Quality Inn Alcoa Knoxville

Fine for one night, overall. The only thing I'd change is the breakfast sausage, it was rubbery and gross. Everything else was okay.

The breakfast was awful, and the whole stay was miserable. The room was dirty, smelly, and seemed like everything was broken. The heating unit was so loud you needed earplugs. Even though the hotel was nearly empty, they put us in the worst room, farthest away. In the morning, both keys had clearly been cancelled on purpose, so we were locked out and I had to walk a long way to the desk for new ones. When I asked about it, the desk person slammed down the paperwork and said, “I am busy.” The staff were rude and spiteful. Stay far away.

Our children were with us throughout this stay, and the mildew smell and pests made the place feel unsafe and unsanitary. In my room, dust was everywhere, even coming off the bathroom towels, the sheets had visible stains, the TV didn't work, and I had to call the desk for a remote. The hallway and entrance smelled strongly of mildew. My sister's adjoining room had ants in the bed, on the counters, and in the bathtub. We trusted the hotel to provide a clean, safe place for our families, and it failed at basic standards of care. When we reported the problems, Ron at the front desk was dismissive and showed no empathy. He offered to “flip the sheets” and said he could move us after we returned from a football tournament. By then, we were told the hotel was “sold out.” When we reminded him what he had promised, he started with “Well, first of all…” and said there was nothing he could do. He also said the manager, Ashley, wouldn't be back until Monday and that we couldn't check out early. That turned out to be false. When we went back to the desk, Tara (possibly Tamara) checked us out right away and apologized. She was the only staff member who treated us courteously and professionally. I spoke to Ashley by phone on 8/4. She was just as unprofessional, showed no empathy, and accused us of not telling the truth. I felt disrespected and discriminated against. This was the worst hotel experience I've ever had, and I am asking for a full refund. The dirt, pests, staff's dishonesty and dismissive behavior, and disregard for children's safety were unacceptable, especially for a Choice Hotels property. Disgusted!

I paid for a room I won't use because my plans changed, and the reservation can't be edited or cancelled unless you bought the insurance. If you're filing a claim, be ready to provide a doctor's note and full documentation. That's something to keep in mind when booking, so be completely sure of your reservation. I accept that this is my own mistake, but wanted to warn others so they don't make the same one. I'll still be in the area when my plans come together, but I won't book here again.