Motel 6 Albert Lea, MN

Bad weather forced me off the road, so I booked through the Motel6 app. But check-in wasn't allowed after 10 pm, and Motel 6 customer service couldn't reach anyone there.

I had paid in advance for an online reservation, and that's what I expected the hotel to honor. When I arrived, all they could tell me was, “no room.” I got the same response when I tried to reach a manager. They may say it would've gone better if I'd called, but a prepaid reservation is still a prepaid reservation. I'll dispute the charge with my bank. This was one of the worst experiences I've had in a long time, and I won't do business with Motel 6again.

The security situation worried me. Side doors weren't locked, and staff said a storm had knocked out the panel the week before. Other people told us they'd been like that for months. There was also broken glass all over the parking lot and pet relief area. We left with bug bites and no sleep. We picked this hotel because it looked big and allowed pets, but the lobby gave a false impression. The whole place smelled of smoke and mold. Our room was filthy and clearly hadn't been cleaned. Dust was everywhere, and we could hear everything from the street, plus resident dogs barking all night since the building also seems to operate as apartments. In the morning, we were told there was no hot water, and the bathroom ceiling was bubbling from water damage. We booked a suite, but it had no mini fridge, microwave, hair dryer, coffee maker, or other basics. I'm afraid to imagine the other rooms. There were only three pillows for two beds. When we asked for more, they gave us one that looked like it had pee on it. We had two towels, asked for another, and were told they were out. If you're considering this place for its pet policy, think again. This was pathetic.

A drink left by the previous guest was sitting on a broken fridge, and there weren't any towels at all. People who seemed to live there yelled at each other down the hall until almost 2 AM. I barely got a night’s sleep and still had more than 700 miles to drive. What a disgusting mess. Stay away.