Drury Hotels may not be as posh as Hilton's collection or as ubiquitous as Motel 6s, but budget travelers say they are the best-kept “secret” for traveling on the cheap. The draw is that dinner, drinks, and breakfast are included with every room.
“This hotel chain rocks!” one r/Frugal Redditor writes. “It wasn't until check-in that I found out about the free dinner and three free drinks. I was blown away.”
Breakfast and Dinner Are Free
While there are a few Drury locations that have slightly different amenities, most offer what the company calls a 5:30 Kickback, which is a light dinner that includes three alcoholic drinks. The rotating menu features a healthy mix of foods, from meatballs and mashed potatoes to soups and salads. The chain also serves hot breakfast, with offerings like waffles, scrambles, bagels, and coffee.
You shouldn’t expect fine dining — one Redditor tepidly endorses the food as “adequate” — but most seem satisfied with the quality. And Drury offers other standard amenities, too, including free Wi-Fi, business centers (think computer labs), and 24-hour gyms.
Of course, none of this would matter if Drury Hotel rates weren't as low as they are. For a double queen room in Missouri, one Redditor says they paid just $100 — and that includes the complimentary food.
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Photo credit: JannHuizenga/istockphoto... But Don't Expect the Ritz
The chain has its critics, however.
“There is only one Drury Inn in my city. It has a lot of prostitutes and an above average (sic) risk of your car being burglarized,” one comment reads. “It’s not as bad as a Motel 6 or Super 8, but I’m not staying there.”
Another Redditor shared that staying at a Mt. Vernon, Illinois, location “was not a pleasant experience,” adding that the room was “dirty.”
That said, plenty of Drury Hotels have 4-plus star reviews on Bookings.com, Trip Advisor, and Google, and the Better Business Bureau gives the chain an A+ score.
The Bottom Line
With its cheap rates, free meals, and consistently high reviews, Drury Hotels are perfect for consumers on a shoestring travel budget. But they're not for everyone. Foodies will find the dining options to be mediocre at best, and travelers with a little extra cash might find the facilities lacking. Still, Drury offers a compelling package that nails what a mid-range, no-frills hotel should be.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are rooms at Drury Hotels?
Although rates will vary, most Drury Hotels offer rooms for around $100 to $150 a night, which is around the national average of $148.
What types of Drury Hotels are there?
Drury has three brands: Drury Inn & Suites, Drury Plaza Hotel, and Pear Tree Inn by Drury. While free breakfast is available at all three, Pear Tree Inns do not provide the Kickback meals.
Where are Drury Hotels located?
There are over 150 Drury hotels across the Southwest, Midwest, and Deep South.
Who owns Drury Hotels?
Since the Drury brothers built their first location in 1973, the business has been family-owned and operated.
