My daughter and I were in town for a bowling tournament she was participating in and the hotel offered a discount for those in the tournament. We had planned on staying 3 nights but decided that 2 was 2 too many.
The people were the best part of this experience. We weren't treated bad, is that a compliment? From me it is. The reservationist was kind. I mentioned that I'm a disabled veteran who has an "emotional support bird" that travels with me everywhere I go. Most people don't have a problem. He's quiet, neat, and most people don't even see him or know he's there. The VA hasn't passed legislation about intelligent birds being "service animals", though my bird helps me in many ways to cope with situations. Even so, I declare everywhere that he is technically just an "emotional support animal" and NOT a "service animal". That most hotels consider that a "pet". The man said it would be "no problem" that he would place me in a ADA compliant room where people bring service animals and that I would not be charged a "pet fee". I don't do confrontations well, so I was pleased to handle this so well over the phone.
When we arrived, the receptionist was pleasant and kind. She was honest in not displaying some fake happiness within the lack-luster work space and it was greatly appreciated. She helped me to feel comfortable. The room was on the ground floor which was nice as they do not have an elevator and we travel with a bunch of gear. (cage, stand, bowling ball/s, food, etc.)
The room appeared "OK" at first glance, but upon further inspection, we discovered a lot of issues that were pretty gross. I'm trained ex-military, so I know "clean". I've traveled around the world also, so I know "dirty". The room was "gross" by third world standards. I took pictures so you can see for yourself.
As I was taking pictures, the room phone rang and it was the manager. She was explaining that it was written down that I had a "service animal" but that the lady saw me bring in a "bird". I walked the manager through the run-down of the conversation I had with the reservationist and I could hear and feel the tone from her as if I was telling a lie. She asked me if I booked online and I told her, "No." With a bit of a "tolerant" tone she explained that I wouldn't be charged a pet fee "this time" but that next time they would make note that it's a bird so it's a "pet" and there "is a pet fee". I thanked her and hung up a bit sick to my stomach that I had to thank her for the emotional/psychological "keel haul". The manager should have looked at the reservation and identified who had taken it, contacted that person before calling me and I would not have had to deal with that.
After the call, I went back to my "inspection", taking photos of damage and filth so we would have evidence of it so as not to be charged for it. EVERYONE SHOULD DO THIS.
I walked up to the front desk and asked to speak to the manager. Betty came out and she appeared curious but postured. I explained nicely that there were a few issues with the room that I wanted to point out so that we wouldn't be charged for it. I went down the images including the fecal build-up behind the toilet, in the corner, and under the toilet, dripping stuff down the wall, stains on the lamp shade (?), ripped chair, damaged and filthy carpet, scored flooring, missing parts of the toilet, bent refrigerator, etc.. I explained that it's understandable that housekeeping can get into a "routine" and feel like things are "clean enough" according to their personal standards and that most people probably don't complain. The manager offered a "thanks" and I walked away. She called the room when I got back and said she would like to refund $67 off of my 3-night stay but did not offer to have the room cleaned correctly nor another room that has been "properly cleaned". I took the discount.
Moving in was a disaster. The only luggage trolly they had that carried hanging items was welded and the sharp welding had not even been ground down smooth, it snagged my finger, but whatever. THAT caught my attention. The wheels we wonky and would not roll straight. There was a sticker on one side that said, "PULL" and on the other side "PUSH". Tripe "PULL" side or pulled the "PUSH" side. Very frustrating. The red carpet photo was from the trolly surface.. gross.
Tried to heat up coffee and the paper cup began to smoke. The rotating function stopped and began to burn the cup on the inside and out just above the coffee line. They replaced the microwave.
Tried to get hot water from the sink. Let it run for 30 minutes and only got luke warm water. Knowing plumbing, I ran the tub to get more volume. 10 minutes to warm water, not hot.
BEDS WERE ITCHY BOTH NIGHTS.
Breakfast lady was sweet.
Bulk steamed omlettes and mystery extruded sausage patties, if you're wanting protein options. Bleh.
I've stayed in worse but at $105 a night (after the $67 refund, bowling and military discounts).
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