Binghamton's BEST Hotel Deal? Microtel Inn & Suites Review!
Microtel Inn & Suites, Binghamton: The Good, the Bad, and the Surprisingly Okay
Okay, let's be real. When you're scouring for a hotel deal in Binghamton, New York, you're probably not expecting a five-star experience. You're probably driving through, visiting family in the area (bless their hearts), or maybe even on one of those grueling college visit trips. And that's where the Microtel Inn & Suites comes in. It's… well, it's a Microtel. But is it the best deal? Let’s dive in, shall we? Buckle up, because this is gonna be a bumpy (but hopefully entertaining) ride.
First Impressions: Accessibility & the Elevator Saga (Yes, it's a Thing)
Landing at the Microtel, the first thing I noticed was the parking. Plenty of free parking, which is a huge win, especially when you're hauling luggage and kids, as I was. Car park [free of charge]? Check. Car park [on-site]? Double check. Now, about accessibility. The place claims to be wheelchair accessible. Let’s be honest, most places say that. I didn't need a wheelchair, but I did notice decent ramps—definitely not a death trap. Facilities for disabled guests? Seems legit. Elevator? YES. An absolutely essential element. My room was on a higher floor (thanks, fate!), so I was wholly dependent on this tiny, slightly rickety box, which, I swear, took you to different floors than advertised on occasion. The elevator felt like a character in a bad movie. You'd hold your breath, hit the button, and hope. Elevator? Technically present. Good luck.
Rooms: Cleanish, Comfortable-ish…But Those Blackout Curtains!
The room itself? Okay. Honestly, pretty standard Microtel fare. Non-smoking rooms? Thank goodness. Air conditioning? Yep, and it actually worked! The bed was… a bed. Not awful, not luxurious. Extra long bed? I think so? I slept. My kids slept. Surviving Binghamton with a full night of sleep felt like a win.
Here's where I actually got a little giddy: Blackout curtains. Glorious, beautiful blackout curtains! After a long day of driving, the ability to plunge the room into near darkness was a godsend. I even managed to get a whole 8 hours of sleep, which felt like a luxury. Now, I have a confession to make: I have a thing about hotel rooms. And this one felt…cleanish. Not sparkling clean, but no obvious horrors. Cleanliness and safety? Passable.
Internet: Wi-Fi Wars, or Maybe Just the Slow Lane…
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! They shout it from the rooftops! And…it was okay. For basic stuff like checking emails or social media. But trying to stream a movie? Forget about it. Prepare for buffering. Frequent buffering. A whole lot of buffering. Internet access – wireless? Yes. Internet access – LAN? Possibly, but who uses LAN anymore? Internet? Technically, there. But don't expect lightning speed.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Breakfast Buffet Blues…and a Surprisingly Good Coffee Shop (Sort Of)
Okay, the breakfast. Ah, the breakfast. It's included. Breakfast [buffet]… the buffet was a classic continental affair. Bagels, pastries, cereal, yogurt, the usual suspects. The coffee? Acceptable. But, the staff were helpful. Breakfast service? Yes, and they definitely have a lot on their plate. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Sure, if you can get to it before everyone else swipes it!
The hotel itself doesn't have a full restaurant, but there are restaurants nearby. Restaurants? Technically, not on-site, but close enough to order delivery after a long day.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag of Necessities and… Well, More Necessities
Okay, let’s talk about the services. Daily housekeeping? Yes, and they did a pretty good job of keeping our room tidy. Front desk [24-hour]? Yep, which is a huge relief when you arrive late and need a friendly face. Cash withdrawal? Nope, but there is a bank nearby. Laundry service? Unsure if that was available, as I did not need it. Concierge, Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes? No, the usual suspects are missing.
For the Kids: Babysitting, Pools & Fun!
Family/child friendly? Absolutely. The kids loved it, but there were no exciting amenities. No pool, no playground.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Covid Era
I appreciated the effort to keep things clean. Anti-viral cleaning products? I'm assuming so. Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed like it. Hand sanitizer? Plentiful. Rooms sanitized between stays? Okay, let's be real, I can't see how that's being done, but I hope so. Cashless payment service? Yep! Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? They tried!
Things to Do (Not Really): Relaxation is Relative
The hotel itself isn't a destination. Binghamton isn't, either, unless you're into really, really specific things. Fitness center? Nope. Spa? Hahahahaha.
Conclusion: Microtel – The Deal You Need, Not the Deal You Dream Of
Would I stay at the Microtel Inn & Suites again? Probably. Especially if the alternative was a pricier, less convenient option. It's a functional, no-frills, reasonably clean place to rest your head. Just don’t go expecting the Ritz. Go there for the Black Out Curtains, and go there to rest your head after a long drive.
Worthington's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's sterile travel itinerary. This is the Microtel Binghamton experience, unfiltered, unvarnished, and probably involving at least one existential crisis. Let's DO this.
Microtel Binghamton: A Love Story (Maybe?) - A Log of My Week in the Southern Tier
(Day 1: Arrival, Expectations Crushed, and the Mystery of the Pre-Packaged Breakfast Bag)
- 14:00 - Arrival: Pulled up to the Microtel. Let's be honest, my first thought wasn’t "Oh joy, Binghamton!" It was more like, "Please let the bed NOT have suspicious stains." (Spoiler alert: it didn’t. Surprisingly.) Checked in. The front desk guy looked like he'd seen things. Probably a lot of things.
- 14:30 - Room Reconnaissance: Unpacked (or, more accurately, hurled my suitcase onto the bed). Room was… fine. Beige. Reminded me of a slightly less depressing DMV waiting room. Tried the AC. Good. Thank god for small victories.
- 15:00 - The Pre-Packaged Breakfast Bag of Disappointment: Found the "complimentary breakfast bag" the front desk had warned me about. A granola bar, a stale muffin, and a single-serving box of… what even was that liquid? Juice? Nuclear waste? Drank it anyway. Gotta start building that tolerance early.
- 16:00 - Local Exploration (Vaguely): Drove around a bit, trying to get a feel for the city. Binghamton… it’s… got character. A certain… post-industrial charm. Okay, I need a stiff drink. Headed back to the hotel.
(Day 2: The Majesty of the Wegman's and a Near-Miss with a Squirrel)
- 08:00 - Breakfast (Again): Attempt #2 at surviving the breakfast bag. This time, I added my own coffee. The stale muffin and the mystery juice are still present.
- 09:00 - The Wegman's Experience: Okay, Wegman's. This is where Binghamton redeemed itself. I spent a solid hour wandering the aisles, oohing and aahing over the produce. I mean, the produce! If I lived here, I'd be broke and happy. Bought way too much. Realizing I'd need to drive to have a picnic lunch.
- 12:00 - Picnic Attempt (and Squirrel Terror): Found a park. Got my Wegman's goods and prepared to relax. A rogue squirrel, possessed by some kind of satanic energy, launched an all-out assault on my sandwich. My bread! I screamed. He won.
- 14:00 - Spa Time (Sort Of): Back at the hotel, I realized they had a hot tub, so I went there. It was… lukewarm. Like, barely-above-body-temperature lukewarm. I'm still not sure what kind of hot tub that really is. I wasn't really mad about it, I was pretty tired at this point.
(Day 3: The Broome County Forum and my profound lack of Basketball Knowledge)
- 09:00 - "Breakfast" I just skipped it.
- 10:00 - The Broome County Forum: Went to a basketball game. I don't know that much about basketball, but I watched, and I had fun. The crowd was enthusiastic, and the energy was infectious. I'm not sure who was playing, though…
- 13:00 - Lunch at a Diner: Went to a classic diner. Ordered a burger and fries. The waiter was friendly, the burger was good, and I felt… content. Maybe Binghamton wasn't so bad after all?
- 16:00 - Room Reflection: Back at my beige sanctuary. Feeling surprisingly mellow. Thinking about all the things I need to do and that is stressing me out. I would've taken a nap, but the way the sun hits the room, it makes me feel like vampires are going to come in and eat me.
(Day 4: The Roberson Museum and the Slow, Sad Descent of Boredom)
- 09:30 - Breakfast: I am really starting to hate that bag.
- 10:30 - The Roberson Museum and Science Center: It was fine. I like museums, I like art, I like science. But it wasn't anything to write home about.
- 14:00 - The Hotel Room: I'm starting to get a little stir-crazy. I've watched all the streaming services. I've re-read the newspapers. I've stared at the ceiling fan. Everything is boring, I miss my life.
- 15:00 - Dinner: Drove around, ended up at a chain restaurant. I'm not proud of it. Needed comfort food. I think I need a therapist.
(Day 5: The Great Microtel Escape and My (Maybe) Acceptance of Binghamton)
- 09:00 - Breakfast (The Final Stand): Last breakfast bag! I ate the granola bar. Survived.
- 10:00 - Check-out: Goodbye, Microtel! You were beige. You were… an experience.
- 11:00 - Post-Trip Analysis: As I drove away, I realized something: Binghamton wasn't glamorous. It wasn't thrilling. But it was real. It was quirky. And, you know what? I think… I kind of liked it. The people were nice, the Wegman's was amazing, and even the lukewarm hot tub had a certain charm.
- 12:00 - I'll be back someday. Maybe.
Binghamton's BEST Hotel Deal? Microtel Inn & Suites Review! (Yeah, I'm talking to YOU)
So, Microtel? What's the Big Deal? (Besides the Price, Duh)
Okay, look, finding decent digs in Binghamton can be a whole situation. Been there, done that, nearly starved in a motel room because the vending machine ate my dollar (true story. This was pre-online ordering, remember?). Anyway, Microtel's supposed to be the budget darling. The siren song of cheap rooms and free breakfast... But are they REALLY that good? Let's break it down, shall we?
The Price: Wallet-Friendly or Scam Alert?
The price. Okay, let's get this out of the way. It's usually pretty darn good. My last stay? Less than a hundred bucks! Which, considering I was there for a medical appointment and really just needed a place to crash, felt like highway robbery... *in a good way*. Seriously, compared to some of the other places in town that look like they haven't seen a cleaning crew since the Reagan administration? Microtel often wins hands down. Pro Tip: BOOK IN ADVANCE! Like, seriously, do it now. The deals fluctuate faster than my mood swings on a caffeine deficit. Plus, they sometimes offer discounts for veterans, AAA members, etc. Exploit them. I do. Shamelessly.
The Room: Cleanish? Cozyish? Praying-for-the-Exitish?
Here's where things get... *interesting*. You're not getting the Ritz, folks. Let's be clear. But generally, my experiences have been fine. It *is* a budget hotel. You aren’t finding gold-plated fixtures. I want to say CLEAN, but it's more like....adequate. Like, you won’t be afraid to touch the surfaces, but a deep dive inspection, you probably shouldn't do. Sometimes, you can tell they're rushing to get the rooms ready for the next guests. One time, the bathroom mirror had a faint smear of...something....on it. I chose not to investigate further. Ignorance is bliss, right? But hey, the bed was comfy enough (a *huge* win after a long day). Pillows? Often too fluffy for my delicate neck, so I usually end up stacking them like a fluffy pillow mountain. But hey, that's *me*.
And the air conditioning? *Sometimes* it worked like a dream. Other times, it was a noisy, sputtering beast that seemed to exist solely to taunt you with its inconsistency. But, hey, it's Binghamton. You adjust! At least there's a TV (usually). Hopefully, it works too. It's all about managing those expectations, people!
Breakfast…The Free Meal Of Champions? (Or, Am I Going to Regret This Later?)
Ah, the Continental Breakfast. The sweet, sweet siren's call. Microtel's is... well, it's free. And that's the main thing. Don't go expecting gourmet. Expect... carbs. Bread (toast!), bagels (sometimes), maybe some sad-looking cereal swimming in milk. And the absolute staple: the waffle maker. The waffle *maker*. The key to the whole operation! I have a *thing* for waffle makers, I'm not going to lie. That crispy, golden-brown, slightly-overcooked creation? It's a tiny slice of happiness. Although, one time there was almost no batter left. Panic! I got the the last of the batter, thankfully. They usually have some kind of hot breakfast... depending on the day. (Eggs? Sausage? Those weird pre-cooked omelets that are almost certainly not real eggs? Who knows!) The coffee? Let's just say it's caffeinated. That's about all you can say. But hey, it's FREE. And it gets you going, right?
Oh, and don't expect a fruit salad that looks like something out of a magazine. Think sad, pre-cut fruit that's lost its will to live. Approach with caution.
The Staff: Angels or Grumpy Guses?
Honestly? It varies. Sometimes you get a friendly, helpful soul who seems genuinely happy to see you. Those folks are worth gold. Sometimes... well, sometimes you get the feeling they've seen it all and are just *done*. But overall, they've been alright. Polite, at the very least. One time, I needed an extra towel and they were super quick about it. Maybe a little *too* quick, I think they might have anticipated the need, given how many I have seen walking the halls. I appreciate efficiency though, especially when you just want to get into your room and collapse after a long drive.
The Location: Conveniently Located, or Trapped in a Parking Lot Purgatory?
The Microtel in Binghamton I've stayed in is pretty accessible. Easy enough to get on and off the highway. There's a gas station and some fast-food joints nearby, so you're not exactly stranded. (Thank goodness for the fast food, because some of the "nearby" options aren't that great, and after a long drive or a stressful day? Burger and fries it is!) It’s also a reasonable distance to the shopping districts, the hospital, college, restaurants, etc. Now, the view? Don't expect scenic vistas. Expect... other buildings and parking lots. You win some, you lose some. I'd rather have a convenient location than a pretty view any day, personally. Plus, it's good for people watching if you're into that sort of thing. (Guilty.)
The Verdict: Should YOU Stay at Microtel in Binghamton?
Okay, let's be real. Microtel isn't going to win any awards for luxury. But for the price? For a quick trip, a budget-conscious stay, or a night when you desperately need a place to crash without blowing your whole paycheck? Absolutely, I’d recommend it. It's a decent option. Just don't go expecting a spa experience. Go in with a sense of humor and you'll be fine. Embrace the simplicity. Embrace the waffle maker. Embrace the fact that sometimes, all you really need is a clean-ish, comfyish bed and a cup of mediocre coffee to make it through the night. And hey, sometimes that's enough. If you're on a tight budget, and you need a place in Binghamton? Book it. Just book it!
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