Quality Inn St. Croix River Valley

Even arriving around 11pm on a Friday, we got checked in quickly and the room was quiet. The beds were comfortable, the bathroom was clean, and there were plenty of fresh towels. The room had lots of space, too. We’d definitely stay again.

We left about 20 minutes after arriving because the pool, which the website lists, has been drained and closed since 2020 according to the front desk. The site doesn't make that clear. The hallway by the stairs smelled strongly of cigarette smoke, and I had my five year old with me. There are no elevators, the decor is dated, and the desk clerk was on a phone call when we arrived, so we had to wait to check in. For a basic overnight, it might do, but the rooms and service felt like low grade Motel 6. Families with kids may prefer the Hampton Inn half a mile away, where the reviewer says the rooms, service, and quality are better and the pool is open. The pool here is drained, not just temporarily closed, so I wouldn't count on it reopening.

The staff were helpful from the start, and the continental breakfast was decent. Our room was simple, clean, and updated, and the pool area looked nice. The real standout came at checkout: it was more than ten degrees below zero and our car wouldn't start. While I was on hold with AAA, my husband told the manager, and she offered the hotel's jump starter right away. We were going again within minutes. A great choice for an inexpensive hotel.

After many years as a Diamond member, I asked Choice to delete my account. I spent $450.34 on a reservation I won't use, and the website won't let me redeem my 20,608 points for the gift card it offers. I won't starve without the $50.00 card, but it was still a frustrating end to this. More than a week before check-in, I learned my party would need only one room instead of two. I asked the hotel to change my prepaid, nonrefundable booking from two rooms for three nights to one room for six nights. They said no changes were possible and sent me to Choice Hotels. Choice directed me to another department, where I had to call a third time. That department contacted the hotel with the same request, and the hotel refused again. It seemed like the same number of room nights, with one room freed up for them to sell. Looking at the number of negative reviews posted that day, maybe this was a blessing in disguise. Choice could use better customer service and new dusters.