A number of chain motels are along Route 7 (Shelburne Rd.) in South Burlington, about a 5- to 10-minute drive from downtown. While they lack any trace of New England charm, they're modern, clean, and reliable.
Among the better choices are these three, which are clustered together: Holiday Inn Express, 1712 Shelburne Rd. (tel. 800/465-4329 or 802/860-1112; www.hojo.com); Smart Suites, 1700 Shelburne Rd. (tel. 877/862-1986); and Howard Johnson, 1720 Shelburne Rd. (tel. 800/874-1554 or 802/860-6000).
On and around Route 2 near I-89 (west of downtown, near the airport) are several other chain hotels, including the Holiday Inn, 1068 Williston Rd. (tel. 800/799-6363 or 802/863-6363; www.holiday-inn.com); and Best Western Windjammer Inn, 1076 Williston Rd. (tel. 800/371-1125 or 802/863-1125). My choice for a low-end overnight is the clean, simple Swiss Host Motel and Village, 1272 Williston Rd. (tel. 802/862-5734), which has the excellent good fortune of being across from Al's.
