Well I had some Marriott gift certificates for a free hotel stay so I called all of the Marriott properties within driving distance. This hotel had the cheapest deal ($39 per night for January only). So I headed to Charlotte.

The hotel is located just off I-85, so it is very convenient for travellers to find. The location near the interstate is great. There was ample free parking. I arrived late at the hotel and the hotel was nice enough to hold my room even though the time had passed for the courtesy hold to expire. The hotel has three stories and has an elevator and a luggage cart to use in taking luggage to the room.

The room itself was a standard quality Fairfield Inn room---it was of moderate size and had a private bathroom, a desk, a phone, and a TV. The
bed was comfortable. A breakfast was also included in the room rate.

Overall, I would recommend this hotel--nothing spectacular, but it gets the job done at a very reasonable price.

Despite the address for the motel being "I 85 N", it's actually situated off the southbound lane! Having driven past it twice as I was looking for signs on the northbound lane, I eventually called in. The Receptionist was very nice and apologetic (or just humouring me?).

Nevertheless, the motel is typical of the chain - clean, friendly, reasonably comfotable, value for money and fairly anonymous.

Although seeming to be out of the way, I was in Downtown Charlotte in less than 20 minutes. Other than fast food outlets, there is a dearth of decent eateries in the immediate vicinity.