Empire Inn & Suites

We were having trouble finding a room because of a hockey tournament and several conferences, and this place still had availability. The online pictures looked decent. The lobby was clean, and the office staff were very friendly at check-in. But when we got into the room, we turned right around and went back for a refund. It smelled like cigarettes mixed with meth, the couch was filthy with thick black grime, and nearly all the furnishings were in terrible shape except the fridge. I've stayed in some sketchy motels, but this one took the cake. They refunded us without hassle, and the office staff were friendly, so the service gets four stars.

The room was clearly unclean and smelled of cigarettes as soon as we walked in. Hot water took 15 minutes to come through, and the front desk said that was normal. We had one roll of toilet paper for two people over two nights and only one towel each. They wouldn't give me more when I asked, and there was no bathroom floor towel. The man told me to mop up the water with our towels, but warned I'd be charged if they had stains. I paid $204 for two nights with my dog, and I have the receipt. After the first night, a man followed me out to the courtyard to say he hadn't known I had a pet and that there was a pet fee. I said I'd already paid it in the office and told him the amount. He asked if I'd paid online; I said no, in the office. Then he said okay and walked away. Following me outside like that was completely unprofessional. I'm writing this while I'm still in the room.

I've had a great month staying at Empire. The rooms come with useful amenities, including a cooktop and full-sized fridge. Above all, the staff have been some of the kindest and most helpful people I've met.

The staff are so nice that this feels like the new standard for hotels. They're all geniuses and each deserves to become president of their own country. Thanks for leading humanity toward greatness.