Howard Johnson Express Inn - Franklin

There’s no elevator, so you have to carry all your luggage to the room. The hallways were dirty and smelled of cigarettes and pot, and there were no window screens. We only got two towels, there was no phone in the room, and they didn’t offer coffee. The pool couldn’t be used, and the bathtub was dirty. The toilet almost never flushed. I had to take the tank lid off and try to get it working. I’d never recommend this hotel to anyone.

We’d booked the Economy Lodge, but they don’t allow dogs, so a woman there told us about the Relax in. After checking in and seeing the room, I was shocked. It smelled so strongly like a male cat had sprayed everywhere that we left. I love cats, but I couldn’t handle that smell. The nice woman at the desk refunded our money. Stay away, or ask to see the room before checking in.

Room 111 had bedbugs. I didn’t find out until the next day, after waking with 12 bites on my arms. We’d traveled 11 hours, needed to spend the night in Franklin, had a pet with us, and didn’t know about the bugs when we checked in. We paid $103 for the worst room we’ve ever had, and I’d give negative stars if I could. It seems more like a place people rent by the week. The room was filthy and dark, with no TV, cobwebs, and a chunk missing from the top of the toilet tank. There were cigarette butts all around the front door and broken windows in some of the upper rooms. The darkness made it hard to see how dirty everything was. Also, don’t use the number provided for reservations. They charge a fee of $17.00 or more, and it can’t be refunded if you decide not to stay. Economy Lodge is attached to one end of the building. I didn’t go in, but I’d avoid it too since they share a parking lot and a handwritten sign at Relax Inn says to contact Economy Lodge for service.

The evening front desk person was friendly, but the condition of the building was really poor. It shouldn't be taking guests in this state. I know you get what you pay for, but a clean room and a toilet that works are basic. The pictures say plenty.