Comfort Suites (Durham)

After an 8 hour drive, arriving at 9:30, it was a welcome sight. The front desk lady was kind, and although a sign mentioned renovations on the 4th and 5th floors and the elevators, none of that interfered with our stay. Our first room was clean and well kept, but uncomfortably cold because the heat was broken. The front desk handled it politely and had us moved to a new room on the same floor within minutes. The public spaces were nicely decorated, and the rooms looked pleasant. The fitness Center and pool were both closed, which is understandable in December. The breakfast was simple but better than at many hotels I’ve visited before. There were 2 waffle makers, toast, bagels, muffins, a few kinds of cereal, microwave oatmeal, juice, and milk. The staff were amazing and helpful, and we’ll be returning soon despite a few drawbacks. I noticed marijuana smell as soon as I got to the 3rd floor. It was faint at first, but got stronger while I waited for the people I was travelling with, until my head started to spin. I don’t think it was actually that strong, since I have a track record of a heightened sense of smell. Later I went down to the second floor to get to the balcony, and smelled it again while walking past the first hallway. I don’t blame the hotel or staff at all, and it didn’t take away from our stay, but it was a surprise.

The front desk staff were amazing, helpful, and considerate. They let me check in two hours early, and arranging an airport drop-off was easy. The room was decent for the price, though the refrigerator was rusty inside and the microwave felt old. I noticed a few hairs and some dirt near the top of the bed, but the sheets were fresh. I clean and disinfect any room I stay in anyway, and this one wasn't as bad as some other hotels I've been to.

The front desk woman was kind and moved us when our first room smelled strongly of cigarettes despite being non-smoking, and the bathroom smelled like urine. The AC had no cover, and the whole room felt grimy. Our next room looked like it hadn't been cleaned and might still be occupied, so we had to move again. The third room seemed fairly clean and had no smell, and the bed was comfortable, but there were ants all over the bathroom. I wouldn't stay again. The staff member was accommodating, though, and the coffee was decent.

Israel at the front desk made me feel appreciated as a Choice Hotels member. I kept calling down because I'd left a million things at home, and he stayed patient, professional, friendly, and helpful every time. He honored my requests, including giving me extra shampoo, conditioner, and towels. Grade A service! The room was spacious and very clean, and the location was great. I slept like a baby in the soft king bed, with those fluffy pillows. I'd be happy to stay here again.