I booked online. The photos were good for a budget motel, and the reviews a bit mixed. Located near the main drag, through Espanola, NM. I arrived, and unhappily drug the bottom of my car on the steep downslope entry, shared with the next door Sonic restaurant. The parking lot was mostly blocked off, for repaving work. I parked, and went inside, to check in. There was a slot in the (bulletproof?) glass at the front desk. A nice man asked me to slide my driver's license, and credit card through the slot. Ok, did that, confirmed checkout the next morning, and then, got my cards back, and a room key, for a room a short way down the hall. No problem. On the way back out to get my luggage, I met a man by the entrance, smoking a cigarette. He was obviously beat up, and his face was bleeding a bit, but otherwise approachable. I asked him if I should lock my car. He said, "It's Espanola, rough place, why are you asking?" I explained I had a lot of equipment in the car for my work, and since I was far from home, I did not want the windows broken. He said, "OK, take everything out, and put it in your room. Leave the glove compartment, back hatch cargo area shade, and the center console compartment, empty, and open. Park under a light, go ahead and lock it." I had no other advice from a local, so I did what he said. I walked nextdoor, to Sonic, to order dinner. Sonic is set up for car hops, but usually has a bit of sit-down too They told me through a speaker, I would have to order at one of the car slots, outside, and pay with a credit card. No going inside. So I did. Took my carry out, and went to my room. Across the hall, what looked like a family of eight or nine, were all carrying their luggage into a similar, one queen bed room. My room had older, usable, inexpensive furniture, and inadequate shower supplies, but I had my own toiletries. Checked the bed, no bugs, worn sheets, but comfortable enough. Slept the night, no issues I was aware of. Next morning, usual cleaning, and vacuuming crew, in the lobby. Nice person checked me out. Car was fine. I carried the 100 lbs. of work gear to the car, and off I went. High anxiety, but no actual problem. Probably won't stay in that location again, but once again high anxiety from inadequate experience in the area, not because I was mistreated in any way. Hope the guy that was beat up, healed quickly, and thanks for his sage advice.
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