Hotel choice?
 

I have reservations at the Knights Inn in Gainesville. I also have reservations for the Econolodge in Alachua (Hgwy 441 and I 75).
I know these are not the best but price is a factor.
Has anyone stayed in either?
Are there any decent restaurants around the Econolodge?
Thanks

Re: Hotel choice?
 

Art,
I don't know how much weight you put into internet hotel reviews and I don't go by them 100% myself, but the they do influence my decisions.
I didn't find the Econolodge you mentioned, but the Knights Inn is rated last out of 44 hotels in Gainesville by Tripadvisor!

I look at it this way, saving money is very important and a necessity. But a lot of times it's just not worth it in the long run to get by with the cheapest you can find!

Re: Hotel choice?
 

Econolodge hotels tend to be fairly standard in quality - slightly above Motel 6. Knights Inn hotels are often a level or two below that, but you never know with them. I once got a jacuzzi suite at a Knights Inn in Sandusky for $40/night. I think most Knights Inn hotels are re-branded non-chain hotels. They can be real dumps in lousy neighborhoods. I'd go with the Econolodge based on past experience with both chains.

Re: Hotel choice?
 

stayed @ the Knights INN Gville about 3 years ago--- an absolute SH@#hole--never again I almost got divorced --"all knights inns I have seen are just a little bit better than sleeping in the car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: Hotel choice?
 

The Econo Lodge in Alachua is much more convenient to the track given University and Gators traffic. Can't vouch for the rooms, but I go by there all the time. Outdoor entry, so I wouldn't expect a palace.

Eats: Conestoga's in downtown Alachua one mile away by far the best steaks near the track. Don't miss it. Not open Sunday night. El Toro is solid Mex, same area. Mason's Tavern is OK. Also Sonny's, Pizza Hut, Waffle House (I eat dinner there all the time, it's the kids favorite) and lots of fast food right across the street. Small RV campground behind the restaurants but you can't pay to just dump tanks.

Re: Hotel choice?
 

I think I'm going for the Econolodge. I was worried I'd have to drive to Gainesville to get somewhere to eat dinner.
I've read the reviews on the Knights Inn and I'm very leary of it.
Thanks

Re: Hotel choice?
 

I use Tripadvisor to guide me in my hotel and restaurant choices; the only highly recommended Knights Inn that I have ever seen, as Bob Orme mentioned, was in Sandusky OH. My wife and I got a jacuzzi suite for $55 a night in 2008 for the Norwalk National event. Other than that isolated instance, I would favor the Econolodge.

Re: Hotel choice?
 

I stayed at that Knights Inn several years ago for the divisional race. It's not on my list of places to stay again. Spend a few dollars more and stay somewhere else.

Re: Hotel choice?
 

my personal exp. is the cabot lodge in gainesville......a tad bit pricey at times,but well worth the stay.........