Colby Inn and Suites

It was noisy all night, with the only other guests seeming to be construction workers, some working on vehicles. The room looked clean, but it was very dark and clearly missing lamps. The bed wasn’t bad, though the outside looked really run down. It seemed like it had been a Choice Hotel at some point. The toilet handle came off overnight, so I had to lift the chain inside the tank to flush. Later, while we were watching TV, the power went out in the room because a breaker blew. When I went to report it, I saw a large extension cord running from the hall to the outside door, leaving that back door unsecured.

The staff were the best part, really friendly. Our room was clean overall, with just a couple of smudges, and had plenty of towels, a decent-sized fridge, a microwave, and a nice shower. We ended up here because a Kansas windstorm had closed the highway. The room was only $65, and bringing our cat cost just $10 extra, which was a great deal.

The room was spacious and quiet, and the shower was nice, though there was a slight cigarette smell. The motel is being remodeled and upgraded, but some work still needs doing. The window was unlocked, which I didn’t like, and its screen was torn. Housekeeping could do better too: I found a wrapper on the floor, the mirrors were dirty, and the shower fixtures had water spots. There’s no sign out front, so it was hard to find. I’d stay again, though I hope the remaining repairs get finished.

The sheets hadn’t been changed before I arrived. There were black flakes and black hairs on them, so I asked to move rooms, but the next room had hairs on the pillowcase too. Drywall was coming down in the bathroom, and there was no smoke detector. How safe is that? This place was dirty and gross, a real dive. I’ve stayed in hotels in Mexico while riding bikes in Baja, and even those seemed like the Hilton compared with this. There’s a brand-new Motel 6 across the street. I wish I’d known before booking a nonrefundable stay.