Rhode's Motor Lodge

Rhode's Motor Lodge, Boone: A Michelin Key Selected Retreat Blending Nostalgia and Modern Comfort

Rhode's Motor Lodge in Boone, North Carolina, a Michelin Key Selected property, has successfully reimagined the classic American motor inn into a stylish and comfortable boutique hotel. Guests consistently praise its unique mid-century modern aesthetic, welcoming atmosphere, and excellent service, making it a standout choice for travelers exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Rhode's Motor Lodge is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently rating it as "Exceptional" or "Excellent." Review scores on various platforms highlight high satisfaction with its location, cleanliness, staff, and overall quality. Many describe it as a "hidden gem" with a "really cool vibe".

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of Rhode's Motor Lodge:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel beautifully blends mid-century modern design with a cozy, rustic mountain vintage feel. Common spaces, including the lobby with its central fireplace and the large courtyard patio with gas fire pits and rocking chairs, are frequently mentioned as inviting and relaxing. The aesthetic is often described as "on trend" and "modern and retro at the same time".
• Location: Its central location on Highway 321 in Boone provides easy access to highways 221, 421, and the Blue Ridge Parkway, making it convenient for exploring local attractions like Appalachian State University, Boone Mall, Sugar Mountain Resort, and Grandfather Mountain.
• Amenities: Popular amenities include free WiFi, free on-site private parking, a 24-hour front desk, and pet-friendly rooms. The outdoor seating areas with fire pits and live music on some weekends are particular favorites, creating a relaxing social hub.
• On-site Dining: The presence of the acclaimed "Over Yonder" (also referred to as "Canteen") restaurant and bar is a significant highlight, with many guests praising its delicious food and drink options.

3. Room Quality

The 54 rooms at Rhode's Motor Lodge are described as spacious, clean, and comfortable, offering a refined utility with smart design. They feature modern amenities and a camp-inspired, rustic yet nostalgic design with custom furnishings and locally produced artwork.

• Comfort: Guests frequently highlight the comfortable beds and plush mattresses, with some even noting they looked up the brand of the mattress and pillows to recreate the comfort at home. High-quality 300-thread count bed linens and luxury washable wool blankets contribute to a cozy stay.
• Design & Amenities: Rooms include air conditioning, private bathrooms, a work desk, flat-screen TVs, soundproofing, and mini-fridges. Many rooms offer mountain views, and upper-level rooms often feature balconies with seating. Custom touches like tree trunk nightstands, pendant light fixtures, and branded Coleman coolers for ice buckets or outings add to the unique experience. Various room types are available, including King, Double Queen, and King/Queen with Daybed suites, some with adjoining options for families.

4. Dining Experience

The on-site restaurant, known as Over Yonder (or Canteen), receives consistent high praise for its food and drink offerings.

• Cuisine: Headed by local chefs Andy Long and Ken Bell, the restaurant offers modern casual fare with a nod to Appalachian ingredients and classic dishes, sometimes incorporating a Louisiana flair. Examples include Wagyu beef burgers and seared trout.
• Meals: Canteen serves breakfast and dinner seven days a week, with lunch service added later. Breakfast options cater to various needs, from business meetings to grab-and-go items, featuring offerings like Smoked Trout and Cream Cheese Bagel, Smoky Mountain Gouda Grits, and Overnight Oats. Brunch is also served on Saturdays and Sundays.
• Bar & Coffee: The on-site bar offers a rotating list of craft beers, ciders, wines, and unique cocktails. Local Boone-based Hatchet Coffee Roasters coffee and Stick Boy Bread Co. baked goods are also available.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback consistently highlights the exceptional hospitality and kindness of the staff. Reviewers describe the staff as "great," "kind," "friendly," and "knowledgeable". The 24-hour front desk and services like express check-in and check-out contribute to a smooth and welcoming experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

Rhode's Motor Lodge boasts a highly-rated location, scoring 9.3 out of 10 for location.

• Neighborhood: It is centrally situated on Highway 321 in Boone, tucked within the Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Attractions: The lodge offers easy access to major highways (221, 421) and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. It's a short walk from Boone Mall (9 minutes) and Daniel Boone Native Gardens (18 minutes). Other nearby attractions include Appalachian State University, Sugar Mountain Resort (15 miles), Grandfather Mountain (21 miles), and Tweetsie Railroad. Activities like skiing and hiking are readily available in the vicinity.
• Transport: Free on-site private parking is provided. Tri-Cities Regional Airport is approximately 70 miles away.

7. Value & Pricing

The value for money at Rhode's Motor Lodge is generally considered good, with an average rating of 8.7 out of 10. Typical prices for a standard room can range from approximately $109 to $181 per night, with specific rates varying based on room type and booking platform. Deals for rooms, such as a king room for $109 or a standard room for $112, have been observed.

8. Common Complaints

While the vast majority of reviews are positive, one recurring criticism, though not widespread, mentioned a room being "a bit more rustic than anticipated" by one guest. There was also an isolated instance of a guest checking out immediately due to disappointment with the room. However, these appear to be exceptions to the generally high satisfaction with the hotel's design and comfort. The Michelin Guide itself has not yet composed a quality score based on verified guest reviews, noting that they need more verified stays for that purpose.

Sources

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