Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Albert Lea - Austin

On Jan 11, 2026, the breakfast area was filthy, with dirty tables, food on the floor, and kids walking around barefoot without staff keeping an eye on things. I asked for a washcloth so I could clean my own table. Staff cleaned other tables first, which frustrated me, and I acknowledge that. Soon after, the main-floor restroom had no toilet paper and trash was overflowing. The front desk was empty. I eventually found a staff member in a back area scrolling on his phone, and when I asked for toilet paper, I was told to leave at 10 a.m., before checkout. I don't think housekeeping needed to be sent to the restroom just to bring a roll. My daughter was then locked out of our room before checkout and had to find staff to get her belongings. Later, I called to ask for staff names and explain my side, but wasn't given the chance. The linens were clean, but the carpets were sticky, the hot tub was out of order, noise wasn't managed, and no one took accountability. The accommodations were decent, but the staff handling was unacceptable. I've stayed at many hotels and never had such a horrible experience. I won't return. After the GM's response, I'm adding this because there was still zero accountability. The common areas were filthy and neglected between 9 and 10 a.m. Sunday. Cafeteria staff were on their phones in employee-only areas instead of helping when approached. Between 10 a.m. and noon, all three room keycards were deactivated, so we couldn't get in. During the hotel's internal review, front desk staff member Dallas showed dishonesty and a basic lack of integrity. Thank you for the apology. I didn't expect much, but this was a new low for how a guest should be treated.

We've stayed here more than 20 times over the past 10 years when visiting Albert Lea, and it's a decent enough place. I'm giving it three stars because the website still advertises a hot tub that's been out of use for more than two years. Truth in advertising!

Breakfast was okay, but the floors near the pool were wet and slippery with kids running around. I love kids, but that kind of running at 10:30 at night is out of line. The noise woke us: someone showering upstairs, and the water was incredibly loud. The shower curtain rod was also coming off the wall. If you need a decent night's sleep, keep driving.

The desk worker yesterday afternoon was genuinely pleasant and helpful, one of the few bright spots. The hot tub beside the pool still seems broken, something other reviews mention too. We were traveling west and hoped the in-room tub would make up for it. The water got hot, but the bubbles were missing and the jets were barely noticeable. Maybe they don't get deep-cleaned often enough, or people use soap and lotion in them. That's only my guess from my old housekeeping job. The pool area looks worn and needs updating. The downstairs shower room smelled awful, with black spots everywhere and old beer cans. The bed was hard and bouncy, the pillows too thin, and I hardly slept. Breakfast staff didn't greet us or smile. It was supposed to be ready at 6, but still looked like they were setting up. There were flies around, and the oatmeal and sausage were lukewarm at that hour when they should've been hot. This place needs some work, though a few fixes could make it good.