I have stayed at this property multiple times while visiting family in the area, the last time before our recent visit being 5 years ago. At that time you could access the lobby, there were some lobby amenities (like coffee in the mornings) and rooms felt surprisingly more than I expected from a motel in a small town.
Covid caused changes lots of places, and I am guessing that is when the lobby closed and never reopened. Check in/contacting staff is done at all hours by ringing a bell and talking at the night check in window. It might not seem like a big thing, but having the lobby space made the experience of staying here better.
The property is also in need of a refresh, or even just new sheet sets. The couch in our room had visible stains on the cushions that made me not want to touch/sit there. The sheets on both beds were clean, but were worn out, had pilling, and thin from overuse.
One sheet set had holes in it and the quilt on that same bed had visible stains and residue on it.
The family who owns the motel has always been very nice. I let them know about the bed that had the stained quilt and the sheets with holes and they replaced them while we were out. They do a nice job of making the beds so that the room looks very nice.
I think I got used to having a motel option in the area that felt more like a hotel because of the attention to detail, lobby, and the nicer level of sheets/bedding. Now I’m sad to have that change.