Best Western Plus Brunswick Inn & Suites

Thanks to its inexpensive rate and proximity to I-95, the Best Western Plus Brunswick Inn & Suites attracts a range of guests who are either passing through on their way to other destinations, in town for business, or looking to save money while still taking in some of the area's attractions. The exterior is utilitarian at best, and resembles a storage space or suburban office complex. The lobby is also more functional than aesthetically pleasing -- a few armchairs are scattered across the tile floors, and a large flat-screen TV adorns the wall. Also, although the hotel is supposed to be 100-percent smoke-free, there is a strong smell of air freshener with an undertone of smoke in the hallways, as if trying to cover up tobacco offenders. Still, it's a standard stopover hotel, and you get what you expect.

This roadside chain hotel may not have beautiful grounds, but it does give you easy access to pretty much anything you'd like to visit in the area. Located literally right off Interstate 95 in Brunswick, the Best Western Plus Brunswick Inn & Suites puts you within 10 miles of Jekyll Island State Park, the Emerald Princess Casino, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and more. The Lighthouse Trolley Tours stops two minutes away and will even pick up guests at the hotel upon request, if you'd like a 90-minute tour of the area's highlights. The area immediately surrounding the hotel is that of a typical roadside stop with a few fast-food chains, other hotels (some of which appear nicer than this one from the outside), and gas stations, all within walking distance.

Think standard chain hotel room and you'll have a good idea of what to expect at the Best Western Plus Brunswick Inn & Suites. Neutral gold and light green colors are used to decorate, and the sateen coverlets make the space look a little more upscale than typical off-the-road hotel fare. The rooms are clean -- although some of them have a slightly musty, lived-in odor -- and feature comfortable Sealy Posturepedic pillow-top mattresses. The bathrooms have combination shower-tubs and are in decent condition; toiletries and hairdryers are available for guest use. All rooms have nice perks like coffeemakers, microwaves, and mini-fridges, and there are grocery markets in the area if you would like to stock up on essentials. Free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs with cable channels will keep you busy if you decide to stay in. All rooms look out onto the parking lot.

The small hotel fitness center has a few pieces of cardio equipment and a pulley strength-training machine. The business center has a couple computers and a printer, and there is also a meeting room. Coin-operated washers and dryers are convenient for washing beach clothes, or for those on extended trips. A small outdoor pool is open seasonally, but it has no lounge chairs, and minimal patio furniture, making it hard to sun-bathe or hang out; however, there is a handicapped lift, so it's accessible to all. The free daily breakfast has a wide variety of options with hot and cold food items, including a do-it-yourself waffle bar; the breakfast room itself is bland at best. There is plenty of free parking, which is helpful for those traveling with trailers or trucks; RVs and other big vehicles will easily fit in this lot.