Stratford Motor Lodge

I’ve thought about writing reviews before and never bothered, but this stay was so bad I can’t stand the idea of the place getting away with it. A sign taped to the office counter said, “No refunds after 10 minutes from check-in.” That should’ve been a warning. The room was filthy and run down. The paint was ancient, sloppily applied, and had hardened drips all over. The furniture was ancient too. In the bathroom, the plastic floor sheet was bubbled and delaminating, and every joint had caulk lines about 1/2" thick. There was old faux paneling along one wall with dozens of scotch tape ghosts, probably from notices, cobwebs behind the door, and several moth holes in the curtains. Despite being a “no smoking” room, it reeked of smoke. The only “amenities” were an ice bucket and plastic cups. I figured it was a cheap room and tried to accept that. Then I pulled the covers off the pillows and found several long black hairs. After seeing the condition of the room, I couldn’t stop wondering what else was disgusting, and I just couldn’t stay. I’d spent 20 years in the military and lived in all kinds of nasty places, but this was too much when I was paying for it. I took the key back to the office and said, “I can’t stay here, it’s too much.” The proprietor didn’t say anything, just tossed the key onto a pile, like I was one of many. I didn’t bother arguing. The nearby EconoLodge had a vacancy, and it felt like a 5-star upgrade compared with the nightmare I’d just left. I’d say don’t book here, but for the sheer entertainment value, maybe book it, take as many photos as you can within 10 minutes, and ask for a refund. Bring a bio hazard suit.

The area around the hotel is nice to visit, but I had a bad experience with the management over a refund. I told him I planned to check out a day early and asked for a refund. He said yes, but I never got the money for that day. He then told me to contact the original booking agent, so I did. When the agent called the hotel, they denied the refund, saying I hadn’t checked out. Really? How did you get the key the night before I left? Liar.

Roaches and bed bugs were eating the pizza when I came back from smoking a cigarette outside. I ended up sleeping in my car. Great, 90 bucks.

For the price and location, it’s a good motel in a nice neighborhood, close to Arlington cemetery. If you’re on a tight budget and it’s available, it’s a decent deal. With renovations and more modern accommodations, this place would be 5 star.