan speed and quietness are no match for say, a newer remodeled Motel 6 accommodation (of which there are none in Richfield).

The room furniture is worn to the point where the bed side stand drawer wouldn't open and shut freely. It worked, but was warped. Yes, it worked, but this drawer was way past its prime. Other wood type furniture is likewise worn and in need of replacement.

Bathroom towels were all complete, with the right number, sizes and appropriate quality. The marble vanity is a quality plus - and a harbinger of bygone days when this place kept out the competition offered by folks such as Super 8 next to Interstate 70. But no more. Too many little things that are no longer at the same level of quality as they always used to be here. Too much deferred remodeling and maintenance

For the final touches on how this place has gone downhill, let's discuss a relatively minor offering: the complimentary continental breakfast. Decades ago, the historic building which houses the front desk, breakfast dining room, and still houses the now off limits nonworking toilets and restaurant was in better upkeep and repair. What doesn't work up to snuff or is unused is now chained off to guests. All that remains is the front desk and the breakfast room. My memories of what was offered for breakfast at Nights Inn are much more than what is offered now. Missing: waffles, pancakes, bagels, cream cheese, real butter, real orange juice, and real silverware. Now all that remains is cheap WalMart foodstuffs such as the bread, cold cereal, hot oatmeal packets, milk, fake orange juice, and Parkay squeeze margarine. It's nice they still have the cinnamon sugar container out for cinnamon toast like in the old days, but it's not going to make me believe this is a worthwhile continental breakfast. Yes, there's fresh coffee and hot chocolate packets, teabags with hot water and styrofoam plates and cups (and sturdier paper cups for the coffee) but it's simply not what was offered in years and decades past. Reeks of cheapness.

A lot of the clientele here for many years has been contractors and building tradesmen traveling for the work they provide to the rural areas they service. Much like Holbrook, Arizona. They were not present this particular Father's Day Sunday evening. Wonder if they are still coming here.

In summary, too many small details show there is a definite decline in quality lodging here. There's competition in Richfield, and worth your kind consideration. Please continue on south to a place I had forgotten about in the midst of returning home, but remembered again the morning we left Richfield. It's my next review.

If you had to stay here for a night, you'd do alright.. It's just that there's better offerings available. I am trying to be kind, because this place was once the gold standard for quality and economy on the road for our family. I don't know why the decline happened. It saddens me.