My sister and I had a very disappointing stay on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 for many reasons. I specifically chose Elk River Hotel & Cafe because of all the good reviews I saw on TripAdvisor. However, our experience was less than stellar.
1. I received an email stating I can check in via the link for contactless check in. The link allowed me to check in early just after 3pm but there was zero information on where to go upon my arrival so we went to the hotel main entrance. There was no one to be found so we waited for over 10 minutes. I tried calling the hotel phone number and it went straight to voicemail. After another wait a woman finally appeared from somewhere in the back (kitchen??), seemed surprised to see anyone and asked if she could help us. I explained our situation and she simply asked what room. I told her Rain Song and she said "Oh, that's out back. It's one of our suites, the door is unlocked and the key is on the table." I had to ask her what "out back" meant and how do we get there. Nowhere in your descriptions state suites are in a different building, unless I missed that.
2. Another reason we booked at Elk River is because of the cafe and all the information out there states it is open on Tuesday. The printed information on your menus and even in the room state it's open on Tuesday. However, we found that information to be untrue leaving us having to make alternative plans in an area that is lacking food options close to the hotel.
3. Rain Song was very unclean! I will attach pictures for proof. I was shocked when I pulled back the bedspread to go to bed. There were obvious signs of old, dead bugs on the sheet. I slept on top of the bed with no blanket. Not the best night of sleep for me, obviously. The vents were filled with dust and the lamp had cob webs. Also, in the front room cob webs lined the ceiling.
4. Even with the liner, water from the shower covered the floor in front of the shower. We had to put towels down after a shower. The toilet ran constantly.
I understand it may be off season but it was obvious Rain Song had not been cleaned in quite a while. If you know you have a reservation then someone should have cleaned that room, including chaning sheets prior to our arrival. Also, more information needs related to your guests about where to proceed if you want to offer contactless check in, as well as, having an employee in your lobby when guests arrive. At the very least have someone answer the phone!
We were so uncomfortable with our stay we canceled our breakfast for the next morning because we were not confident we would receive good service. I am expecting a refund for that at least since I was charged for it prior to my arrival.
I expected the same level of stay as described by many reviews and was sadly extremely disappointed. read more