As a huge Schitt’s Creek fan, The Knob Hill Motor Lodge in Hillsville, Virginia caught my attention for a road trip stop. I’m fond of family-owned, mom and pop style motels. Hours of binge watching Schitt’s Creek has increased my motel love. The Knob Hill Motor Lodge did not disappoint. Its quaint ambiance fits well into its Blue Ridge Mountain setting and makes for a homey stay.
Wood paneling and framed prints of flowers and butterflies add to a throwback feel and rustic charm of an earlier era. Although the motel doesn’t pattern itself after the Schitt’s Creek version, many details evoke images of the Rosebud Motel. There aren’t the boxwood planters of Moira’s beautification triumph, but other planters that grace the walkways.
The lobby connected to check-in offers fresh complimentary coffee– much better than the swill Stevie offered Johnny. There is a drink vending machine as well.
Our two double beds room was roomy clean, comfortable and updated with a flat screen TV and cable. In the first episode of Schitt’s Creek, mayor Roland Schitt scrolled through fuzzy channels to find which ones worked. Our room’s TV had cable that worked well, as did the refrigerator, coffee maker and microwave.
In addition to the sink in the bathroom, the second sink was part of the large vanity area in the main room. This is particularly helpful when traveling with others. The hair dryer is part of this set up.
Like the bedroom, the bathroom was sparkling clean. Motel soaps were on the soap dish and shampoo near the tub. I called ahead to make sure the tub/shower combo was handicapped accessible. It was. Because my dad, my companion on this road trip, has mobility issues, lodging with easy outside access are preferable. Grab bars are a necessity. The comfortable armchair was also helpful.
I’ve traveled with my dad before when long halls and elevators have made reaching our room a chore. On other trips, after loading up a luggage cart and heading down a hall for an elevator, I’ve hoped he would make it as he ambled along with his walker. This trip, the parking space right outside our room’s door at Knob Hill Motor Lodge made settling in a breeze.
The chairs right outside the hotel rooms are also a thoughtful touch for visiting outside. There were a few guests doing just that as I packed the car while my dad chatted. As we left, Dev, the warm and welcoming manager was readying rooms for the next set of guests.
Hillsville, population 2,681, is a tiny town at the crossroads of Highway 58 and 52. We were heading from northern Kentucky to North Carolina.
Room rates are $60 for single occupancy and $70 for double. I booked our stay through Hotels.com but you can compare rates at other booking sites as well such as Expedia or Booking.com.
Post and photos by Jamie Rhein
