Best Western East Towne Suites

The lobby was pleasant, the staff friendly, and breakfast was basic but perfectly fine for a free continental spread. For the price, the hotel worked as a clean, safe place to sleep during our weekend visit, though I wouldn’t choose it if I planned to spend much time there. Our room and the building felt worn, with big chips in the walls, cracks by the door frame, an older mattress, and a stale smell in the hallway. The shower drained slowly, and the room was noisy, both from people in the hall and from the mini fridge making loud, random sounds.

I’ve stayed at this brand for about 75% of my trips as a BW member, but I won’t return to the MADISON location and can’t recommend it until it gets attention. During the women’s bowling tournament, February 12-15, people were banging on doors around 5 a.m. asking to be let in and following women. One woman was surrounded and threatened by homeless people, and the women were afraid to stay the last night. The neighborhood felt very bad, and a few men were arrested for dealing. Inside, there were dealers at the hotel and in the parking lot, homeless people in the breakfast area filling bags with food, and one woman bathing in the lobby bathroom. We found drugs in that bathroom, too. People were let in without showing ID, and the front desk didn’t seem bothered. Our rooms had flies covering the windows, dirty tubs, and broken locks on adjoining rooms. Breakfast was a 5 out of 10.

I booked 12 rooms for 26 women in mid-February, and our group was scared to leave the rooms during what should have been a fun weekend. Two rooms had fly infestations, people were roaming the parking lot, and a man banged on one room’s door at 5 in the morning, asking to be let in. Outside, two men surrounded one of the women and she feared for her life. People who weren’t paying guests propped doors open so others could enter. There was drug use in the lobby bathroom, and a woman was bathing there. I contacted the hotel manager. He apologized and said he wanted another chance to provide a superior experience. I also contacted Best Western’s corporate office, but they told me to contact the hotel manager. I’m very disappointed in how Best Western handled the weekend, and I’m scared for the staff and guests.

CJ and Jen made us feel welcome right away, greeting my family at the front desk with smiles and a willingness to help. The rooms were clean and the beds comfortable. Breakfast was delicious, and the staff worked hard to put out a good meal.