Rest Inn - Elizabeth

Customer service wasn't bad, and that's the only reason this gets two stars. I didn't have my charger and my phone battery was dead, so I couldn't take pictures. Still, how can anyone run a business like this without doing the minimum? I've stayed in countless hotels and motels in the U.S. and abroad, including developing countries, and this is by far the worst place I've encountered. I usually pay close attention to Google reviews. Despite seeing alarming ones, including some saying the health department should shut the place down, I ignored them and booked anyway. They were right. The AC barely works and is clogged with dust, so I had to keep the door open for ventilation even though it was freezing outside. I kept all my daytime clothes and socks on to stay warm. The bed sheets were filthy, with reddish stains that I sincerely hope weren't blood. It's shocking to find conditions like this in a developed country like the U.S. Charging nearly $100 a night for such unsanitary conditions is unacceptable. The NJ health department should inspect regularly and take immediate corrective action. This place deserves a negative star rating. Thank God I'm now somewhere decent at a good price. I'll never come back, even if it were free.

I checked out early and booked another hotel because I couldn't take the noise and conditions anymore. People were hanging around outside all night, with loud music and constant noise in the hallways. The place felt really ratchet and unsafe. The TV didn't work, and nobody seemed interested in fixing it. Rest Inn in Elizabeth, NJ was bad enough that I feel I need to warn people, even though I don't usually write reviews. The room was dirty from the moment I arrived, with uncleaned floors, questionable-looking sheets, and a musty smell that made it hard to relax. There weren't any towels, and the front desk said they were “out.” Seriously? This place needs serious attention and better management. Spend the extra money elsewhere; peace of mind and hygiene are worth it.

It's a small room, but I'm glad there were no bugs. It has a microwave and a mini fridge.

I tried repeatedly to cancel my booking before check-in because of extenuating circumstances, but nobody answered. The company I booked through contacted the hotel and got no response either. An advocate at the facility tried contacting them too, still nothing. This hotel does shady business and makes money from cancellations, so I wouldn't recommend it. The place also looks like it might have bugs and dirty walls.