Having not been to the area for a number of years, my wife and I opted to book through 'Choice Hotels', believing corporate standards would ensure a minimum level of both cleanness and service; however, we found that assumption to be incorrect... We stayed at the 'Comfort Suites Old Town Scottsdale' from Dec 4th through Dec 8th... With exception of the gentleman who checked us out, we found the front desk representatives (2nd shift) lacked any apparent desire to assist, be it local information (ie restaurants/directions) or to address concerns (ie leaking toilet and mold growths)....
Upon check in and throughout our stay, the room itself had an active water leak at the commode supply line and continuous drip of the bath faucet... In addition, the cleanliness was noted to be extremely poor, not only evidenced by what appeared to be mold, mushrooms and other micro bacterial growths on the walls, but also dirt/dust on the vanity itself and loose debris on the carpet which appeared to have been un-vacuumed... As to the rooms physical condition, partially repaired holes and pealing paint were noted both in the main room and adjacent bath area...
Although we booked and paid for the room with a credit card through the motels loyalty program, at checkin an additional imprint was required for incidentals/security deposit... We complied with that request only to be notified by our bank of a $150 charge before we had a chance to actually enter the room... I returned to the front desk both questioning the charge and to advise of the leak and overall room condition, only to be told "Ya, that's what we do, you'll get it back in 10-15 days after checkout if your room it ok", and "I'll tell housekeeping about your room"...
The following day, we returned to our room after dinner, to find no apparent steps had been taken to address the leak, drip or cleanliness... I again went to the front desk, at which time it was very apparent my concerns had no baring, and I was again told housekeeping would be advised... The evening of the third night, we again had a similar experience with both a finding of no attempt to resolve the issues, or concern in our ongoing requests...
Per a notice posted in the room 'For Longer stays, service is provided after every 3rd night. To request a more frequent service, please contact the front desk before 11AM.' We assumed the room would be serviced and the concerns addressed; however, we were again mistaken, as our room was neither serviced nor repaired... When I returned to the front desk, I was told the lack of service was my fault, as I failed to request it be cleaned!!! I immediately asked when the manager would be arriving the following morning so I could address the ongoing concerns, only to be advised the property had no manager... I asked to have someone from management contact me, confirmed they had both my phone and email address, and was given a hand written noted which I later found to be an incorrect email address for an offsite supervising manager...
At checkout, we requested a refund of the $150 charge, along with a credit for an additional charge related to an in room safe (see pic from room documentation)... While we received no credit for the safe (As promised on the in room documentation), we were handed a credit slip and advised a refund would be issued of the $150 charge... In addition, I again expressed my concern with the motel to the representative and showed him pictures of the leak, the mold and related concerns, to which to which he showed no surprise or concern...
In sum, this was one of the worst experiences we've had at what should be a mainstream chain motel... As frequent travelers and members of loyalty programs at various chains, I can say I seldom raise concerns, but when done they have always been immediately addressed.... Given the condition of the room, the lack of concern on the part of the staff, and the refusal to allow contact with those supervising, I would strongly recommend avoiding this property, and likely all Choice Hotels in the area....
** I plan to post this review on various sites... Where allowed, I will include photo's and/or videos of the items referenced... read more