Candlewood Suites ABILENE by IHG

I came from Dallas and booked a room for one night, but left to ask for a refund as soon as I saw the state of the place. The building smelled like pet urine, it was hotter inside than outdoors, and nobody greeted me. In the room, the bed hadn’t been made, the toilet wouldn’t flush, and the TV didn’t work. The smell was so bad I started itching right away. I didn’t feel clean or safe. Absolutely disgusting.

I booked several months ahead for a little over a month with my two dogs, ages five and four. The room I reserved had been given away, and I was put in a smaller one, but they still charged me the rate for the room I’d booked. When I questioned the front desk, the manager said the price was already set and nothing could be done. The dog fee changed, too. The website showed $25, then at arrival I was told it was $75 per dog for stays over seven days. At checkout they charged $300 and said the policy had changed to $150 per dog per month. They also added $115 for dirt on the comforter, which they claimed was dog poop. My dogs are well trained and have never pooped on a mattress. I couldn’t find anything in the agreement I signed saying I’d owe an extra charge if a dog had an accident. At other hotels I’ve stayed at, the dog fee covers accidents. Room service cleaned only once, despite two more requests. They never refilled the toilet paper, so I had to get it from the front counter, and I also had to fetch my own replacement sheets and blankets because mine weren’t changed. Service and management were both very poor. They say they have new management, but if so, it’s worse than before. This was my worst experience at an IHG Hotel. I won’t stay again, and I’d tell people to choose somewhere else, or keep the stay short if there’s no alternative.

At $267 a night, this was a wild experience. The front desk clerk said only the general manager could print a receipt at checkout. I was exhausted from traveling and couldn’t tell whether the bedding was clean. The floors in the kitchenette and bathroom felt sticky, as if they’d been mopped with something that left residue. There was mold in the bathroom ceiling sheetrock, food residue stunk from the sink, and cigarette smoke seemed to have been covered with paint. Emergency signs were worn down and missing letters. The towel rack was so low it got in the way of using the toilet. The cable box was unplugged, and the TV remote didn’t work. I’m not sure how this hotel is affiliated with IHG. IHG needs to check on it.

I’ve stayed here twice for two weeks each time, and the rooms have been disgusting. There’s mold and staining everywhere, from the carpet and curtains to the bathroom. You can hear everything from the halls and neighboring rooms, above and below. Rates went from $95 to $135, and I only found out three days later. The workers are a mixed bag, most are nice, but some act like brats. Stay anywhere else.