Rodeway Inn

My flights were late into Omaha so I picked up my rental car and drove to Blair, NE arriving at like 1:30 am. As I drove into the parking lot the first things I saw were broken beer bottles in one area and a couple of guys sitting at a picnic table near the lobby with a case of beer drinking it. If it wasn't so late and I wasn't so tired I would have kept driving right there. I look around to locate the lobby which is partially torn apart and being remodeled. instead of keeping a clean and safe construction area they have materials piled all around the front entrance and lobby. I locate the night buzzer and get the front desk person to check me in (I had prearranged a late arrival). Then he directs me to my room down the hall or I can use an alternative exterior door (since none of them are security doors and require you to be a guest or have a key). At this point I just want to lock myself in my room and get some sleep. I make my way to my room, close the door, reach for the security latch to flip it closed and it's broken off! Of course it is. I wedged a chair against the door, used the moldy ceiling bathroom and went between the sheets with full sweats on. I chose this property because it had the higher Trip Advisor rating of the two hotels in town so it scares me to think of condition of the other newer hotel with a lower rating.

I admit I was a little concerned about some of the negative reviews, but honestly I didn't see anything unsafe or unclean. It's a basic motel but includes fridge and microwave, tub and shower. (We were hiking in the Loess Hills during the day so the tub felt good!) The beds were comfortable and had top sheets plus blanket/quilt; climate control worked well and wasn't noisy or smelly. The owners were pleasant and helpful. The breakfast was minimal and we ended up not using it at all. The only juice was orange juice and there were some individually packaged muffins and pastries. I saw a waffle for heating up. No yogurt. But with the equipment in the room, we easily took care of our own breakfasts. We were there 5 nights and had no problem with noise even right on the highway. We thought it was definitely a great value for the cost and would stay again if we are in the area.