We knew better than to attempt to drive from Las Vegas to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon after spending a chunk of the day flying from Florida. Since we would be sleeping in a tent while completing a Rim-To-Rim backpacking trip throughout the Grand Canyon, we decided to spend an overnight in Kingman.

After looking at our options and reading reviews, the Americas Best Value Inn looked nice enough (remember...we're backpackers and really don't require much from a hotel) so we booked online through their website several months in advance of our stay. A few days later, we realized we could secure a better rate by joining their loyalty club so we cancelled our old reservation (receiving our cancellation number) and then rebooked through their website using our loyalty number. No problem...received a new reservation confirmation number, printed it off, and we were good to go.

Arriving at the hotel, we realized these were VERY basic accomodations. Think of a Motel 6 and a truckstop reproducing and this would be their child. After a few minutes of the clerk looking blankly at her screen, I could tell there was an issue. "It looks like you cancelled" she said. "Yes, I did cancel this reservation" in which I then showed her the original reservation and the cancel confirmation sheet. I then informed her that the new reservation (copy produced) should be there. "Ohh...my manager decided to cancel that reservation as well" she explained. After speaking with the manager (who wasn't to thrilled about giving us a room at the reserved rate) we finally got the end unit back by where the trucks park.

The room was rather run down and very basic but we weren't expecting much. We had some issues/concerns about the safety of the door as, even deadbolted, it looked like one good push would pop it open. The bed was fine and we really didn't spend much time in the room other than to sleep/shower as it really wasn't that inviting/relaxing.

The bottom line...there's plenty of better options in the area. Even if you have to spend a couple more bucks you'd be better off staying at something nicer that actually will honor your reservation.

We had a very good rate and the rooms are fine for a budget hotel, however we had no hot water. We called the front desk and they said just let it run, we did for about 15 minutes and couldn't waist any more water in the desert. Left without taking a good shower. They need to have more water heaters distriubuted around the property so there is not such waist of water.

We stayed February 21 on our way from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon.

The entire property is non-smoking, and guests are asked to sign a non-smoking policy on check-in. Ashtrays are provided outdoors for guests, however.

We reserved a queen room, and it was very slightly on the small side--if you have a lot of luggage, you may feel a bit cramped. There was no closet, but a bar for hanging clothing is provided.

The room was very clean, with reasonably new furniture in good condition. A wall between the sitting area and the bed provided both privacy and sound-proofing, although it was possible to hear guests speaking in the next room at times.

There is definitely a train nearby, but I believe our room was in a part of the motel farthest away--at any rate, the train did not disrupt our sleep.

The breakfast was basic (cereal, oatmeal, bread and english muffins for toast), but coffee and juice are available in the lobby all day. The woman on staff was extremely friendly and hospitable, and the location was easy-on, easy-off for both Route 66 and Hwy 40.

For under $40, this was a good deal.

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of this motel. The rooms are renovated and are in really good shape. The complimentary breakfast was pretty good as well. Staff was helpful and had a smiling face. I would recommend this one to anybody planning to stay in Kingman.