Birch Hill Suites Kansas City – Independence

There were blinds but no curtains, so the bright outdoor light filled the room and made sleep nearly impossible. The bed corner by the nightstand smelled strongly of animal urine, and I had to sleep on the far edge of the other side. In the morning I found a roach on the nightstand. The room was run down, with paint all over the floor, a toilet that kept running, and no trash can. Disgusting place. Don't stay here unless you're homeless like the others living here.

I've been here about a month thanks to Catholic charities VA. My wife and kids stay here off and on too, without any issues. The kids go to school in Kansas, and my wife is helping her grandma. The staff have been cool, understanding, and respectful of our privacy. If you explain what you need, they'll listen. They do expect you to respect the place and the other people staying here, and then you'll get that respect back. Police have come by while I've been here, but not for anything negative. They stop problems from escalating and move along. Thanks, Birch Hill staff! -318

My fiancée and I stayed for a few weeks. The room already had damage when we checked in, which we didn't think much of until the last week. Management blamed us for old holes in the mattress. We didn't make them. The mattress protector had no holes and was being pretreated in the tub to be washed. I had taken pictures. After I paid for a week, I had to go to the ER for sickle cell pain. I have a medical license for Mariana for that pain. While I was in the hospital, they went through my belongings and took it. We never smoked in the room. I use it for severe pain, and anyone who's suffered from sickle cell can relate. I'm on disability. They evicted me over mattress holes we didn't cause, and cited drugs, even though mine is through a doctor and state compliant. They refused a refund and told others slanderous, defamatory things about us, including calling me a drug addict to justify not refunding us. The paperwork says they may come in to inspect, but that doesn't give them a right to invade my privacy and go through my things. It also said housekeeping would be provided, but the room wasn't kept as clean as it should have been. I tried to settle out of court for just my refund, but that didn't work. I'm planning to sue for the emotional distress and have an attorney. They already have an attorney who said I have a strong case, with all my documentation. I hope they hire new staff so this doesn't happen to another guest.

I've been here three months, and whenever an issue has come up, it's been handled right away. General Manager Tay is friendly and personable, and goes out of her way to make sure guests are looked after. The staff are very welcoming. It feels like a home away from home, and the price is right. Tim