Elm Tree Motel

The room and bathroom had visible mold, and I have photos of it, along with a video showing me leaving the key where the owner instructed. The room was unsanitary, and the website photos didn’t match what I found. After I contacted the owner, she was rude and unprofessional. She told me to leave the key outside the front desk and said she would cancel the remaining days when she got back. But when I asked her to cancel after she arrived at the office and give me a confirmation number, she refused. On the phone she became verbally abusive, told me not to interfere with her business, and ended the call abruptly. I had agreed to pay for two days and cancel the other three, trying to be accommodating. Now I have to dispute the charge. I believe the owner knows about the filth and doesn’t take responsibility for guests’ well-being. The motel’s low budget doesn’t excuse the conditions. Basic cleanliness should be met. I also think the owner lacks the knowledge and experience to run the business effectively. I’ll provide photos and video for reference.

The bathroom was filthy, with mold, shampoo and soap left by other guests, and a bad smell. The floor was extremely dirty and the whole place felt old. This was the dirtiest motel I’ve ever stayed in. I don’t understand how it’s still open, and think health authorities should shut it down. The owner replied, but whether the room had been checked earlier doesn’t change that it should have been clean when I arrived. I was paying $100 a night and expected at least a clean, habitable room, whether the motel is old or new. If you’re okay living in filth, that’s your choice, but paying guests shouldn’t be expected to put up with it. Keeping the place clean is the owner’s responsibility. No one should have to stay in a dirty room, and the excuse doesn’t change that customers deserve better. If the motel can’t meet this minimum standard, maybe it shouldn’t be operating.

I came from Germany to New York for vacation and spent a week at the elm tree motel. The welcome was warm, my room was nicely furnished and had everything I needed, and it was looked after well. The surroundings are beautiful, and the trip there was pleasant. There’s a gas station right across from the hotel where you can pick up daily necessities. I had no unmet wishes. I’d gladly come back and highly recommend it.

The woman I assume was the owner was very nice and suggested some good hikes nearby. It seemed like several rooms were being renovated, and ours looked newly finished, though a few things still needed upgrading. The work was modest but reasonable, and the room was comfortable. A bit more attention to detail would help, but it was good value for the area. There are some really good restaurants a few miles down the road in town. I’d consider staying again when I’m nearby.