Super 8 by Wyndham Black Mountain

This basic budget motel is an adequate choice for a night's stay in Black Mountain. Situated in a typical motel-style two-story structure with exterior hallways, the beige facade is studded with teal-colored doors and large windows. This simple lobby -- tiled flooring, peach and beige walls -- doubles as the breakfast room furnished with a couple of small tables and chairs, plus there's a couch in front of a TV in a windowed corner. Overall, it's a worn and tired property that is in need of updates. Guests are a mix of budget travelers who mostly want an affordable place to spend a night, but they don't tend to hang around during the day.

The hotel is situated off of Route 70 in Black Mountain, a sleepy community about a 20-minute drive west of Asheville. It's in a residential area and neighbors two elementary schools. There's not much in the immediate area besides a casual Mexican restaurant that's a two-minute walk away and a dollar store across the street. There are several more dining options and shops in the town center, about a 10- to 15-minute walk away or a two-minute drive. Area attractions include the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center (12-minute walk or two-minute drive), Lake Tomahawk Park (five-minute drive), Robert Lake Park (seven-minute drive), and the Catawba Falls (14-minute drive). Asheville Regional Airport is about a 30-minute drive away, while Greenville Spartanburg International Airport is 90 minutes.

Rooms here are basic and dated, but they're spacious and have large windows. Furnishings and decor are in need of an update. Patterned carpeting clashes with colorful patterned bedspreads, while peach-colored walls are adorned with large black-and-white framed photos of city or nature scenes like buildings and waterfalls. All rooms have desks, plus they include either tables with chairs or couches and coffee tables. Other standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, microwaves, irons/ironing boards, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. External sink vanities include wall-mounted hairdryers, while bathrooms are equipped with shower/tub combos. Limited toiletries are provided. Many guests complain of cleanliness and maintenance issues, including stains, broken furnishings, and musty odors. 

Features add value to a stay, but nothing on offer is fancy. There's a small seasonal outdoor pool (closed during our winter visit) in a fenced-off area by the parking lot. Breakfast is included in rates and served daily in the hotel's lobby breakfast room. The meal includes make-your-own waffle stations, as well as staples like cereal, toast, and coffee. Parking is free in the hotel's lot, as is Wi-Fi throughout the property. There are coin-operated laundry facilities that guests are free to use. The hotel is pet-friendly and charges a small fee for dogs.