Howard Johnson By Wyndham, Ridgecrest — Hotel in Ridgecrest

Ignore any but the most recent reviews for this hotel. I’d like to give it 4.5 stars instead of a full 5, but that’s only because the new mattresses in the newly remodeled rooms are rather inexpensive spring types that my wife and I didn’t find comfortable—this was not a deal-breaker though, as we stayed one night and decided to return for another before moving on.

The newly remodeled rooms we stayed in were perfectly clean and nearly completely modernized. We could smell the brand new carpet and see that all of the furniture was new and still in mint condition. The rooms are on the small side, but we only really spent the night there anyway, because we were there to see Death Valley and the Owens Valley for a day or two. The only things they have to replace would be the ancient minifridge in one room we had and the sort of weak heating/A/C units in the rooms—but these still worked well enough to make the rooms toasty on chilly February nights. WiFi worked acceptably. Service from the front desk was excellent.

Also, don’t let anyone tell you how awful Ridgecrest is. It is a sleepy little town for families with work at the military base here, but it’s plenty safe on weekends with a decent selection of restaurants. You can see mountains on every horizon, including the southern end of the Sierra Nevada. You’re about an hour or less from Owens Lake, Lone Pine, the Alabama Hills, Red Rock Canyon State Park and the entrance to Death Valley NP. Since it’s mostly military and contractors who live and visit here, weekend rates here are a steal if you don’t mind the bit of extra driving vs. staying in Lone Pine or inside the parks...

We made our reservations prior to the trip. Upon arrival check in was quick and easy. Our room key would not open the door and it was decided the battery was low in the handle. No problem we got a different room and all was good. No problem, quick and easy fix. The entrance to the motel is right off the main drag but the layout kept road noise to a minimum. The parking lines in the lot are nice and wide and you can park right in front of your door. Don't let the cinder block construction throw you off. Typical, solid construction practice from years ago. The inside walls of the room are paneled and you would never know the walls were cinder blocks. Better environmental control and quieter. The room was neat and clean. A little on the small side, but we were just sleeping there for the night. The bedding was clean and fresh and the bed was very comfortable. The bathroom was small but equipped with everything you needed. Towels were fresh and clean. The motel is in a shopping area and we felt very safe walking around after dark. There is a very nice Japanese restaurant right across the street with crossing signals on the lights. Check out in the morning was easy. We just packed the car and left the keys on the bed. If you are looking for a nice, clean, safe place to stay in Ridgecrest do not even think twice about getting a room at the Budget Inn and Suites. This place is a terrific bargain. I will stay there again. Safe...

We made our reservations prior to the trip. Upon arrival check in was quick and easy. Our room key would not open the door and it was decided the battery was low in the handle. No problem we got a different room and all was good. No problem, quick and easy fix. The entrance to the motel is right off the main drag but the layout kept road noise to a minimum. The parking lines in the lot are nice and wide and you can park right in front of your door. Don't let the cinder block construction throw you off. Typical, solid construction practice from years ago. The inside walls of the room are paneled and you would never know the walls were cinder blocks. Better environmental control and quieter. The room was neat and clean. A little on the small side, but we were just sleeping there for the night. The bedding was clean and fresh and the bed was very comfortable. The bathroom was small but equipped with everything you needed. Towels were fresh and clean. The motel is in a shopping area and we felt very safe walking around after dark. There is a very nice Japanese restaurant right across the street with crossing signals on the lights. Check out in the morning was easy. We just packed the car and left the keys on the bed. If you are looking for a nice, clean, safe place to stay in Ridgecrest do not even think twice about getting a room at the Budget Inn and Suites. This place is a terrific bargain. I will stay there again. Safe...