Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Hoffman Estates, IL

There’s easy highway access, plenty of restaurants nearby, and it was quiet at night. The front desk staff were genuinely warm, check-in was quick, and the place felt family-run. My room was spotless, with a very comfortable bed, strong shower pressure, hot water, thick towels, a mini fridge, and a microwave. Wi-Fi was fast and free. Breakfast had a good mix of hot and cold choices, and staff kept everything stocked. The pool was closed during my visit, but the area looked clean and well maintained. The fitness room equipment worked, and the lobby seating area was cozy, good for relaxing or getting work done. Great value for the price. I’ll be back.

I felt so relaxed sitting by the pool. It’s a small, cute property within walking distance of great food, and the pool is a lovely extra when the weather’s good. The free breakfast was great too.

The last straw was the wake-up call. I called before bed and asked if they could set one up. The guy said, “Not really, most people use a cell phone nowadays, but I guess I can call you.” It’s kind of funny, but after all the attitude that day, it was too much. This was my second stay while my semi truck was in the shop. I used points through the Choice Hotels app for a free Wednesday night, then added Thursday. The general manager called to say my card had been declined for the $50 deposit and $30 nightly pet fee. I went to the desk, waited 15 minutes while she retried it, then went back and forth four times as she tried to reset the system. I finally asked to pay cash. The security deposit doubled to $100, while the pet fee stayed at $30. The lobby ATM was broken, so I had to run next door for cash. After that, I asked for extra towels and got attitude from the afternoon worker, who questioned why I needed three towels and two washcloths and said guests don’t normally ask for that. I explained I’d checked in the day before and had used the towels. He told me to bring the dirty ones down, which was fine, but I’d already spent all morning going between the room and front desk. I just wanted to relax.

There’s an IHOP right next door, and the hotel was pretty quiet. The rest was rough. I stayed four days at this run-down motel, where a leak in the lobby ceiling wasn’t being repaired. The lower third of my window screen was missing, the pillows were lumpy and hard, and it wasn’t clean. It also looked like it hadn’t been updated in about 20 years. Blaming guests for maintenance problems is pathetic and unprofessional. Saying the place was updated eight years ago only makes me wonder how bad it was before. Look at the unsatisfied guests’ photos and stop trying to talk your way around the obvious lack of care for the property.