By The Way Motel Columbia

I needed a room within walking distance of the Blue Note, and booked the day before because it was cheap. Check-in was 3 p.m.; I arrived after 5 while traveling from out of town, only to be told the people due to leave at 11 were still there and refused to go. They had no other vacancies and hadn't called ahead or canceled. Yet the parking lot was completely empty. I asked the receptionist to tell the occupants I was there for my room. She was gone for over five minutes while my friend waited in the car, where people stopped behind our vehicle and snooped around. When she came back, she said they were getting their things together. I had to get ready for my event, and we didn't stay long because we felt unwelcome, especially dressed in drag costumes for it. The long lists of rules and extra fees at reception say a lot about the problems they have with guests. The receptionist seemed tired and overworked. Never again, though maybe someone else likes the sketchy vibe. Clock that tea.

New ownership and management are the best thing that's happened to this place. They make you feel welcome and safe, and you can already see they're turning it into something nice. The beds are comfy, and the customer service is phenomenal. Check it out now and you'll notice the difference.

My room was broken into, and someone stole my passport.

We had to stay for two days because everywhere else was booked for a home game. The room was very dirty and had a persistent mildew smell, which made the stay uncomfortable. On the third day, when we went to pay, the owner abruptly told us to leave without explaining why. It was raining, and we had a child with us. We also never got our deposit back, and no explanation was offered for that either. The way things were handled left me feeling that something was wrong and that the motel wasn't being straightforward. My experience at Super 7 Motel was far from satisfactory, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.