Econo Lodge Framingham Area

The receptionist was courteous and knew the area well. Still, I’d booked a smoke-free room and it smelled of smoke. I could hear the bar under part of the motel, with music and noise coming through the hallway floor on my way to my room. I was glad I hadn’t been assigned one of the rooms in that section. In the morning, I spotted two millipedes while using the bathroom.

The owner understood and refunded me, which I really appreciated. I just didn’t feel comfortable staying there. The area seemed too sketchy, and the hallway smelled like urine. In my room, the lighting was dismal, the smell was a little off, and the pillows smelled as if people had slept on them before.

I checked ahead because the reviews were awful, and they assured me there was continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi. There was no breakfast. At 7:30 a.m. I woke the receptionist while looking for it, and she said they hadn’t offered it in a while. She didn’t apologize for the misleading promise when I booked. The Wi-Fi was DSL-speed, if that. The furniture was stained and the bedspreads had cigarette burns. The bar next door sounded like it was in my room, and smokers gathered right outside my door. I could hear the music as if I were inside the bar.

The place is right on the main road, fairly quiet, and the bed was okay. But the shower rod was broken, and I have photos. The tub wasn’t clean, with pubic hair in it. I went to the office around 5:45 a.m. to report it, but no one answered. Guest services seemed to be on hiatus. I couldn’t reach Choice customer support either, despite waiting on hold for 40 minutes. I hope they don’t add a charge to my room for the broken shower rod.