Hillcrest Motel, Sauk Centre

The Hillcrest Motel has been a fixture on Sauk Centre's Main Street for at least fifty years. When I go back to that town for a visit, I've sampled just about all the lodgings, and the Hillcrest wins hands down. It's not 'hip' or trendy, by any means -- more like the guest bedrooms in some old aunt's impeccably maintained farmhouse -- but the beds are comfortable, there's plenty of hot water for showers, the rooms are quiet, and the place is so astonishingly CLEAN that it literally sparkles. It's a good, convenient location, about half a mile from the freeway and near all the conveniences, the staff are way friendly, and the rates are incredibly reasonable, too. That's my stopping-place from here on out!