Despite it being posted as a non-smoking room, our room seriously smelled of cigarette smoke. The carpet looked and felt dirty, and the bathroom was moldy with badly patched walls. On the plus side, the beds were comfortable and the front staff were very friendly. The location was good for shopping and dining, was close to the university that we were visiting and was relatively inexpensive. Still, if I were staying longer than one night, I would look for another hotel.

Firstly, I travel a lot. I'm a Choice Hotels diamond elite member and this is decidedly one of their best kept secrets. I've stayed here several times and the staff have always been extraordinarily friendly and helpful. If there's ever been any type of issue I've let them know and they've always responded in a rapid and courteous manner. Not the surly, "I was trying to finish watching my show." response too often found in value hotels. The rooms are invariably clean and comfortable, and even the cleaning staff are friendly. I don't know that I haven't received a smile and a "good morning" anytime I've bumped into one of them. The place has always been quiet, and I've never been awakened by doors crashing, people yelling, or the ever-dreaded "listening to the racket in the next room because of too-thin walls." Best of all...the price is right. Check out the "Choice Hotels" website and try to find another in the tidewater area to match their rate. Especially now, with the summer travel season coming. If you want a good, comfortable place to stay at a very reasonable cost, you can't miss.

Well, it looked fairly new in the photos. I believe, as I sit here looking around, that every piece of furniture has damage. The fridge can't be opened unless you lean it back due to missing base pieces. Goodness knows if it works. The shower/tub does not drain and there is much black mildew in the bathroom. Taking a shower standing in 2" of cold water is *not* fun. There are badly patched holes in the walls of both the bathroom and the room. The heatlamp is not a heatlamp, it has a basic 60w bulb in it and the timer does not work. There is *no* alarm clock. *no* hairdryer, *no* fitted sheet on the bed (just a plain sheet tucked in) the towels are threadbare, this place is just worn out. It was inexpensive, the guy at the front desk is nice, but I'm glad we are only here 1 night. We were too tired and too unpacked to go look for another hotel. I wouldn't stay here again, and I probably won't want to stay at another Econo Lodge again as a result of this stay.