Econo Lodge Elkridge near Arundel Mills

I lasted 30 minutes before leaving. The first room smelled strongly of smoke, and the replacement was marked non-smoking but still reeked. The stench stayed in my naturals. I walked in and was greeted by a wasp, and I was very concerned about bedbugs. The area wasn't clean, and the place gave me the impression that “services” could be rendered. I also assumed the people living at the hotel weren't the most savory kind. I would not stay there.

There are fast food places and stores nearby, but the smoke smell was insane, even for someone like me who smokes. I walked past a HUGE dead rat, then saw its cousins and family running through the whole parking lot. I was scared to get out of the car in case one jumped in or knocked me over.

We looked at the room before deciding to stay a week while here on business for a few weeks. The outside looks a little dated, but our room was clean, comfortable, and had updated furniture, plus USB charging in the light next to the bed. We slept well because it was very quiet, and the staff were welcoming. It costs less than most places. We also looked at another Choice hotel that cost a bit more and was in worse shape. The room is a great bargain, and the hotel seems to stay pretty full.

The special weekly offer is $480, which works out to $80 a night for six nights with the seventh night free. Unfortunately, that rate doesn't earn Choice Rewards Points. The older manager is absolutely easier to deal with than the younger male, who I'm guessing is his relative.