We are driving to the austrian alps in a few weeks and looking for a hotel / motel to stay in. Looking to stop in reims or metz or in between. Anyone know of a travel lodge type hotel not too far from the motorway in this area?

We're using Premiere Classe In Dijon for our trip down to Les Arcs this year (€48 per room per night). Cheap, basic but clean. They're dotted all around France. Hotel Formule 1 is another option. Hope that helps.

LOADS of places near large supermarkets/shopping centres as a rule. The F1 places are clean and cheap and while I wouldn't stay for long in one, I'd use them when travelling or for a couple of nights.

F1 in reins was 34 euros when we booked on monday

I've used the Ibis in Reims before. Next to the station, so easy to find.

Might stop in Reims in the way back from Provence in a couple of weeks. Or poss Dijon.

be careful with these types of hotels.
They are recognised as being the thieves favourite. 🙁
My lady & her mates were victims of this….
Of course these hotels are frequently used by tourists for overnight stops where they are likely unable to remove all valuables from the car.
Some of them have secure parking but might be hard to spot which when booking online.