Just off Interstate 81, the unassuming Microtel Inn & Suites in Dickson City may not seem the most likely candidate to be named among the best hotels in the nation.
Yet, travel website TripAdvisor bestowed its Traveler's Choice award on the property based upon rankings and reviews from Microtel's delighted guests. The 2-year-old hotel has a coveted - and rare - 5-star ranking on TripAdvisor, the world's most visited travel website.
Hotel general manager Tim Dietrick initially deleted the email notification of the awards thinking TripAdvisor was trying to sell him something. When he recovered the email, he thought for a moment the designation may have been for Scranton or Dickson City. He was flabbergasted to see his hotel ranked sixth in the nation among bargain hotels on a list of the 25 best, including privately owned boutique hotels such as the SeaCoast Inn in Hyannis, Mass., and Alpine Gardens Hotel in Palm Springs, Calif.
Mr. Dietrick, who co-owns the hotel with James Millett, credits his 15 employees.
"This award was won by the people who work here," he said. "From the front desk to the housekeepers, we have people who like people and give gold-star treatment."
Those familiar with the property are not surprised. Tracy Barone, executive director of the Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau, credited the pride of ownership.
"Tim owns it, runs it, and takes care of it," she said. "Microtel is a great brand offering quality and value and Tim's operation is first-class."
Microtels in Buckhannon, Va., and Zephyrhills, Fla., were also named in the top 25. The category includes hotels with room rates up to $175 per night. Microtel rates can be less than half that.
"The fact that Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham has not one - but three properties listed under the category speaks volumes about the hard work and dedication of our hotel owners and associates, especially Tim Dietrick and his staff in Dickson City," said Patrick Breen, senior vice president for Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham.
Mr. Dietrick slavishly follows TripAdvisor and similar travel site to track guests comments, which are unsolicited but offer insight into how his team is doing and help him preserve that five-star rating. In an era - and on a medium - where people are quick to criticize, the comments concerning Microtel gush with phrases in recent reviews such as "amazing little secret," "I will always stay here," and "I have never been treated as well."
Mr. Dietrick knows these blurbs are critical.
"People visit these sites on their mobile phones and book on the spot based upon these comments," he said, adding that about 80 percent of his guests consult guest reviews on websites. "It keeps you doing your best."
Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com