Hampton Inn & Suites Adrian, MI

We traveled with five children because I was babysitting my nieces and nephews and wanted to use the pool, so my active-duty brother could attend a wedding. When we arrived, we were told the pool was out of service. There were no other vacancies nearby, and the manager offered no compensation, only told us we could go somewhere else. She was rude and seemed to take our disappointment personally. It was really sad to be treated that way, and it makes the whole brand look bad, not just this franchise.

The staff are what made this a five-star stay. The place was clean and quiet, and the location is great, with everything you might need right next door.

The breakfast was amazing, and the lobby worker handled the pool situation well. The pool is small, and unruly teenage boys were making waves so high that water flooded the chair area. It was over 100 outside during our stay, and they let me sit in the lobby with my six-week-old grandson while my daughter was at the softball fields. Our room was a different story. It smelled like cat pee, with litter still on the floor by the entertainment stand. The shower hadn’t been cleaned either, there was a bar of soap with long black hair on it. I appreciate that the hotel is pet friendly, but it can be rough for the guests who come in afterward.

I first stayed here for six days last year while taking a class at SBWI, and I was happy with the place. I’m back for two days this year. The friendly staff keep breakfast stocked, with a rotating menu, and the hotel is as well kept and clean as a Hampton Inn and Suites gets. You’re not going to get bed turndown service, but I’d recommend staying here if you’re deciding where to stay in Adrian. There are plenty of restaurants and stores nearby, including a grocery store, Walgreens, and Walmart if you forgot something. If you go downtown, Sauce Italian restaurant is about five minutes away.