The Lincoln Lodge, Urbana

First, do NOT confuse Lincoln Lodge with the Travel Lodge down the block!

The Lincoln Lodge is a throw back to times when motels were L-shaped ranch style, privately owned, and you could drive your car up to the door. The style is "lodge", with wood panel and brick interior walls, and real windows that open and have shutters. The condition of the place is a bit worn, but still clean and functional. Our beds in the two rooms we rented were wonderfully firm.

What made the stay so pleasant on graduation weekend was the service. Privately owned by retired physics professor Dr. Wong and his family, they made every effort to make sure we were happy. A door that had trouble closing, and a lamp that didn't work, were both fixed within a couple of MINUTES by the owner and another employee. When we asked for some flexibility regarding check out time and leaving a couple cars there until later, they were happy to accomodate. A change in the size of our party required last minute towels and a roll away bed, and these requests too were handled graciously and promptly by the owners.

Besides a freshing up of the premises, my only suggestion would be for the owners to put a bit more effort into the continental breakfast, which consisted basically of fruit punch, white bread, bananas and donuts. Some cereal, whole wheat bread, and real fruit juice would be nice.

But our stay was still a pleasant one. Nothing fancy, but as comfy as your favorite pair of slippers. The difference was service with a personal touch.