The Microtel Inn in Gallup offers one of the best values in the town, especially off-season. The deceptively cheap price will get you a very large and well-equipped room, free breakfast, 24-hours access to coffee and a bunch of discount coupons for local restaurants.

The motel is located on the historic route 66, a short distance off Exit 16 off I-40, at the western edge of the town. If you are planning to stay or drive to Arizona, this would allow you to avoid the heaviest morning traffic in the town, since the town has a relatively busy shopping district in the center. It is easily accessible and visible, right behind Motel 6 and Red Roof Inn.

When you try to check in, you may be a little put off by the service, which is hopelessly inadequate, but if you survive it, you’ll be surprised by the room. The rooms feature two queen-sized or one king-sized bed, a large work desk, spacious bathroom and enough closets and shelf space to comfortably unpack for a weeklong stay. As an added bonus, there is a small sofa attached to the window, with an overhead light, which immediately became my favorite spot to hang out, read and watch TV. The TV offered is rather large and has a wide array of programming, including HBO, The Weather Channel and CNN Headline News. I found the large mirror, spanning across the entire back wall, a nice addition to the room, as it optically increased its already large size.

The benefits of this hotel don’t end there. You get free breakfast and all-day hot coffee, which increases Microtel’s value above that of cheaper motels without breakfast. In addition, I got discount coupons to The Olympic Kitchen, a Hellenic and Italian restaurant less than a block away, and The Ranch Kitchen, offering Mexican and Southern food.

The price for a night is more than reasonable. During off-season, a single costs $34.99, which is only $2 more than Motel 6, which doesn’t offer any breakfast. During season, a single costs between $49 and $69 and a double between $69 and $79 per night.

Traveler’s tip: If possible, go have a dinner in The Olympic Kitchen. It’s one of the few American places I know of that don’t overcook their rice. If they have Shrimp Sautee on special, get that; it’s one of the best-looking and best-tasting meals of this kind I’ve ever eaten. The waitress has told me that even if they don’t have it on special, you may be able to order it by asking for it directly.


Recommended: Yes