Econo Lodge Crystal Coast

The room itself was pretty good, with a king bed and a fairly roomy bathroom that could accommodate a wheelchair. The bed was comfortable, the shower had plenty of hot water and pressure, and the grounds were clean and well kept. Towels were a little thin. I didn't turn on the TV, so can't comment on it, though it looked like about a 40-inch set. After driving 690 miles, I was tired and took the downstairs pet-friendly room, even though I'd asked for an accessible room because of a knee injury and upcoming surgery. When I asked about a room without pets, I was told it would cost extra. The room didn't smell like a pet room. The young woman who checked me in called around 10:30 pm the first night to ask if everything was okay. Check-in customer service started out well, but during my three days there, both attendants were on their phones whenever I came in. They didn't acknowledge me when I came for coffee, and I was never greeted as a Choice member. Breakfast wasn't much: lukewarm coffee, bagels, toast, waffles, cold cereal, grits, oatmeal in a bag, and yogurt.

I needed a room for a business trip on short notice, and they were able to fit me in. The staff were informative and gave great customer service. I enjoyed my stay, recommend the place, and would stay again.

The room was clean, and check-out was easy. The desk staff were very nice, and check-in service was great. The location was fine. The remodeled room was just okay, though the linens left a lot to be desired. The towels and washcloths were very thin and worn, and one bed's sheets looked like they had burn holes. Breakfast is continental: cold cereal, oatmeal, make-your-own waffles, mini muffins, coffee, and juice. No fresh fruit.

I won't be back. This was the worst stay I've had at an Econolodge or any Choice Hotel brand. I expect little from an Econolodge beyond a bed, but this was bad. I'd booked non-smoking and was put in a smoking room. The first woman said company policy did that for all third-party bookings, even Choice. The morning staff member blamed it on a third-party problem, saying I'd booked through Choice instead of directly with them. Another guest got up from his table to complain about the same thing after me when I checked out. The room had a heavy smoke smell, a yellow-stained towel, food-looking stains on one of our two bedsheets, food residue on the counter by the sink, and water damage and a crack in the bathroom ceiling. People stomping overhead and banging on nearby doors woke me multiple times. Around midnight, loud music woke me too, and I saw a little roach crawling across the TV. My kids found a bigger one in the morning. I took them back to the desk. I wouldn't recommend this hotel to anyone.