Hotel Review: Knights Inn and Suites/Atrium West in Fort Stockton, Texas

After spending some time at the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, we continued westward. Glancing at the map we calculated a little over four hours to the next decent sized town, Fort Stockton. In between there is nothing but tumbleweeds holding hands. As we drove, we could see the dark clouds coming toward us. Soon, lightning began striking and torrential rain was unleashed. I gripped the wheel tight as I tried to peer between the drops for more than half of the trip. After arriving at Fort Stockton and noticing El Paso was another three hours away, these weary travelers desperately needed a rest.

Fort Stockton is a small, desolate town (population of 8,000) with essentially no noticeable industry. There were several run-down looking hotels, but none you would actually consider settling in. Finally, we spied a Hampton Inn which appeared to be recently built. Our sigh of relief soon turned to one of frustration as the desk clerk slowing shook his head at our query of vacancy. Knowing I could not bear another minute in the storm, I asked him where the next best hotel was in town. After hesitating for about five seconds, he reluctantly said the Atrium West, which was fortunately located across the street (Knights Inn and Suites/Atrium West, 1305 N. Highway 285, Fort Stockton, TX 79735).

At check-in, I was greeted buy a woman that appeared dressed for a nightclub. She was friendly enough, however, as we made small talk about the Texas weather. When asked about an available room, she hesitated and said she thought there might be one left. Then she said she needed to check something out first. While I waited, a man walked in and asked me if anyone was working here. I replied yes, but they are checking on one room for me. His face dropped as he replied, "Well, I guess I better keep looking since I need two rooms!" After over five minutes, she returned, mentioned it was ready, and told me the room rate would be $120 for the night. Although this seemed like a steep price, our only alternative would be to sleep in the car or with the snakes. I grabbed the room keys and we proceeded to the room, somehow feeling fortunate.

All of the rooms are external entry only. The stairs to our second story room were not convenient to the room's location. When I reached our door, I struggled with the door handle but eventually gained entry. We noticed the carpeting was brown - no doubt camouflaging untold amounts of dirt and stains. The condition of the room was fair, but dreary. The entry portion of the room would be considered a sitting room with a chair by the window, a desk, a refrigerator, and a run-down looking sleeper-sofa. A wall partition separated this area from the bedroom, which contained a king size bed draped in a thin, worn comforter. The only amenity the adjoining bathroom had was a bar of soap. Although the hotel promises three free high-speed internet networks, all three were about 10 times slower than dial-up. The hotel clerk mentioned they were probably slow because a lot of people were probably trying to gain access simultaneously. There is also an indoor pool, but I heard on of the other guests mention the heater was broken. Finally, the hotel sign outside advertised a steak house which was attached to the hotel, but we discovered it had long since closed. Therefore, our meal was from the McDonalds across the street.

We awoke the next day eager to continue our drive. We made our way to the breakfast area, located by the check-in. This breakfast left much to be desired with no fruits or yogurts, lack of cereal variety, sour apple & orange juices, and only 2% milk (the gallon jug appearing to have been sitting there awhile). It did have biscuits, sausage, and eggs, so my we prepared our own style of Sausage McMuffins. The sandwich left us with a greasy coating on our tongue. We also noticed what appeared to be a good deal of water damage to the ceiling near the front desk. This place is in dire need of a make-over.

The rating: Out of "Graceland has nothing on this"(Excellent), "Nice for the price"(good), "At least it's not a tent"(fair), and "Keep on driving...fast"(forget it)....we give the Knights Inn and Suites/Atrium West in Fort Stockton, TX an overall rating of "Keep on driving...fast". If you know you will be traveling through this town, call the Hampton Inn in advance for a reservation.