Smalley's Motel, Van Buren

Smalleys, AKA, Black Mountain Lodge, closed it's doors without warning to those of us that had reservations. Thank goodness, it was during the week and we found vacancies at Big Spring Motel. That was a great place to stay so we'll start reserving there.

I've stayed here twice, the first time my room was on the south side of the place and it was trailer house quality (very poor). The second time I stayed on the western side and the room was better, but I had friends that rented a room that could be called a cabin, which is detached from the main parts of the motel. It was much never and was alot nicer on the interior. There are better places to stay in Van Buren than this one, check around. Service is a ZERO , because your basically on your own!

The owners have taken extra care to recreate a cozy motel with a great pool. They have built beautiful new cabins on the grounds. If you knew the owners like I do you would know they care about their customers and the conditions of their establishment. Renovations take time and since rooms are booked well over a year in advance in Van Buren and they do not want to turn anyone away who has been anticipating a relaxing float on the current, the owners are renovating as reservations allow. I spend time in town several times a year and will be having reason to find a motel in the area as I have family there and will be calling this motel.

I was a bit nervous staying at the motel after reading the reviews but am pleased to say that both rooms which I reserved were both clean and bug free. You can definately tell that they are remodeling and it clearly shows. The service was great and I would stay here again

This was absolutely the worst place I have ever been. I was appalled at the condition. It was way overpriced for what you had to deal with. The bathroom door was busted and would not shut. The room had an awful stench which I finally figured out was bug spray. Didn't see any bugs though. Sheets were dirty. We had to buy our own ice. When we went to check out the office was closed because the young girl working the night before said she had plans so apparantley she decided not to come to work the next morning. It was so bad that we wore our shoes in the shower. Carpet was sticky with some unknown substance. Absolutely Horrible. We tried to make other accomodations but all the other motels were booked. A tent would have been like staying at the Hilton compared to this place!!!

We just recently stay at Smalleys. The first room was in need of some carpet repairs.. BUT.. IT served its purpose.. We needed a double room and it was available... We did have a problem with some "noisy late night" neighbors.. but the owners/managers were very accomadating when we asked to switch rooms to a smaller room the next night with less noise. They are remolding and are doing a wonderful job. they try their best to please people in every way possible.. The pool is awesome, clean and very nice sized. I would definatly stay again!

Smalley's Motel has new owners. They bought the motel back in December of 2006. The motel is being remodeled and all the problems are being fixed. As for the bug problem they had a bug company come in and fix the problem of bugs. Soon the motel will be in excellent shape that will surprise all of you that have wrote things in here about what you have thought and hopefully will change your mind about what you think of this motel. Give us a chance to remodel and then tell us what you think. Thank you

We have bought Smalleys Motel in December and are in the process of remodeling the rooms. Are rates are the same as the rates in the past. The bug problem is gone we hired a bug company to come in and remove all bugs I will agree when we bought this motel it was very mistreated and we are trying to bring it back to a nice and clean motel for all.

This place has new owners but unfortunately the bugs did not follow the previous owner. And now it costs more to stay in this place. The new owners are attempting to renovate, but anything less than starting from scratch will not make this place appealing. I could not believe the price increase during the winter. Wonder what the summer rates will be sky-rocketing too?

You get what you pay for, and in this case more than you pay for. There are bugs in the bed and room. Microwave was dirty. I wouldn't let my kids use the pool which was the main reason we booked here. If they don't clean the rooms well, what's growing in the pool?