As a general rule, based on comfort, cleanliness, amenities, and value, it's advised that parents stay at one of the major chain motels on an interstate exit, either north or south of West Point. For individual ratings, see the notes on the main listing - there are exceptions.

Method:
We wish to thank all the parents who responded with over 150' experiences' - enough to compile a fair picture on where to stay when visiting West Point.  We used every response in judging each individual motel, but didn't give any recommendations unless there were at least five responses the same.   That gave a 'recommended' rating.  If there were additional responses, we added 'Very', 'Highly', 'not', or 'NOT', and 'highlighted' the recommendation, to reflect the increasing number.  For example, one motel received 15 negative responses, out of 150+ - not good.  Surprisingly, there were more positive responses then negative, with the chain motels on the interstates getting the majority of positives.
Use the recommendations with discression.  They are not perfect, but they do reflect what others have seen and expericenced.  We want your trips to West Point to be happy affairs.  Hugs with your cadet (out of view, of course), walking the plain, talks about their long ago high school sports, or their future 'branch' plans should be those 'happy', 'joyful', and 'prideful' thoughts 'dancing' through your mind.  NOT, the cold shower, or dirty sheets you had the night before.

Reasons and Responses:

The West Point area motels, those within 8 to 10 miles, are mostly circa 1950's or older building, that, for the most part, have not been upgraded. Few have newer amenities, such as hairdryers, because of inadequate electrical wiring, or the need for major reconstruction. Most owners have not reinvested in their properties. There's limited room security, with no electronic 'keys', safety chains, and some are even missing deadbolts. Also, most current owners have been there for many years, and don't see the need to remodel. What was acceptable for travelers 20 or 30 years ago, is not acceptable today, but the local motels have not adjusted, and will not, unless pressured by declining business. The exceptions are the Thayer Hotel, which is in the middle of a $26 million renovation, and the construction of a Holiday Inn Express in Ft. Montgomery.

The majority of responses, although not all, by parents staying at the 'local' motels have been neutral to negative - some worse than others - and the overriding positive comment was 'location'. Of the positively responding comments, every one listed proximity to West Point as it's major theme.

 Value - Parents are at a disadvantage because most of their 'stays' are on the weekends. Many, although not all, motels take advantage of this. Besides, the motel owners realize that parents come to West Point only 2 to 4 times a year (or less), and they use that to 'soak' parents.  For example, one Highland Falls motel has a weekday rate of $60/day, but on a football weekend raises that same room to $139. Continental breakfast, especially the 'full' ones, were touted as making a motel a considerably better value. Some have just coffee, but others include juices, bagels, pastry, cereals, or even french toast and eggs. Make sure you ask when booking a room. Many parents considered proximity part of a motel's value. Saving time, as well as a 30 mile round trip, should be a consideration.

Suggestions for savings - All major chain motels offer AAA, AARP, or corporate discounts, and most local motels do not. You must ask for the discount - it won't be offered. Consider joining a chain motels 'frequent guest' program. Some offer it at no cost, and with one chain, it's worth 30%.  Also, just because a desk clerk asks '$100 per night', doesn't mean that they won't take less. If a rate seems high, offer the clerk what you believe a 'night' is worth. All they can say is 'no' - but they may say 'yes'.

Additional thoughts - If you plan on staying at a motel that you don't have personal knowledge of, ask to view your room BEFORE you give them your credit card.  You may be pleasantly surprised - or horrified.  It's your right to see what you're paying for.  If the desk clerk / owner balks, walk away - there's probably a reason they don't want you to see the room.  A second consideration is:  will you be able to use any of the 'amenities' that some motels offer - those that make the price higher.  If all you're doing is sleeping there for 6 to 8 hours, showering, and spending the whole day away, why pay for an indoor pool?  But, does your cadet have a pass, and be willing (and wanting) to spend the night away from his/her barracks?  In that case, they want every, and all, amenities available, and to some, the further away the better.