Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Fort Jackson area

I was in Columbia for work and stayed here for more than three weeks. The hotel my job booked didn't sound promising after I read the reviews, but my stay was actually the opposite of what I'd expected. I found it quiet, safe, and clean for the price. Staff were courteous whenever I dealt with them, my room was cleaned daily, and breakfast was pretty good. It's not an expensive hotel, so keep expectations reasonable. I'd be fine staying here again if I return to Columbia.

We only stayed because we needed shelter from a bad storm. The room stank, the rugs were badly stained, and there was a strong cigarette smell despite it being a non-smoking room. The shower dripped, the fridge was broken, the coffee maker was missing its top, and there was broken furniture. There weren't any towels at first. I asked three times and eventually got two towels and two face cloths, which wasn't enough, especially after coming in with my service dog in the pouring rain and needing to dry her off. At checkout I mentioned that we still hadn't received the extra towels, so only one of us could shower. The clerk said I should have told him before he rang me out, even though I hadn't handed over the keys and had started by explaining the problems. He took the keys and tried to dismiss me. I said I wasn't paying full price. He offered $5 off; I asked for at least $20 and, as a Choice member for over five years, made him call the manager for approval. They spoke a foreign language, then he hung up and muttered about letting me bring in my dog. I lost my temper and told him I'd shown my service dog ID, even though I wasn't legally required to, and that federal law requires them to accept us. Rude, disrespectful, ignorant. This shouldn't be a hotel. It should charge by the hour. Disgusting, zero stars.

In the first room, the fridge had leaked and there was mold on the wet carpet beside the bed, as well as on the ceiling and down the bathroom wall. It smelled musty, so we asked to move. The next room hit us with a pungent odor when we walked in. We later figured out it was the sink trap. There was dirt and marks on the walls, peeling wallpaper, broken lamps, and stains on the carpet, chair, and comforter. We kept our shoes on except when getting into bed. At least the sheets were clean. The shower was so gross we skipped it. Probably the most disgusting place I've ever been.

The place looks almost closed, with a narrow parking lot and an entrance and lobby that are dirty, falling apart, and smelly. They told me renovations were underway and let me inspect the room before signing. It was worn and below average, though mostly clean, and I stayed because of the price. The whole facility is beat. The empty pool needs a complete rebuild, and the elevator didn't work. I skipped breakfast, though there may have been food; coffee and hot water for tea were available. There were cameras everywhere, so I felt secure, but wondered why so much security was needed. I wouldn't stay again.