Not what I expected, but decent.
Let me first explain why this place was not quite what I expected: It's not a Best Western. It hasn't been one for 4 years according to the lady that was working at the desk. That said, don't expect to find a bright, cheerful "Best Western" sign directing you to your lodging. However, given that Davis is a speck of a town, it's not difficult to find the hotel if you know it's name is really "The Alpine Lodge." When answering the phone, the clerk says "Alpine Lodge" but if you don't know to listen for it, you'll miss it.
We pulled into town at 1am, drove by the motel twice before realizing it was the place and found our key card in the box next to the door as promised with 4 other keys. The outside looks a little dated and somewhat disappointing, but since the rooms are more than adequate for sleeping (which is why you're staying there in the first place), you can forgive that. The rooms are more than what I expected from looking at the outside. They're small but cozy with a small table with two chairs, 2 night stands, a dresser, a TV and a full bathroom. Our room was HOT when we walked in but it cooled quickly after opening up the small bathroom window and front door. Other guests were still arriving at 2am, but they seemed friendly and noise did not seem to be a problem. You could not hear the chartered buses outside than ran all night. My only real complaint about the room was the loud noise made by the hot water coming from the shower pipes. It sounded like there was water in the lines. I never could regulate my water temperature without the loud banging from the pipes, but my girlfriend is more patient than I am and managed to figure it out. The first night I took a cool shower washing only the "good parts." The next night I had more success.
There is a nice little restaurant at the motel. A lot of food at a very reasonable price! They opened early, 6am, and stayed open until 9pm on Presidents Day weekend. I believe it's the same most weekends. Timberline and Canaan Valley Ski Areas are a short 15 minute drive away and in that regard the price ($63 after military discount- $5 off I believe) was great. Try finding lodging under $70 a night at the resort!
My one real complaint is about the lady I checked out with. Although she was cordial enough, she insisted on pronouncing my name incorrectly (she pronounced Sean as "seen"). Even after I kindly corrected her, she stated "Well I pronounce it 'seen' because I'm German. My Irish husband would probably say it your way." Not what a guest expects to hear from a motel employee trying to make a good impression. But another woman who originally took my reservation was very warm and polite, so I'll blame the other woman's attitude on sheer ignorance. Overall I'd say we will definitely go back.
Stay here if you like the cozy convenience of a warm bed and a hot meal. If you're expecting plush accommodations with room service and all of the other bells and whistles, stay at the resort for $150 a night or in Charlottesville 3 hours away. I'd rather ski all day than drive 3 hours, and afford the gas to get back home vice staying at the resort. Me? I saved enough money to go back.
