The Horror Story of My Worst Motel Stay: Americas Best Value Inn in San Angelo, TX

During my trip to explore Texas, I encountered one of the most disappointing stays at the Americas Best Value Inn in San Angelo, Texas. While the hotel may have been popular at one point, the reviews are still overwhelmingly negative even four years later. I'll walk you through the nightmarish experience that left me questioning why anyone would ever choose to stay there.

Overbooking and Noisy Nights

Back in 2015, while trying to soak up as much of Texas as possible, my travel plans led me to San Angelo, a little town known for its military forts and ranching country. On my arrival, I had a reservation at a more luxurious hotel, but the hotel had overbooked and could no longer accommodate me. My options were between a Knight's Inn and the Americas Best Value Inn (ABVI). I figured that, at worst, I'd be out a night and could leave in the morning.

Surprisingly Empty Lobby and Poor Service

When I arrived at ABVI, I was met with an eerie emptiness. There was no one at the desk, no bell hop, and not even a sign indicating the lobby. Disappointed but hopeful, I found a place to sit and lit a cigarette. After a few minutes, I decided to call the hotel to inquire about checking in. The desk clerk, who lived on-site, answered the phone only after several rings, seemingly surprised that I had called so late at night. Her response was dismissive: "I'll be right there"—despite it being already her shift end time.

The Terrible Room and Never-To-Be-Forgotten Smell

Upon reaching the room, the first thing I noticed was the pungent cigarette smell that hit me like a wave, making it difficult to breathe. The room was supposed to be a non-smoking King suite, as indicated on the hotel's website, but it clearly had been smoke-filled. Even a non-smoker like me was affected. The room looked nothing like the pictures displayed, lacking enough pillows and featuring a bedspread with cigarette burns and pale yellow stains.

Misleading Features and Inadequate Safety

The room safety was also a major concern. When I closed the door, I found that the deadbolt was loose and barely held the door frame in place. A non-smoker booking a non-smoking room faced significant health hazards and a potentially unsafe room. The chair in the corner, likely one of the cleanest items in the room, still had stains that didn't resemble bodily fluids. The carpet was dirty, and I opted not to take off my shoes.

Poor Entertainment and Bathroom Issues

The television had a limited selection of channels and offered nothing of value. I could only find a few local news, kids' cartoons, and ESPN alternates. The bathroom was equally disappointing. Mildew and what appeared to be mold covered the ceiling, and the exhaust fan didn't work, creating a damp, musty atmosphere.

The horrors of my stay at Americas Best Value Inn in San Angelo, Texas, serve as a stark reminder of what not to expect in a motel. While the hotel's website and marketing materials may promise a comfortable and satisfactory stay, the reality is far from that. These negative reviews are a testament to the poor quality and poor service that I and countless other travelers have experienced.