After reading the one and only review by Lauren L., I feel compelled to both write my own and respond to some of her points.
I've been going to Mahoning Inn with my daughter for 3 years. We go most weekends in the winter for skiing.
The Inn is a great value. The room rate is very reasonable and is always quoted when you make a reservation so I'm not sure why Lauren was surprised at the rate when she checked in. Included with the very reasonable nightly rate is a continental breakfast. You really can't beat that.
As for heat, yes they turn the heat on when they know you're coming. You see Lauren, heating an empty room costs money and is wasteful. By heating them only when occupied, they save money and electricity. The monetary savings is passed on to customers in the form of lower rates and the energy savings is, well, a responsible practice. In the event they didn't know you were coming, it takes only about 30 minutes to bring a room up to temperature.
Lauren expected shampoo, conditioner and lotion. Really? This is a discount Inn and not providing things like that keeps the cost down which is what the people who stay there are looking for. Bring your own. Also, the soap provided works just fine-even broken it still cleans you. How about that?
Cold bathrooms? Well, open the bathroom door and let the room heat in. Or turn on the overhead heat lamp some rooms have.
Running out of hot water? Now this I really doubt. It's an Inn with many rooms and is equipped to handle the demand. I've never run out of hot water. Perhaps she got the room where the shower control is plumbed backwards and didn't figure out that hot is cold and cold is hot.
While I cannot speak to Lauren's particular experience, I can say that I've stayed in most every room that faces the mountain-each equipped with two queen beds, a refrigerator, microwave, flat screen TV, iron and board, table and chairs-you know, what you'd expect. I've never had a smelly room, or found stains on the bedding or floor as she experienced. That would definitely be a turn off if true.
As for mobile phone coverage; is Lauren actually holding the Inn responsible for that? Personally, I've never had a problem, I even face time from the room, but still, the Inn does not control stuff like that. Also, the WIFI has always worked fine for me. Did she call the desk when she could not connect? When nether the phone nor the WIFI worked, maybe we can say the device itself is suspect.
In conclusion, Mahoning Inn is not for everyone. If you need the amenities of a chain hotel, then go there and pay the higher rate. If have a problem with a pink or yellow bathroom, go somewhere else. If however, you don't mind a dated decor and just want a clean bed to lay your head and a nice breakfast to start the day-all for $75 or less, this might be the place for you.
I give four stars to the Mahoning Inn. My one suggestion is to update the bathroom lights and mirrors. This could be done for little money (get a builder pack) and really make a difference visually. Since Bill has been constantly reinvesting in the Inn, making upgrades as he can afford, I'm sure this is on his list. read more