Recently, I've been staying at a few hotels in the $50 and under range. Traveling on a budget is my top priority, however I haven't thrown out the importance of safety, cleanliness, and customer service. Econo Lodge - San Marcos is conveniently located directly off IH35. Although it?s convenient, you have to consider there will be substantial traffic noise. There is plenty of affordable dine-in and fast-food restaurants close by. The rooms are fairly nice for this price range. Most rooms appear to have new dark-colored furniture, which gives the rooms a more upscale appearance. If available, you can request a microwave, mini-fridge, iron, and hair dryer. The bedding and linens are old and worn down, yet are kept clean and fresh. In terms of safety, there are deadbolts on the doors, yet I felt a bit uneasy since there wasn?t a safety latch. \r
The front office claims to have high-speed wireless Internet, and is true to a certain extent. If you get a room directly above or next to the front office, you will be able to pick up the wireless connection. But if you don?t, you can forget about having access from the comfort of your room. Since my room was in the middle of the hotel complex, I asked the front desk, if I could change my room, and they simply told me, that they only offer wireless service in their front office, which is about a 10 x 10 space. I?d called in advance to make sure they had wireless, so I could get some work done. But, in the end, I feel what?s the point of having Internet access if I have to be in the front office. I might as well just go to the public library. Despite the Internet woes, this hotel is nice for the price.
Pros: Cheap Rates, Clean Rooms, Nearby Dining
Cons: Highway Noise, Designated Wireless Access, Average Safety
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