Best Western Stanton Inn

We paid more than $185 per room and expected basic courtesy, especially since the lobby fireplace was advertised as a place to relax. Instead, Joe shut the lobby early, though we had been told it stayed open until 10 PM. My brothers found the lights off while the fire was still going and a woman sat there by herself. When they asked why she could stay, Joe said she was “with him,” called it none of their business, and sent them to their rooms. This happened during a family trip for my brother’s 21st wedding anniversary. We’d stayed at Best Western Stanton Inn in Chilton, Wisconsin, and had dinner at Roepke’s Village Inn Supper Club. A blizzard delayed us a little. At check-in, Joe had been friendly and explained parking and key cards, while a woman behind the desk polished her nails. After dinner, where everyone had just one drink, we returned around 7 PM hoping to visit by the fire. My wife and I briefly went to our room; I made a drink and headed back to the lobby. I calmly asked why it had closed early. Joe shouted, “I said it’s closed and it’s none of your business, so shut up and go back to your room or I’ll kick you out. Just try me!” He blamed us for leaving a mess earlier, and the woman claimed we’d had too much to drink. Neither was true. At most, we may have moved a small table closer to the fire, and we’d been tidy. As I left, I asked his name for my report. He snapped, “Don’t bother, I am the management.” We were stunned and went to my brother’s room. My wife and I are in our 80s, and my brothers are in their late 70s. We’re quiet, respectful seniors, not rowdy troublemakers. Joe was sarcastic, confrontational, disrespectful, and threatening. His outburst and lies frightened us and ruined the celebration. It was a night from hell, and ownership should replace this so-called “manager” before he does more damage to the hotel’s reputation.