The best of the USA - smalltown America & independent motels

America means different things to different people, but everyone agrees the best way to see the land 'where the car is king' is on a roadtrip.

On our most recent trip to the US we did just that, clocking up 1500 miles on the rental car in a 2-week drive through 4 states in the Deep South. Most of that time we were on local highways and back roads, avoiding the Interstates. One exception was on the first day of the trip after flying into Atlanta, which is quite possibly the most boring big city in America (one of its most memorable events in its history is when it was burned to the ground). We left as soon as we landed, making tracks down I-20 to Augusta so we would be within striking distance of Charleston the next day.

The timer on the dashboard said 10pm, but our body clocks said 3am, so we were glad to see the exit signs for Augusta after about a 2-hour drive. Thanks to TripAdvisor.com I had already scoped out a motel for the evening, the highly recommended West Bank Inn. And no, despite the name, it isn't run by Palestinians!

It offered few frills, but the place was plenty comfortable and clean. We had a friendly welcome and efficient check-in despite the late hour. The room was pristine, with comfy beds and up to date decor. A fridge, microwave and coffeemaker were available. As I mentioned, the place is near to the Interstate exit with a main road in front and an access road behind, so you can expect some traffic noise. Or do as we do and pop in the earplugs!

In the morning we had lovely hot showers. We noticed the soap, shampoo and hand lotion were all brand names, no generic muck. We had no appetite for breakfast, but they had plenty on offer. Our only complaints were that the towels were a bit on the thin side and we couldn't find the Weather Channel on TV.

I'll be sharing more about the Dixie roadtrip soon, but there is a flipside to American roadside accommodation: the dreaded 'No Tell Motel.' A skanky flophouse in Grants, New Mexico comes to mind (where truckers go to die). Honestly though, Britain has far worse standards considering what you are expected to pay and I've yet to ever find anywhere in the US that even comes close to resembling the Bates Motel.

Only rarely have I come across a place that doesn't meet my (admittedly low) standards. I do believe in the adage 'you get what you pay for' and when paying $33 for a room I know it's not going to be The Ritz.

In this particular case, $33 bought me a night in the finest (well, only) accommodation on offer in the small town of Marion, Kansas.

Marion is one of the best small towns in Kansas thanks to its beautiful downtown full of historic buildings, local businesses, a monumental courthouse, old churches and a meticulously restored train depot that now houses the town library. Many fine homes line its brick streets laid out atop a hill which sits above a tree-lined river on the edge of the Flint Hills.

The town is fantastic and deserves your visit, but the Country Inn motel was a bit of a letdown. It looks great from outside and it's a bargain, but...
I couldn't dial out on the phone (though the staff offered to dial for me). The tub looked like it needed replacing, the stains were so ingrained (although it was scrubbed clean and completely hygenic, so maybe it's something in the water). The bathmat was threadbare (a niggle, I know, but it's cheap enough to buy new ones to keep up appearances). I've had stronger and hotter showers, but overall there was nothing to warrant a complaint or to send me to the front desk, demanding a refund.

It never fails though, the one motel I check into that has thin walls is also the one time I'm in a room next to an insomniac who seems to have a death rattle for a cough. What do you say to the front desk: 'I want another room because my neighbour won't die quietly'??  Earplugs to the rescue, which meant in the end I slept fine. The room was clean, the bed was perfect and the staff were friendly. I would not hesitate to stay again the next time I'm passing through. It's one of many places in my home state of Kansas that offer a big welcome and deserves your business.

INFO The West Bank Inn in Augusta, Georgia is off exit 199 of I-20 and their website has all the information you need.

The Country Inn in Marion, Kansas is easy to find. Head east on the main road until you've almost left town, the motel is past the grocery store but before the country club.