Places to Stay: Review of the Ambassador Inn in Guymon, Oklahoma

Set in the semi-barren, geographically small area known as the Oklahoma Panhandle is the town of Guymon. Unlike many of the small towns passed on the route from Kansas, Guymon is a larger city with the offer of several fast food restaurants, gas stations, and hotels. They have a hometown grocery and a regular Wal-Mart with talk of a super center being built nearby. If you find yourself in Guymon, you'll see a couple hotels right away. However, if you go to Highway 64 at 21st Street, you can rent a well priced and comfortable room at the Ambassador Inn.

The Ambassador Inn is a relatively unassuming place, which hosts 70 rooms at competitive prices. At first glance, it's easy to discount this lodge as nothing more than another small "mom and pop" run establishment, likely to have leaky pipes and lumpy beds. On my recent stay there, I was pleasantly surprised that this turned out not to be the case.

Built in 1978, the Ambassador Inn is touted to be the Oklahoma Panhandle's only full service lodging and restaurant facility, an easily believable boast for anyone who's traveled the panhandle. Located in the "newer" part of Guymon and set on the highway, the Ambassador is centrally located for visitors looking to take in entertainment at the Pioneer Rodeo Stadium or the Sunset Municipal Golf Course. The Guymon Municipal Airport is only a few blocks away and for those visiting a college student, the Panhandle State University in Goodwell, OK is only 10 miles down the road.

The atmosphere of the Ambassador Inn is one of quaint friendliness. Even from the time I made my reservations by phone, the staff was nice and helpful. The lobby itself, a comfortable sitting area with a television and free postcards for guests to send to their loved ones, is attached to the Ambassador's restaurant, where a full meal can be had at a price comparable to a quick drive thru sandwich at a fast food chain. Inexpensive and tasty, guests of the Ambassador Inn can dine in without having to leave the premises.