Lompoc Valley Inn & Suites

There was a really unpleasant smell in both the room and the hotel, and the blankets could use replacing. The place needs a refresh, and it was sad that police had to be called at 2 a.m. over a disturbance in one room. The service was good, and I appreciated the free breakfast and parking.

We had a great stay as a family. The front desk staff were courteous and helpful, and they let us check in early for free. The beds were clean and comfortable, and checkout at noon was handy since most places have 11 a.m. checkout. Breakfast was free, plentiful, and had a nice range of food, coffee, and juice. We didn’t use the pool or hot tub, but they looked nice and had reasonable seating around them. Parking was good, though the entrances besides the front desk were a little confusing. The breakfast room was tricky to find too. It’s outside by the pool, across from the spa, and there’s a sign. Some things could use cosmetic work. The room could use more lights, and the wiring and lighting looked old, though everything worked. A few paint or glue touch-ups would help. The bathroom was clean and had clean towels, but the loose wallpaper should be fixed or replaced. The hinges were very rusty and unattractive, and the bottom of the door had water damage. Maybe a weather plate or some cover would help, though I don’t think the damage was really the hotel’s fault. The air conditioner smells when starting up or set to a higher temperature, but runs well once it gets going. The bed’s top cover is itchy, so I’d keep it over the sheet if using it. The shower knob takes some muscle and know-how. I had to call for instructions: pull the center temperature knob toward you to turn on the water, and push it in firmly to turn it off. It feels like it might break, but it doesn’t. Most of my complaints are cosmetic. Some bad reviews seem picky, or from people used to resorts.

The continental breakfast was good. The toilet is small, and the two-queen room has just one sink.

The staff were all very nice and tried their best, but the place is understaffed and a lot of things don’t work. The rooms aren’t very nice, and you might not even get one that’s been cleaned. I’d find somewhere else to stay.