Against my better judgement, I decided to do a small trade show in Joplin. Most bad decisions are followed by unintended consequences and this trip was no exception, it followed Murphy's Law to a tee.
Check in was fine, the desk clerk was friendly and that part went smooth, but as soon as I pulled around to my room, I met my neighbors. South of the border car dealers who couldn't park straight to save their lives, various pet owners with large dogs that enjoyed dumping in front of the rooms, and meth users galore. Those guys pissed me off the worse, as besides being loud, they really seemed to enjoy tossing their cigarettes unto the dry mulch where the plantings were in front of the rooms. Being risk adverse in the fiery death department, I would periodically come out with an ice bucket full of water to put out the smoldering mulch....I sensed it made my neighbors upset as I guess it made them feel inadequate....that was my intention.
It's sad that ownership has let this place slide to where it is, as you can tell it was well built and isn't obsolete, most of its problems are superficial. The sliding closet doors are on rusted out tracks, and the ceiling vent is rusted along with the ends holding up the curtain rod. The lamps in the bedroom are rusting too. Most Choice Hotels use these lamps and I've never seen this at any of those places.Other than the lump in the shower floor, most of this could be cured with proper ventilation.
The breakfast was adequate, but the floor show was exceptional. The Tiger King was there with Honey Boo Boo, and after he strutted around the room showing off his tucchus and the fact that he's going commando, as evidenced by his massively ripped jeans, he and his sweetie got down on their knees to pray before eating. I'm not kidding! read more