Fairborn Hotel and Inn

It is what it is a motel…. It’s quiet and appears to be safe…..

I love the prices.

The Fairborn Hotel (or Suburban Studios... but let’s be real, it’s still the Fairborn Hotel) I recently had the great pleasure of spending a few nights in what is now called Suburban Studios Fairborn. But let me tell you, I’m still not feeling the name change. It’s always been the Fairborn Hotel, and the big old “Fairborn Hotel” sign is still standing proud out front like nothing ever happened — so in my mind, it’s still the FH. That said… wow. This place has undergone a complete transformation. Renovated, upgraded, and turned into the polar opposite of what it used to be — and that’s saying something if you’ve read the old reviews. I went down a rabbit hole of guest comments from years past, and it’s honestly hard to believe they’re talking about the same building. Cockroaches, black mold, cigarette smells, broken furniture, you name it — the old Fairborn had quite the reputation. There were even reviews where people said it wasn’t worth it even at the low price, which is rare in the world of budget motels. Flash forward to today and you’ve got something that feels more like a well-designed extended stay suite than a throwback roadside inn. The rooms are clean, modern, and smartly laid out. No more stained carpets — just hardwood-style floors. No bulky CRT TVs — now it’s flat-screens and full-size fridges. And the bathroom doesn’t smell like sadness anymore — it actually feels like something you’d see in a newer condo. A fun little fact: the building itself was originally a Holiday Inn built in the 1960s, and it’s full concrete construction — walls, ceilings, floors — so it’s super quiet and surprisingly solid. Almost bunker-like, in the best way. Everything that was once a problem — the grime, the smells, the worn-out furniture and fixtures — it’s all gone. The building was stripped down to its pristine, solid concrete core, revealing the same durable bones that made it one of the top-rated Holiday Inns of its day. From that clean foundation, everything has been rebuilt with high-quality materials and thoughtful design. What you have now is a space that’s not only vastly improved, but essentially reborn — fresh, modern, and worlds apart from its former self. And the staff? Friendly, helpful, and they clearly take pride in the upgrade. It’s pet-friendly, offers free WiFi, and it’s a stone’s throw from Wright-Patt and a short drive to Dayton. So yeah — call it Suburban Studios if you must, but to me? It’ll always be the Fairborn Hotel. And now, it finally lives up to the name again.

Suburban Studios Fairborn: A Hidden Gem Reborn The former Fairborn Hotel and Inn has undergone a dramatic and expensive transformation—more than a year in the making—to become Suburban Studios Fairborn, part of the Choice Hotels family. Originally constructed in the early 1960s as a Holiday Inn, the building was designed and built to exceptionally high standards for its time—comparable to what we would now consider a luxury 4- or even 5-star property. Built to Last: A Rare Example of Superior Construction With over 30 years of experience as a real estate attorney, I’ve reviewed countless hotel and motel appraisals. Looking back, I can’t recall any property, regardless of era, that matched the construction quality of what is now Suburban Studios Fairborn. No expense was spared in the original build. Concrete was used throughout all structural components—walls, ceilings, and floors—whereas drywall was used sparingly and only on non-load-bearing surfaces. This level of robust, bunker-like construction is virtually unheard of today, where drywall dominates and concrete is largely absent. The result? Exceptionally quiet, secure, and durable rooms—especially when compared to typical modern drywall construction. In an area where severe weather (including tornadoes) is becoming more frequent, this kind of build offers real peace of mind. Modern Renovations with Thoughtful Design The recent renovation was no minor upgrade—it completely gutted the rooms down to the concrete shell before rebuilding everything with fresh, high-quality finishes. Gone is the carpeting, replaced by sleek, wood-style composite flooring. The rooms now feature: A full-size refrigerator and microwave Ample counter space and abundant storage Stylish, functional furniture A massive flat-screen TV that dominates one wall for an immersive viewing experience The bathrooms are particularly impressive. Everything is brand new, from the tub, sink, and commode to the marble countertops, lighting, mirrors, and fixtures. A large marble-topped storage cabinet with matching overhead unit adds convenience and reduces clutter—excellent design touches that enhance everyday livability. Attentive Staff and Immaculate Maintenance The management and staff deserve praise for their consistent attention to detail. Everyone I’ve encountered has been friendly, helpful, and committed to maintaining the property in its immaculate, like-new condition. Their efforts are both recognized and appreciated. Prime Location with Easy Access The location is a major asset. The Greene CATS Blue Line runs alongside the property on Central Avenue, offering low-cost, convenient public transportation. It connects easily to other Greene CATS routes, which reach Yellow Springs, Xenia, Beavercreek, and more, as well as linking to the Dayton RTA. Nearby and within easy walking distance: DG Market and Dollar Tree Several fast food restaurants Downtown Fairborn and the YMCA Fairborn Park—an open, underutilized green sp