Hancock Motel

Bike trip

Hancock, Maryland, in my opinion, is a DEAD town. The headling banner shows the Sideling Hill Visitor Center along I-68. CLOSED. It used to be about 4 stories of marvelous geology, history, exhibits. It opened sometime in the 1990's. It's not that old. Today, Sunday, I found the entire building closed, no employees, and the small visitor area perhaps about 20' x 30'. The upstairs exhibit rooms are offices for DOT, I understand. The exhibits were packed up and stored. This is the third time I've stopped by and found it CLOSED, however, I have only been there on Sunday. MARYLAND is destroying it's high dollar, high quality Visitor Centers. Exhibits costing millions are left to rot. I took pictures and will fire off letters on Monday. to as many Maryland Dept of Transportation and Tourist Centers I can. By the way, the Sideling Hill Visitor Center female and "family" restroomss were absolutely spotless. The grounds were trash free. The parking lot was busy with families stopping routinely. There is no Wi-Fi. But if you Need Help?? I hope your phone will work because there was no way to call for help that I know of or saw. Now, about Hancock, the town, with RARE Exception of one or two ice cream/snack venues gas staions, etc., that were just great, the town is basically DEAD. There are Trails for the walkers and the bicycilists and their support system, but, nothing else. The exception would be the usual: schools, utilities, gov't, law enforcement, etc. The London Fog Factory closed about 1991 (I bought a yellow raincoat there once!) after 30+ years laying off about 300 employees. London Fog was started by a man in Baltimore, Maryland. The Railroad has been gone since 1983. I didn't see any facility, no jobs, that would provide a job more than just a sole proprietorship, perhaps. There are hundreds of buildings that are likely standing by termites holding hands. Win the lottery and want to buy a town? I'll bet Hancock, Maryland might be "For Sale".

We usually look for Motels from the 50's and we were not disappointed with this one. It's old but in great shape. The rooms were clean, the beds are comfortable and the location is very nice . Liked the original wood paneling. The pool was nice too ! We stayed to visit Berkley Springs, a few miles away.

Don't go by the pictures here. The property has been neglected and has a very run-down look to it. Check in was unwelcoming. Couldn't keep bikes in the room but you could put it in the storage area or lock it to a railing outside the room. I chose the storage area which is really the family garage. The room had a very prominent cigarette/musty smell, paint peeling off the wall, and cracked windows. The bathroom was tiny. It was reasonably clean and I managed to get a decent night's sleep. It was better than camping but I won't be staying here again.

This place is close to the C&O trail. The bed was comfortable and clean, hot water was plentiful, good cold A/C, bike storage in the owners' garage was provided, and the lady at the office was friendly. Room came with a fridge and microwave. The bad news: our tub had a very slow drain, the toilet was clogged, furniture was old and run down. All in all, not too bad. A really good restaurant right across the street. Better than camping.

If you think you'll ride up to the motel looking like the one in the photos think again. The cute chairs and flowers are non-existent. Seriously moldy upholstered chairs is what you'll actually find. Don't expect better when you open the door. The smell is awful. The best part was that it wasn't horribly dirty and the bed was comfortable. !st time and last time for this place.

The motel rooms are much nicer than it appears from the road. My room seemed recently renovated, was clean, well appointed, with plush carpet, and genuine wood paneling on the walls. Room AC was on upon arrival so the room was very comfortable despite the heat of the day. No breakfast provided, but decent diner across the street. This place advertises for through bikers on the C&O, but they do not allow you too keep your bike in the room - presumably to keep the new carpet fresh. This point was reinforced to me by a rather pissy phone call from the office. They do provide bike storage - but it adds a level of complexity if you are keen to get an early start in the morning. I elected to lock my bike outside my door. I'd have slept better with my bike in-sight. Despite the bike-room policy - I highly recommend,