Ely's Hidden Gem: White Pine Motel - Your Nevada Oasis Awaits!
Ely's White Pine Motel: Oasis or Mirage? A Review That Might Just Surprise You
Okay, so Ely, Nevada. Let's be honest, it's not exactly the glamorous Vegas strip. But sometimes, that's exactly what you need. After a brutal week (and a drive that felt like it spanned the entire state), I pulled into the White Pine Motel, "Your Nevada Oasis Awaits!" the sign screamed, and honestly? I was cautiously optimistic. Would it live up? Let's break it down, because let's face it, I'm pretty sure you need to know if this place has your back.
SEO & Metadata (Because, Let's Be Real, You Googled This):
- Keywords: White Pine Motel, Ely Nevada, Nevada hotels, accessible hotel, pet-friendly hotel (unlikely), free Wi-Fi, pool, spa, restaurant, clean hotel, COVID safety, outdoor pool, hotel review, White Pine County, best hotels Ely, Nevada travel, road trip accommodation.
- Metadata Description: Honest review of Ely's White Pine Motel. Is it a true oasis, or a desert mirage? Discover the good, the bad, and the slightly dusty (but charming) in this detailed review, covering accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, and more.
First Impressions & Accessibility (Can You Actually Get There?):
Right off the bat, I have to say, accessibility is a definite win. The lobby was easily navigable (I had a friend with a mobility issue, so this was key), and the elevator (yes, there is an elevator!) was a godsend. Wheelchair accessible is definitely a checkbox ticked here. The exterior corridor setup, however, could be a pro or a con depending on your weather preference. It was a bit nippy in the evenings, I'll admit. But hey, easy access to your car, always a bonus.
Rant Time: The Internet Saga!
"Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" my inner internet goblin screamed with glee. And while technically true, let me preface this by saying: the Internet access here is… well, let's just say it's got character. The Internet [LAN] was a no-go, but the Internet access – wireless did, on occasion, decide to grace my devices with its presence. When it did work, it was a beautiful, brief moment of digital connection. But prepare for some buffering, folks. Pack a good book, just in case. Free Wi-Fi in public areas, I found a little better signal.
Cleanliness & Safety: Are We Talking About a Biohazard Zone? (Thankfully, No!)
Okay, this is where the White Pine Motel shines. In these pandemic times (and frankly, always), cleanliness is paramount. And I was genuinely impressed! The Anti-viral cleaning products were definitely being put to good use. I spotted staff wiping down common areas constantly. The Daily disinfection in common areas was visible, a real plus. My room was immaculate – rooms are Rooms sanitized between stays – and smelled fresh (which, after a long drive, is a huge deal). They even had Hand sanitizer readily available. The Staff trained in safety protocol, I could tell from the way everyone was handling themselves. The Room sanitization opt-out available, just so you know, if you are a germaphobe.
The Food Factor: More Than Just Gas Station Grub?
The on-site dining options were… interesting. The Restaurant offers a buffet – Buffet in restaurant. I took one look and decided to go for a la carte options (A la carte in restaurant). The Coffee/tea maker in the room was a lifesaver. I did indulge in Breakfast [buffet] one morning hoping for a great start, but found it disappointing. It wasn't awful, exactly… just very "hotel breakfast". The saving grace? The Coffee shop - excellent coffee to get you through the day. There was a Bar which was convenient for a post-adventure breather, and they had Desserts in restaurant. I felt a strong desire for something to take back to my room when I was feeling antisocial, so the Snack bar saved me, and I was pleased. This aspect of the place seemed to be less ambitious, but it's definitely good enough.
Amenities & Relaxation: Pool with a View? Mostly!
Okay, the Swimming pool [outdoor] needs a little love. It is a pool, and it is outdoors. But the "view" is more of a slightly-less-industrial-looking-area. It's a solid, basic motel pool. But hey, after a long day, even dipping your toes in mildly chlorinated water feels amazing. The lack of a Pool with view was a letdown, I guess. I would love to see some of the Spa features, but they're not offering them.
Room Rundown: Cozy or Cramped?
My room (a non-smoking room) was clean, and included all the expected comforts. Yes, there was Air conditioning, a Alarm clock, a Coffee/tea maker, a Hair dryer, and a Refrigerator, but the Window that opens I appreciated the most. The Additional toilet was a bonus. Everything I required was there. The Safe/security feature put me to ease. The Desk was big enough to work on, and I could watch On-demand movies. The Blackout curtains were perfect, and I loved the Seating area. I wished I could try the Massage, but I will have to come back for that. The Bed was extra long, which was perfect for my long legs.
For the Kids and Families:
I can't speak to the Babysitting service, but I did see some families enjoying the pool, and it definitely seemed Family/child friendly. I'm guessing if you have Kids meals available, this place is okay.
Services & Conveniences:
The Front desk [24-hour] was fantastic. Seriously, the staff were genuinely helpful and friendly. There was the usual range of conveniences. I also liked the Cash withdrawal.
Getting Around:
There's plenty of Car park [free of charge], so that's a huge plus.
The Verdict: Oasis? Maybe, Mirage? Definitely Not!
The White Pine Motel isn't a luxury resort, but it's a solid, clean, and comfortable base camp for exploring Ely and the surrounding area. It's got its quirks (that Wi-Fi!), but the cleanliness, the friendliness of the staff, and the overall feeling of safety and security make it a worthwhile choice. It's a good value, a good place to get your head down.
If you're looking for five-star pampering, keep driving. But if you're looking for a clean room, a friendly face, and a decent place to rest after a day of Nevada adventures, give the White Pine a shot. You might be pleasantly surprised. I know I was.
**Marlin Dafam Pekalongan: Your Indonesian Paradise Awaits!**
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my utterly-unprepared, possibly-slightly-psychotic adventure in Ely, Nevada. The White Pine Motel, baby! Population: Mostly me.
Day 1: Arrival and the Unfolding Mystery of the Free Continental Breakfast (and My Sanity)
- 1:00 PM PST (ish): Touchdown in Ely! (After a rather grueling drive involving a questionable gas station burrito and a near-death experience with a tumbleweed. Seriously, that thing was massive.) Checking into the White Pine. The lobby? Let's call it "rustic charm." And by rustic charm, I mean "smells faintly of Pine-Sol and regret."
- 1:30 PM PST: Unpack. Or, as I like to call it, attempt to find a space on the tiny bed for my actual self, amidst the luggage chaos. The vending machine outside my room has a strange aura - equal parts hope and desperation.
- 3:00 PM PST: A stroll around the area. Ely looks like a town that could use a hug. More than that, a spa and a very long nap.
- 6:00 PM PST: Dinner at the "Hotel Nevada & Gambling Hall restaurant". I was hoping to have a nice meal. I tried the steak. Let's just say, if you're into shoes, you're gonna love the steak.
- 7:30 PM PST: The absolute highlight of the day: Settling into my room with a book and a vague sense of impending existential dread. The bed is surprisingly comfortable. Thank God.
Day 2: The Great Nevada Divide and the Quest for the Perfect Coffee (or at Least, Decent Coffee)
- 7:00 AM PST: Rise and… ugh. That free continental breakfast. It's the stuff of legends. Or nightmares. The yogurt's got that telltale slightly-off sheen, the orange juice might actually be Tang from the Eisenhower administration, and the stale bagels… well, let's just say I'm now deeply considering the benefits of intermittent fasting. Is it a good thing? Probably not. Do I care? Also, probably not.
- 7:30 AM PST: I decide to search for coffee. The motel coffee is what I would describe as "warm, brown water." I'm in serious caffiene withdrawl. I find a diner. Good coffee!!!!!
- 8:00 AM PST: Exploring the area, visiting the Ely Cemetery. Dark and cold. The final resting place of many people.
- 10:00 AM PST: Driving time. Driving and driving.
- 1:00 PM PST: Lunch in a diner. Real-life people. Good stuff.
- 2:00 PM PST: Trying to find Ely. Not easy. Getting lost in the Nevada desert. Is this hell? Maybe.
- 5:00 PM PST: Dinner at another diner. I'm getting very familiar with the local cuisine.
Day 3: The Ghost Train and the Battle for My Soul (and a Decent Souvenir)
- 9:00 AM PST: A new day dawns! Still alive. Still hungry. Still dodging questionable breakfast offerings. Today's mission: The Nevada Northern Railway National Historic Landmark. Apparently, it's home to a "ghost train." Okay, I'm intrigued. Ghosts and trains? Sign me up! (Also, does the gift shop have decent coffee? Crucial.)
- 10:00 AM PST: Finally! The train! I'm going to say it. I'm a fan. The staff here is great. Good stories. History. Wonderful.
- 12:00 PM PST: The journey begins. I chose the "Steam Train Experience" and I was not dissapointed. The scenery is… well, it's Nevada. Not exactly postcard material, but in its own desolate way, it's strangely beautiful.
- 2:00 PM PST: Back at the station. Souvenirs! I walk through the gift shop, like a weary traveler. I get a magnet.
- 3:00 PM PST: More driving around. I'm getting used to the vastness of the landscape.
- 6:00 PM PST: Dinner. More food.
Day 4: Departure and the Epiphany That Never Actually Happened (But Still Felt Good)
- 8:00 AM PST: Packing up. This time, I'm ready to face the free continental breakfast. I just take what's left and go back to my room.
- 10:00 AM PST: Checking out. Saying goodbye to the White Pine, which at this point feels like an old friend (albeit a slightly musty one).
- 10:30 AM PST: Hitting the road. Leaving Ely behind. As I look at the horizon, I realized: even though I didn't find any grand epiphanies, I did the trip. That alone is a victory.
- 1:00 PM PST: I look at the road ahead.
- 3:00 PM PST: Driving, driving.
- 6:00 PM PST: I'm leaving Nevada. A sad thought.
- 7:00 PM PST: I'm home.
Post-Trip Ramblings:
Ely, Nevada. It's not for everyone. In fact, it's probably not for most people. But you know what? I kind of loved it. The stark beauty, the friendly locals, the ghosts on the train… and the fact that it forced me to unplug and just be. Would I go back? Maybe. Probably. Who knows! Next time, I'm bringing my own coffee pot. And maybe a hazmat suit for the free continental breakfast.
Until next time, Ely! You weird, wonderful place.
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Okay, so, White Pine Motel. Is it *actually* Ely's best-kept secret? Or just a dusty old place? Spill the beans!
Alright, alright, buckle up, because I've wrestled with this question for, like, a whole drive-through coffee run. "Best-kept secret"? Well, maybe not *secret* secret. It's on the map, people know it's there. But "underrated gem"? ABSOLUTELY. Look, I'm gonna be brutally honest: Ely isn't exactly the Vegas strip. It's...Ely. And the White Pine Motel? It's not the Ritz. But it *is* clean. It's got character, the kind that seeps into your bones like campfire smoke. I'm talking REAL character, the kind where a friendly grandma at the front desk might slip you an extra cookie. Trust me, after a day on the road, that's gold.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they...modern? Or, uh...retro? Should I pack a time machine?
Retro. Definitely retro. But in the best possible way! Okay, so, maybe the wallpaper doesn't scream "2024." It's more like, "Hey, remember the 1970s? Yeah, we're still rockin' that." Think cozy, clean, and honestly, quite charming. The beds? Comfortable enough that I practically melted into them after a long day of exploring the Nevada desert. And the best part? No silly, fussy minimalism. It's a place where you can actually *relax*. I'm telling you, after staying in a few "ultra-modern" hotels that feel like sterile hospitals, this felt like a warm hug. I even saw a picture of a famous actor there from the 80s! Crazy!
I'm a foodie. Is there anything edible *nearby* the motel that's not gas station taquitos?
Okay, okay, I hear you. Food is *crucial*. And, thankfully, Ely has some decent options! The White Pine is centrally located, so everything is within a reasonable walking distance or a short drive. There are a few classic diner-style places with *massive* portions. (You're gonna need it after hiking in the area!) But be warned, this ain't Michelin Star territory, okay? Think hearty, home-style cooking. I had the BEST burger of my life at a little place down town. It was perfection after a long drive. Just… go with an open mind and an empty stomach. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Is there, like, a pool? Because, you know, Nevada heat. And tiny humans.
No pool. (Deep sigh.) Listen, I get it. Especially with kids, a pool is a GAME CHANGER. Sadly, the White Pine doesn’t have one. But, and this is a big but, Ely has fantastic outdoor activities. The surrounding area? Stunning. The Great Basin National Park is a short drive. Hiking! Stargazing! (The stars are unbelievable there). It’s a trade-off, right? No pool, but amazing adventures. And honestly, sometimes you need a break *from* the pool. I do!
What about the staff? Are they, you know, *friendly*? Or like, "Ugh, another tourist" friendly?
Friendly! Seriously, like, *genuinely* friendly. I'm talking about the kind of people who actually *care* if you're enjoying your stay. The owner, a lady named Mildred, is a total sweetheart. She's got that classic "small-town hospitality" down pat. She knows the area, can give you tips, makes you feel like you're visiting family. One time, I was having trouble with my car, and she actually called someone she knew to help me out. That's just…that's not something you get everywhere. It's what makes the White Pine Motel so special. It's the *people*. And the cookies. Don't forget the cookies.
Okay, let's talk about the *experience*, overall. What's the vibe? Is it noisy? Do you think it's good for families? What's the one thing that really *stuck* with you?
The vibe? Laid-back. Relaxed. Think, "Leave your worries at the door." It's not a party place, which is a huge plus in my book. Not noisy. Usually quiet, really. Families? Totally. I saw a ton of them while I was there, enjoying the area's natural beauty. The thing that stuck with me? Gosh, that's tough. Maybe the stars. Seriously. Go outside at night, find a dark spot, and just stare up. It’s breathtaking. Or maybe it was the feeling of being welcomed. Or maybe, just maybe, it was the moment I sat on the porch in a comfy rocking chair, sipping my coffee, and watching the sunrise paint the desert sky. Damn, I miss that. But fine, I'll tell you one thing. One moment that really sticks with me? Ugh, it was kind of embarrassing, actually. I had a late-night snack craving, and was wandering the hallways. I stumbled across a door that was slightly ajar, and a very old man was playing the piano inside. He saw me, and instead of being angry, he smiled and told me to come in! We talked for HOURS about how much he missed his wife, and how lovely Ely was. It was incredibly poignant. I’ll never forget that. It's these little moments, these unexpected connections... that's the magic of the White Pine. It’s not just a place to sleep; it's a place to *connect*. And that, more than anything, is what makes it a hidden gem. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to book a room.
What are the downsides, because I am ALWAYS looking for the problems... Give it to me straight!
Okay, okay, alright, let's be honest. Nothing is perfect. The Wi-Fi can be a *little* spotty, depending on which room you're in. And, look, Ely is a small town. You're not going to find, like, a ton of nightlife. Maybe it’s the kind of place where people don’t want a bunch of nightlife! And while the rooms are clean, they aren't, like, *new*. Freshly renovated! But it's a tradeoff. The price is super reasonable. And honestly, those "downsides" fade away when you're surrounded by that gorgeous scenery, and you get to experience the genuine hospitality. And, okay, I'll admit it. One time, the bathroom smelled a *little* like…old plumbing. But, honestly, a quick spritz of air freshener, and it was all good! It's really just tiny, minor grumbles. Nothing to derail your trip. So, yeah. Those are the downsides! But they're not dealbreakers, trust me.
I'm driving a Tesla. Do they have a charger? Or am I stuck in the dark ages?
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