Best Western Plus The Inn at Hampton

Stranded 1,500 miles from home after my truck’s transmission failed, I ended up at the Best Western for five days. Everyone there was so caring, helpful, and kind the whole time. The rooms were clean, and breakfast was good. I’d absolutely recommend them, and if I could give the staff 10 stars, I would.

The room was updated and clean, and the front desk staff were friendly. But the smell in there was awful, like really bad fish. It hit us as soon as we walked in. We tried spraying things and perfume, hoping it would clear, but when we came back that night it was just as strong. It was nauseating and offensive, and I couldn’t figure out what was causing it. I didn’t complain because I didn’t want to be “that person,” and I knew they had no other rooms available, so I needed somewhere to stay. I don’t usually leave negative reviews, but that experience may keep me from coming back. I’d suggest speaking up if this happens to you. It was disgusting.

On our last night, we came back to find our room door standing ajar and unlocked. As far as we know, nothing was missing, but anyone walking by could have entered and taken things. Staff hadn’t cleaned the room, so we felt they’d come in to look through our belongings instead. The door had apparently been left open all day. This was part of a larger security problem. During the day, entire hallways of guest rooms were left unlocked with doors open. I’ve never seen that at another hotel. Staff should only unlock the room they’re working on, and someone needs to track which rooms require cleaning. The daily practice showed a complete lack of basic security and oversight. Mildred the manager handled our complaint unprofessionally and didn’t seem to take it seriously. She kept defending the staff and accepting no responsibility. They briefly checked camera footage, apparently trying to pin it on us, and said we had left and come back that morning. The footage showed us closing the door and pulling the handle several times to make sure it was fully shut and locked. Mildred sent us away from the front desk while acting as if her coworker was still reviewing the video. She said she’d follow up with more information, but never did. Neither the hotel nor Best Western corporate offered any compensation. Their response was disgusting, with no accountability. It felt like they cared about taking our money and not about guests or the problems they might face. The elevator inspection had also expired more than a month earlier, which says a lot about their concern for guest safety. Best Western has lost many customers for life over this negligence around basic safety and security, and the terrible service.

We left early because the sheets and mattress protectors weren’t clean. We asked a cleaner in the hallway for fresh sheets, and she had to get a manager. The manager said, “it’s just the protector, we don’t have any extras,” then walked away. No other room or discount was offered. Don’t stay here.