Elkins Inn And Suites

The bill charged to my card ended up $40 above the quote, after we’d been told the suite price was steep and non-negotiable. There was no heat, even though it was mid-October in West Virginia. We’d ended up here because we couldn’t find another room in town, for reasons we never learned, on a Friday night in the middle of October. The appeal of staying in a former hospital wore off fast. The room felt like it hadn’t changed since around 1980, bits of ceiling had fallen onto the floor and furniture, and neither of the suite’s two TVs worked. What a horrible stay. Avoid this place for your own well-being and your wallet. Absolutely never again.

The front desk staff were kind, accommodating, and genuinely helpful. We wanted to like this place, and the old hospital has some charm, but the room was a different story. It smelled of smoke, the bathroom was tiny with the sink outside it, and everything looked dated, right down to the old box TV. There were stains on the floor and along the bed. We flipped the mattress and found a bed bug bomb, plus eggs and casings underneath. The sheets had stains and dog hair and other hairs, and seemed like they might not have been changed after the previous guest. We told the desk right away and left. They didn’t seem shocked or surprised. We found a nicer hotel, not a motel, for about the same price and had no issues. We like supporting local businesses, but couldn’t do it this time. It’s unfortunate.

The location is right in town, with food and shops just across the street, and Elkins is easy to explore on foot. Inside the huge repurposed hospital building, the lobby is spacious, with spotless grand pianos, lovely plants, and period leather furniture. Check-in was quick and friendly. The wide corridors and heavy doors and windows made this the quietest room I’ve stayed in. The room itself was clean, nice, and practical. There’s a good free breakfast and strong, tasty coffee. Wandering around the building, you’ll see the owners’ eclectic style, including lots of ornate pipe organs. The large gift shop has a mix of souvenirs and antiques for sale. This place is an experience as well as somewhere to sleep. If you enjoy trying something new, give it a whirl. You won’t be disappointed.

The location was great, with lots nearby, and the price was cheap. You can definitely tell the place used to be a hospital. I’m not sure there’s AC, the unit seemed to be running in fan mode and circulating outdoor air.