AmericInn by Wyndham Inver Grove Heights Minneapolis

There wasn't any way to switch rooms because the hotel was fully booked, and the one we got was filthy. Sticky counters, stained bedding, carpet that looked unvacuumed, holes in the doors, and chunks of paint missing from the walls. The hallways smelled like cigarettes. I hoped the pool would make the night better, but the hot tub was much too hot and there were no towels to dry off with. After swimming, we tried to shower, only to find both the shampoo and conditioner empty. Breakfast was nearly gone when we came down with 45 minutes left. There were just a few pieces of stale bread and some Light & Fit yogurt, though I managed to scrape together enough waffle batter for one round. I wanted a fun night away with my kids, and instead it was a letdown. As a single mom, it was especially disappointing to spend what I did and have this be our experience.

The rooms were adequate. Breakfast was a bit of a joke: biscuits and gravy both days, with turkey gravy. The shuttle driver was a little better than the previous one.

The price was good, but the pickup cost us time, so I wouldn't recommend it. Getting to the airport was fine, about four stars, nothing special. The room was okay for a night, but the bed was rock hard. The return pickup was a one-star experience. I'd confirmed twice by phone that we should wait at the off-site shuttle area, which was where I went after leaving baggage claim. An hour and a half passed before we were collected. The driver called after 40 minutes to say we were at the wrong place and that he'd come back in another 30-40 minutes. Then he called again to say someone would arrive in 20 minutes, but the van showed up 50 minutes later. It was a banged-up Country Inn & Suits van, which was confusing when we were looking for an Americaninn van.

The room really needed a proper clean. There was toothpaste still on the faucet, dirt on the shower floor, sticky goo on the ledge, hair on the toilet, and the toilet paper looked used and unfolded. The towels seemed like they might have been folded back up and put out again. The window sill needed wiping, and shelves, headboards, wall art, curtain tops, and other surfaces were dusty. The heater was off and set to A/C in winter. The bathroom and room also showed a lot of wear: chipped paint around the tub, yellowish streaks down the walls above the tile, stains and chips on the toilet, sink and tub, filthy grout, dings everywhere, and a vanity light that was out. Some of the paint around the tub looked like it might be degrading latex paint. Check-in was a little slow, and the $100 deposit on my Visa seemed excessive given there wasn't much that could be charged to the room. Parking was horrible. I understand the hotel offers park and fly, but there wasn't room for guests checking in. The only open spots had very visible Applebee's signs warning that those spaces would tow. I live locally and have seen cars towed from that lot many times. They were closed for Christmas, but tomorrow morning would be another story.