If you’re driving down I-35 through Central Texas, you’ve probably seen the signs. Waco has changed. A lot. It’s no longer just a pit stop between Dallas and Austin; it’s a destination. But with that fame comes a massive spike in hotel prices. That is exactly why people end up looking at the Knights Inn Franklin Ave Waco. It’s sitting there, usually at a price point that makes you do a double-take compared to the Hilton or the Magnolia-adjacent lofts downtown.
Is it fancy? No. Not even close.
But sometimes you just need a place to crash. Maybe you're in town for a Baylor game and every other room in the city is $400 a night. Or maybe you're just passing through and want to save your cash for a massive plate of BBQ at Vitek’s. Whatever the reason, the Knights Inn on Franklin Avenue is one of those classic "what you see is what you get" budget motels.
The Reality of Staying at Knights Inn Franklin Ave Waco
Let’s be real for a second. When you book a room at a budget chain like this, you aren't expecting a mint on your pillow or a spa-grade robe. You want a bed that doesn't sag, a bathroom that functions, and a door that locks.
The Knights Inn Franklin Ave Waco is an older property. It has that exterior-corridor layout that was standard for mid-century American travel. You park your car right outside your door. For some, that’s a security concern; for others, it’s the ultimate convenience when you’re hauling three suitcases and a cooler full of Dr Pepper.
The rooms are basic. Think floral bedspreads that have seen a few decades and laminate flooring that's easier to clean than old hotel carpet. It’s a no-frills environment. You get a TV, usually a microwave and a mini-fridge, and a desk. It’s functional. Honestly, the biggest draw here isn't the decor—it's the proximity to the heart of Waco without the heart-attack-inducing price tag.
Location is the Secret Sauce
If this motel were out in the middle of nowhere, it might be a harder sell. But Franklin Avenue is a major artery. You are literally minutes away from the Silos. You’re close to the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. You’re a short hop from Baylor University.
Staying here means you’re basically a five-minute drive from the Alico building.
If you’re a budget traveler, the location of the Knights Inn Franklin Ave Waco allows you to spend your "saved" money on the things that actually matter in Waco—like the $20 you're inevitably going to spend on a cupcake at Magnolia Press.
🔗 Read more: Entry Into Dominican Republic: What Most People Get Wrong
What the Reviews Usually Miss
People love to complain online. It’s a national pastime. When you read reviews for budget spots, you have to filter through the noise. Some people expect a Marriott experience at a Motel 6 price. That’s just not realistic.
What most people miss is the "utility" factor.
I’ve talked to contractors and traveling nurses who swear by spots like this. They aren't looking for "vibes." They want a place where they can park a truck, sleep for seven hours, and get back to work. At the Knights Inn Franklin Ave Waco, the staff is generally used to this demographic. They’re straightforward. Don't expect a concierge to map out your afternoon, but they’ll get you checked in and handed a key card without much fuss.
There are challenges, of course.
Maintenance in older buildings is a constant battle. You might run into a leaky faucet or an AC unit that hums a bit too loudly. It’s the trade-off. If you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs. That’s just good advice for any motel built before 1990.
Safety and the "Vibe" Check
Waco has its rough patches, just like any city growing this fast. Franklin Avenue is busy. It’s high-traffic.
Does it feel like a gated community? No. It feels like a city street.
Most travelers at the Knights Inn Franklin Ave Waco find that as long as they practice common sense—locking their car, not leaving valuables in plain sight, and keeping the door deadbolted—it’s perfectly fine. It’s a "mind your own business" kind of place.
💡 You might also like: Novotel Perth Adelaide Terrace: What Most People Get Wrong
Comparing the Costs: Waco’s Budget Tier
To understand why this place stays in business, you have to look at the competition.
In the immediate vicinity, you have a few other budget players. You’ve got the Super 8, some older Rodeway Inns, and various independent motels. The Knights Inn Franklin Ave Waco usually sits at the bottom or near the bottom of the price scale.
If you move just one tier up—to something like a Fairfield Inn or a Tru by Hilton—you are often looking at double the price. During Baylor graduation or homecoming? Forget about it. Those "mid-tier" rooms can jump to $500. Meanwhile, the Knights Inn might only go up to $120.
For a family of four on a road trip, that’s a $380 difference. That pays for a lot of gas and a lot of Tex-Mex.
Why People Keep Coming Back
It sounds weird to say people are "loyal" to a budget motel, but some are. It’s the predictability. If you’ve stayed at a Knights Inn before, you know the color palette. You know the smell of the cleaning products they use.
There is a certain comfort in knowing exactly how disappointed or satisfied you will be.
One traveler I spoke with mentioned they always stay here during the Heart O' Texas Fair & Rodeo. Why? Because they spend 14 hours a day at the fairgrounds. They literally only use the room to shower and crash. Paying for a pool, a gym, and a breakfast buffet they won't use is just burning money.
Things to Know Before You Book
If you’ve decided to pull the trigger on a room at the Knights Inn Franklin Ave Waco, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make the stay better.
📖 Related: Magnolia Fort Worth Texas: Why This Street Still Defines the Near Southside
- Check your room immediately. Don't wait until 11:00 PM to realize the TV doesn't work or the bathroom light is out. Walk in, flip the switches, and check the bed. If something is off, tell the front desk right then. They are much more likely to move you if they haven't "flipped" the room yet.
- Manage your expectations on breakfast. Most budget spots offer "continental breakfast." In this tier, that usually means a carafe of coffee and maybe some pre-packaged muffins or white bread for toast. Honestly? Just go to a local spot like Harold Waite's Pancake Cottage nearby. It’s a Waco staple and much better than a stale bagel.
- Wifi is hit or miss. It’s just the nature of old concrete and brick buildings. If you have a big Zoom call, don't rely on the motel's signal. Have a hotspot ready.
- Pet policy. Knights Inn is generally pet-friendly, but always call ahead. Franklin Ave has some grassy patches, but you’ll probably want to drive to a local park if you have a dog that needs a real run.
The Magnolia Effect
We can't talk about Waco without talking about Chip and Joanna Gaines. Their impact on the local economy is insane. It turned Waco from a sleepy college town into a tourism powerhouse.
This directly affects the Knights Inn Franklin Ave Waco.
Before the "Fixer Upper" boom, this motel was probably mostly for highway travelers. Now, you’ll see families in "Shiplap" t-shirts staying there because they spent their entire vacation budget on a new rug at the Silos. It’s created this weird mix of guests—construction workers, college kids, and Magnolia tourists all sharing the same parking lot.
Actionable Steps for Your Waco Visit
If you’re looking to save money and stay at the Knights Inn Franklin Ave Waco, here is how to do it right:
- Book directly or via a major site: Sometimes the "official" site has better cancellation policies than the third-party aggregators.
- Request a room away from the street: Franklin Ave can be noisy. A room in the back of the property will be significantly quieter than one facing the main road.
- Bring your own toiletries: The soap and shampoo provided in budget motels are... functional. If you care about your hair or skin, bring the stuff from home.
- Use it as a basecamp: Don't plan on "hanging out" at the motel. Use the money you saved to explore Cameron Park, the Waco Mammoth National Monument, or the Dr Pepper Museum.
- Check the HVAC filter: If you have allergies, a quick glance at the AC unit's filter can tell you a lot. If it's dusty, ask for a different room or just give it a quick wipe.
The Knights Inn Franklin Ave Waco isn't going to win any design awards. It’s not going to be the highlight of your trip. But it provides a vital service: an affordable roof over your head in a city that is becoming increasingly expensive. For the traveler who values the destination more than the thread count, it’s a perfectly logical choice.
Just remember to grab a taco at a local food truck on your way out. You've saved the money for it.
Next Steps for Your Trip
Verify the current nightly rate on a booking aggregator to see if it fits your budget compared to the nearby Super 8 or Motel 6. If you're traveling during a Baylor home game weekend, book at least three weeks in advance, as even the budget spots in Waco fill up completely during Big 12 matchups.