Get off the interstate almost anywhere in America and you'll face an overwhelming choice of roadside hotels. Inexperienced long-haul drivers will often settle for the closest place that doesn't look like the Bate's Motel.

For thrifty drivers, it turns out one chain is far and away the best.

Microtel was rated 78 by readers of Consumer Reports, eight points higher than the next "budget" hotel and higher than half of the "moderate" priced hotels.

We can confirm from personal experience that Microtel is a high quality establishment.

On a recent road trip Gus got off the highway in Streetsboro, Ohio, which has an incredible number of hotels. After being turned away from several places that were all booked, he ended up at a Microtel. Despite the shabby exterior, it had clean rooms, good beds, high water pressure, a stocked continental breakfast, a pool and a good price (between $54 and $79).

Other budget hotels didn't fare so well in Consumer Reports. We can confirm this from personal experience too.