The Model Budget Motel

White Sands Motel, Alamogordo, New Mexico

I stayed for two nights in Alamogordo at an example of a model budget motel.

Price: $50

Here's what I loved about the White Sands Motel, none of which you can take for granted in a budget motel:

• Clean
• Mini fridge
• Microwave
• Free wifi (secured)
• TV
• Coffee maker
• Deadbolt + locking handle
• Shower curtain with a crisp, bright design
• Ample-sized desk for laptop or meal (only one person, tho)
• Extra thoughtful touch: A power strip on top of the desk so no need to crawl around floor or behind clunky furniture for a free outlet
• Extremely comfortable bed (although bed comfort is such a personal thing, it's difficult to standardize the concept)
• Attractive exterior and landscaping
• Burly ice maker
• Air conditioning 
• Pleasant management

The breakfast is OK, nothing special, but the value of the place isn't in the breakfast, it's in all the details above. In fact, most "free" breakfasts are of dubious value.

White Sands Motel, Alamogordo, New Mexico

If I were to ding the motel on anything, it would constitute raising a 97% level of wonderfulness the last 3%, which seems almost churlish on my part, but even so, here goes:

• Ceiling fan to replace the so-so ceiling light
• Bedspread design is pretty (and clean), but it's such a busy and dark floral pattern, I found it easy to "lose"small items on it, such as the room key, because they disappear into the pattern.

There's no pool, but that's not really on my radar, though it would be for some.

White Sands Motel, Alamogordo, New Mexico

Note: I have received no compensation for writing about this motel.