Econo Lodge Fort Payne

I asked for an outside room because I didn’t want to unpack my car in a shady place, but they put me inside, so I had to unload the whole car. Within two minutes of arriving, people were asking me for drugs and all kinds of stuff. There were all kinds of homeless people here. The TV didn’t work for the first hour, and staff came to try to fix it. They barely managed. There was moldy food in the corner, dirt all over the room, and toenails along the wall. The tub was completely disgusting.

Nice room, everything worked, and it was under 80 bucks a night. Can't beat it.

There’s not much to do in the town itself, but the hotel is pretty close to lots of natural areas for hiking and climbing. The room door kept getting stuck, the towels weren’t very clean, and we found animal poop on the breakfast cereal. The butter had gone bad too, and breakfast was very limited.

The helpful, personable man at the desk was a bright spot, and at least the parking lot had good lighting. We spent one night there for a ball tournament and were grateful it was quiet. I was a single mom traveling with two young boys, and we were worried, but knew we only had to stay one night. The beds were ancient and not soft, though I guess the sheets were clean. The room smelled musty or like old smoke, some kind of unwelcoming stank. I brought a space fan and room spray, and ran the air conditioner while we were at the ball field on day one. It smelled a bit better when we got back. This place needs a serious deep clean and updating. The bathroom door had months of nasty splatters on it. Hot water was okay for washing my face, but I wouldn’t drink it. None of us wanted to shower, and I had to clean the toilet seat. The property’s first impression wasn’t good, even with a Waffle House attached. We weren’t going to eat the free breakfast. I imagine rooms toward the back might get rowdy, though ours at the front was quiet. You get what you pay for, and live and learn. If you can afford a better hotel, pay double. If you can’t, we managed one night and so can you. Personally, I wouldn’t stay again. Expectations should be low for an economy stay. Good luck and safe travels.