Budgetel Inn Glen Ellyn

The room was dirty and smelly, the bed was filthy, the lamp didn't work, and the halls reeked of urine. The floors were dirty too. We went in, took one look, and left without bringing in our bags. From outside, the buildings already looked disgusting, and I can't believe anyone is allowed to stay there. I wasn't about to pick up a disease, so we found somewhere better. I didn't want to believe the reviews, thinking it couldn't be that bad, but believe me, it is. Never go here. We arrived early in the morning after working all night and just needed somewhere to sleep. They laughed at us, and only after a lot of hassle did we get a room. Google said America's Best Inn was permanently closed, but they put us in a room there instead of Budgetel. It seems Budgetel is using America's Best Inn's old, filthy buildings to house people.

I spent a long time in this motel, and it was a bargain for the area. After a while, the rate for my room went down. The room and bed were comfortable, with plenty of cable channels and Wi-Fi, and I had no complaints during my stay. The rooms aren't especially up to date, though they did redo the carpeting in the entryways and halls. It's a family-run business, and they try to keep the place up. The staff were friendly, accommodating, professional, and courteous throughout. Dennis Chitnis, the general manager, is especially pleasant, helpful, and kind. On my first day, the manager was incredibly helpful. I'm in my 70s, have had both hips broken, and don't always walk easily. It was a very hot June day, and I was exhausted from moving out of my apartment. He had me sit while he brought me the paperwork, then asked maintenance to get my bags from the car and put them in my room. He also made sure I had a room near an entrance so I wouldn't have far to walk later. That's great customer service. I've lived nearby for about 30 years and know the area well. The motel is in a very safe business district, with fast food places, shops, a small park across the street, and a police station about two blocks away. There's also a fire station across the street. The parking lot is well lit, and I always felt safe. I would stay there again if I needed to.

The staff were friendly and accommodating, and the morning coffee was nice. It looked like they might have juice and pastries sometimes, perhaps on weekends. The renovated rooms are clean and look like a three-star hotel, though they're pretty basic: phone, TV, and lamps, with no alarm clock or much else. Apparently some rooms have a microwave and fridge. It's a good option if you're on a tight budget, and I was satisfied with the value.

I've lived here since December, and the place was filthy at first. I ended up cleaning my own room. Some staff don't enter your payments in the system, and the manager will lie and take you to court for extra money. Even when you show proof of rent in court, they kick you out anyway, with a child and nowhere to go. I found a baby rat in the toilet and have killed five more in my room recently. There are also lots of gnats. You have to deal with all of this yourself or it won't get done, because the owner doesn't call an exterminator and doesn't seem to care. The hallways smell strongly of drugs too. I don't recommend this place unless you want to deal with unprofessional staff.