Review of the Comfort Inn of Athens, Tennessee I-75, Exit 49

Comfort Inn - TN594
2811 Decatur Pike
Athens, TN 37303
Phone: 423.252.8030
Fax: 423.745.0002
Email: GM.TN594@choicehotels.com
Online: www.choicehotels.com

When my nonprofit was invited to set up a display at a health fair I knew that I would need a night out. Not only was the health fair an hour and a half from home but set-up needed to begin by 7:00 a.m.

I got out the map and saw that Athens, Tennessee (I-75, Exit 49) looked like it would be within a reasonable driving distance to Ten Mile, TN. Several hotel chains are available at this exit including the Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn and Econo Lodge.

These all looked good to me so I did some price checking online and by phone. For the night that I needed to stay the prices among the different brands ranged from $49.95- $109.00 per night (plus tax).

Standing out from the rest of the pack was the Comfort Inn of Athens, TN. I couldn't help but notice the gold medal on the online reservation system. The description said that only the top hotels in this brand will receive this award.

I was somewhat familiar with the exit and knew that the Comfort Inn of Athens, TN is impossible to miss. It sits at the traffic light on the corner of Decatur Pike and Denso Road.

Travelers on I-75S will spot it immediately. Those traveling on I-75N will need to turn left from the off ramp and cross the interstate before seeing the sign. From there, it's a simple matter of turning left at the light and entering the hotel parking lot.

Since the Comfort Inn was competitively priced at $85 (and easy to find) I decided to book my reservation. This was easily accomplished online by using a credit card. I was given until 6:00 p.m. on the date of arrival to cancel.

A Cracker Barrel Restaurant is across the street from the Comfort Inn of Athens, TN.

Instead of left at the light for the hotel turn right. Go about a block and turn right again. The restaurant sits back from this road and is a little interesting to find. The road isn't well lighted and if there was a Cracker Barrel sign there I never saw it. However, I did find the road sign on my second attempt.

This frustration made me appreciate the smooth check in at the Comfort Inn of Athens even more. Not only did it go off without a hitch but I got a nice surprise. When the clerk handed me the room key he also gave me a cold bottle of water.

There are many good things about the Comfort Inn of Athens, TN. One of my favorite features is the interior corridors. Having to pass through the lobby as you enter and exit makes me feel more secure when I'm traveling alone. A comfortable bet, hot steady shower and stable internet connection are two more reasons to like the hotel.

A full list of amenities can be found online. Everything that I used was in good working order and I found the microfridge to be helpful for leftovers. There was enough coffee in the room for myself but probably not for two people.

I had no problems finding a parking spot near the front entrance. The lot is large enough that on a full night the average size car of van shouldn't have problems maneuvering.

Part of what makes the Comfort Inn of Athens, TN a good value is the breakfast. You can find almost any breakfast item that you can think of. There is sausage gravy and biscuits, eggs and your typical cereals and bagels. I had to be up and out early. It was nice to see everything set up and ready to go at 6:00 a.m.

When it was time for me to leave the check out was just as smooth as check-in. I handed over the keys, gave my room number and was holding my receipt in under a minute. The only bad part of my stay at the Comfort Inn at Athens, TN was in having to check out at all. If I'm in Athens and need another room I will stay here again.