Motel des Pays d'en Haut

I booked this motel because I needed pet-friendly accommodation nearby. Expedia said payment would be made at the establishment, but they charged my card beforehand without my consent. When I was given the key to room 29, I checked for cleanliness and bed bugs before my partner or pets came in, as I always do at a new place. The mold smell hit as soon as I opened the door, mixed with marijuana and cigarette odors that seemed to come from sketchy long-term tenants next door. I wondered if the rain had caused a damp smell that might air out, but checking under the beds because I had cats, I found what looked like vomit stains on the bed skirt and a box spring coated in black mold. I left immediately and asked for a refund. The man who helped apologized and first offered another room instead. I truly don't know how this place is still open, as it can't be meeting health standards. The second room smelled strongly of mold too, and after what I'd already seen I couldn't imagine staying there. At reception, I was told I'd get a refund but had to cancel through Expedia myself. The man kept going back and forth from reception to what I assume was their living area, talking and arguing with someone else in person and on the phone. I waited about 20 minutes for him to come back and complete the refund. It was very uncomfortable and unprofessional. If you have any other options, PLEASE AVOID THIS PLACE.

We took a chance because it was after 11:30 pm, and we had to hit the road at 8 am. We were worried about bed bugs, but had no bites the next day, so we have to assume at least the sheets were clean. The walls are paper thin, and you can hear everything. It seems to be a place where people rent by the month, which may not be the classiest, to put it politely. I only needed a cheap room for a quick stop and some sleep. It was the cheapest, and we understood why. Despite the no-smoking claim, the room smelled like years of smoking, probably because the rule isn't enforced. There was mold in the washroom, gaps in the ceiling and walls, and a broken lock on the connecting-room door. We didn't try it since there was a guest in the other room, though we assumed they had a lock on their side. Go only in extreme circumstances, knowing what you're getting into.

For the price, it was pretty much what I expected. The room and bathroom were nice and clean, about as clean as a motel like this can be, and the staff were friendly. The mattresses could use an update. When we arrived, there was a very strong smell in the room. Those heavy odor-absorbing products don't cover up smoke, in my opinion, they just make it worse. Niko’s restaurant is really close and has a delicious breakfast buffet.

The staff were friendly, and the bed and pillows were very comfortable. The tub and toilet were clean, though the bathrooms need new grout. The hardwood floors are nice, but the strip of green carpet around the edges spoils the look. The place seems to be falling apart, but with a few improvements it could be really nice. There wasn't a fitted sheet, just a flat sheet over the mattress.