Echo Suites Extended Stay By Wyndham Nashville/ Gallatin

Echo Suites has new construction, a clean room, and a quiet location, which was what my family and I needed during Winter Storm Fern after our power went out at home in Goodlettsville. The room was in good working order, with no unpleasant odors despite the hotel's pet-friendly policy. It cost about $100 a night at the time, plus a one-time $50 pet fee and $10 for each additional night. The area is being built up with new neighborhoods and construction, so it may soon have restaurants and other amenities. It's also close to the Interstate. We picked an extended stay so we could cook, keep refrigerated food, and avoid packing too much from home. But the kitchenette came with a full sink, full-size fridge, and two eye stove, and almost nothing else. There was a single dish towel and a cutting board, but no cutlery, dishes, cookware, dish detergent, knives, extra blankets, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, or blow dryer. We borrowed some things from my office and friends in Gallatin. If we'd known, we could have prepared. During online checkout, I saw a dish set for two listed at $30 and a kitchen set with pots and pans at $40. That option wasn't shown when booking, and it isn't much use when you're checking out. Getting in and out with luggage was awkward. There are two sets of doors before the lobby, then another set between the front desk and the elevator area, all heavy and automatic. The other side has one door, but it doesn't lead to the front desk. There was only one luggage cart, and it wasn't available at check-in. We got to use it when checking out, but if someone else is moving in or out at the same time, you may have to carry your bags. There are signs saying the location is non-smoking and smoking isn't allowed within 20 feet of any entrance, but nearly every ashtray stand was placed in a way that contradicted that. Although the property allows dogs, I only saw one doggy bag and trash can station. Housekeeping was also sparse. I saw a housekeeper once in our 4-night stay, on the last morning, and mud had built up in the lobby and elevators as people and pets came in from the melting snow and ice. Echo Suites is a new building in a quiet area, but guests should know they'll need to bring their own household items or pay extra for things other extended stay brands include.

The room we're in smells smoky, even though rooms are supposed to be smoke free. When we asked to switch, the desk staff said they'd need approval and had to check availability. I looked online and it showed full availability. The young woman at the desk said the manager isn't on site on the weekend. They also can't refund us without the manager's approval. I would give no stars if it let me.

The rooms are clean and the location is convenient, but some staff are rude and often seem unsure what they're doing. Keep records of every call and interaction, including with the manager. She was very rude and unprofessional, speaking to guests in a disrespectful or threatening tone that made them feel unsafe or uncomfortable. I ran into other guests with similar problems. They're quick to double charge and take your money, so check your account daily. They refuse to address guest problems, play down how serious they are, or blame the guest. It's a shame that person is managing the place. There are cameras, but gather your own evidence. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING.

The lobby is clean, and you need a key card to get in from outside. There's laundry on site, $2.50 per wash. It's close to plenty of places, including Kroger, 6 minutes away, Walmart, 10 minutes, and the NCG cinema, 8 minutes. Lots of restaurants nearby, too. Dog friendly, with great business rates for extended stays.