Sampson Motel

[Todd]

Hi TF, 

A few comments for you. 

On the whole, there are some fun moments in this one. That said, it's a bit long. It also probably needs to be restructured to draw in the reader (new opening). Here are a few line notes.

It's a bland looking place on the outskirts of town,--To sell this "bland" line you have to contrast it preferably in a previous stanza or the immediate next couplet. Otherwise, it isn't arresting enough.
the sign is missing letters and the building's run down.--sign's would smooth out the line and match the structure of building's. It would sound more natural.
Sitting at the corner of an old gravel road,
a rugged, not too friendly looking distant abode.--This last line just feels like filler.

Built back in the 60s on a small, muddy tract,
half the deadbolts don't work and the front window's cracked.
It's a glorified shack, only seventeen rooms,
And its thick with the grey fog of cigarette fumes.--like this image and wording

But far from abandoned, there are plenty of guests,
they drive in from the north and fly out from the west.
From the old to the young, to the meek and the great,--make your structure match "from the meek to the great"
they all find their place on this darkened estate.--solid wording on this line

It's played host to rock stars, to artists and writers,--Its no apostrophe.
corrupt politicians and heavyweight fighters.
They travel for miles to this little piece of hell,
the rusty old spot called the Sampson motel.

In the small cluttered office just beyond the wood door,
you'll find the manager Wayne, he lost an eye in the war.--who instead of he
He's a bit rough and tumble and he's got skin cold as ice,--feels a bit clunky perhaps on the second phrase "got skin cold as ice" though cold as ice isn't too surprising an idea.
but if you show him respect you might get a good price.--structure wise this could go near your opening or closer to the end.

The ice machine's broken and the power cord's frayed,
so little of elegance or fancy displayed.--fancy displayed is a bit of suspect phrasing. It feels a bit unnatural and only there to accommodate the rhyme
The plumbing is awful and the wall paint is peeling,
and most of the souls that you'll find here are reeling.

Housekeeping doesn't do much, there's only one maid.
She smokes a cigar and wears her hair up in braids.
She won't leave you a mint or turn down the sheet,
But if you mistreat her, you're out on the street.--I would be tempted to consider this as stanza 2

It's the #1 choice if you don't want to be found,
as long as you don't mind the trash on the ground.
Folks aren't too friendly here so if you come stay
Mind your own business and go about your own way.--This is a possible opening stanza.

Guests come and they go almost quick as flash,
And you can be certain they always pay cash.
In darkness they'll be, transfixed by the spell
of the rusty old spot called the Sampson motel.

Hope some of that helps.

Best,

Todd