Days Inn by Wyndham Golden

After a long day of driving on our family vacation, we were all tired and this was a good place to stop. The pool and waterslide were a big improvement over our last hotel's tiny, freezing pool. I liked the breakfast too. The muffins were cold and hard, but the toast and pancakes I chose were incredible. I would recommend this hotel.

The staff were welcoming and friendly, and the free breakfast was a highlight, better than I expected from a budget stay. The room was fairly quiet and the price was average for the area, so we slept decently. It served its purpose for our one night, though a few things brought the stay down. The room was tiny and didn't feel especially clean. The fridge and microwave were unplugged when we arrived, so we had to connect them ourselves and wait for them to be ready. The bathroom fan didn't work, which wasn't ideal in such a small room. It's outside Golden's main downtown area, so you'll need a short drive for food or exploring, rather than walking to shops. Fine for a quick night if space and deep cleaning aren't priorities, but maintenance could be better.

The Italian restaurant Alforno serves amazing pasta and desserts, and it was a surprise to find such a gem in the middle of nowhere. The hotel rooms have been newly renovated, with fresh sheets, new bathroom ceramics, carpeting and paint. We didn't hear highway noise, though some kids ran around the common areas late at night. I'd recommend it for a short or long stay in Golden.

There wasn't any hot water, so I couldn't shower at all. That's a basic necessity, and completely unacceptable at a hotel. Cleanliness was shocking too. The kitchenware in my room was dirty, and it was obvious the room hadn't been cleaned after the previous guest. There was even half a garlic left on the counter. The breakfast area was no better: every spoon and plate had visible food on it, and the dining tables hadn't been cleaned. It left me seriously concerned about hygiene and health standards. It was a frustrating, unpleasant stay. I wouldn't recommend this hotel to anyone expecting basic cleanliness or comfort.