Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Monterey Beachfront-Marina, CA

We drove 12 hours to stay here because the photos looked decent. Instead, the place was filthy, and the staff seemed desensitized to the lack of basic accommodation and health standards. There were roaches and rats, the shower had no hot or even warm water, the head sprayed everywhere but into the tub, and our room lock didn't work. The TV was out, and there were no blankets or towels. When I asked for another room, the “new” one had two bare, disgusting mattresses without sheets. The front desk person took a personal call while I tried to explain that the room wasn't suitable for anyone. Then he told me to tour three more rooms and decide if they were okay. I said checking that rooms are clean and have sheets isn't my job. I asked for a refund and was immediately denied. They said I'd have to check out to get one. We were eventually given another room, conveniently connected to the one we'd been in. That's when I realized both rooms had rat droppings, and I saw a rat on the mini fridge in the cabinet. The staff were awful and the cleanliness atrocious. I don't know how they can legally use the Radisson name. This place and its staff are a joke.

They called before I arrived to say there was no hot water. I didn't want to look for another place, so I stayed anyway. The room is small, but clean and comfortable, with a coffee maker and fridge. The towels are fabulous. There's no microwave or chairs. Staff are helpful. They serve a hot breakfast, but it doesn't start until 7 on weekends, so I've never seen it.

The bathroom and floor were in awful shape. The tub didn't drain properly, and water just sat there. The floor looked very dirty, almost black, as if it hadn't been cleaned in a long time. One bed had dirty sheets and pillows that looked as if they'd only been straightened after the previous guests. The tables and nightstands were so dirty I didn't want to touch them. Someone else's food was still in the refrigerator, which clearly hadn't been cleaned. I booked Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Monterey Beachfront-Marina based on the photos and didn't check reviews first, which was my mistake. I wouldn't recommend staying here. I regret it, and paying around $100 a night doesn't justify conditions this unacceptable and dirty.

The location is great and the grounds were well kept. Breakfast had limited options, so it was just mid, but the food was prepared well and presented nicely. The staff were wonderfully accommodating, and I can see potential in this hotel. It was fine for a couple of nights. The upgrades seem to have been done very cheaply. Our room smelled of smoke, and there was a cigarette burn on the sheet. Some questionable people were around, and it looked like a few might be sleeping in their cars in the parking lot. With a child, we didn't feel very safe and worried about our vehicles. You get what you pay for here, so be aware that a discount comes at a price.