Lexington Inn & Suites NW Chicago Elgin

I could only find a vacancy here, so I booked through a travel site, but the property looked nothing like its photos and was badly run down. The lobby smelled of cigarette smoke, and people who made me uneasy were hanging around the parking lot. Seeing Narcan on the lobby counter was another serious red flag. I asked for a refund because of the misleading photos, smoke, and safety concerns. They replied to my request but refused to refund me. This place is trash. Do not stay here.

The room was cheap, so I guess I got what I paid for, but I wish I'd spent a little more. For a two-person room, they didn't provide enough towels, and the staff seemed reluctant when I asked for a second one. Were we supposed to share? They also require a cash deposit, then return it before even checking whether you've trashed the room. I don't understand the logic. Maybe some guests forget to come back for it and that gives them a bonus.

There was no free breakfast, which is ridiculous for at least $100 a night. I paid but never received a receipt. When I asked, the woman just said I didn't need one. The chair in the room looked 40 years old and was stained, and the bathroom was awful. I couldn't bring myself to shower there. The whole place felt seedy, smelled terrible, and the rooms were full of mold.

The room was decent for one night. Just be careful about the price if you book at the front desk. I paid $120, while the same room was listed for $75 on Priceline and $80 on a few other apps. I'd book and pay through an app instead.