Studio 1 Moscow Hotel & Extended Stay

The bathroom door doesn’t even lock, and at night the parking lot feels dark and scary. I sometimes didn’t feel safe in my room unless I latched and deadbolted it. There are cockroach-like bugs coming through the window cracks, so bring spray. The room is 15ft by 16ft, not counting the hallway, and the bathroom is 8ft by 9ft. There’s one desk to share with a roommate bunking above or below you, and barely enough space for one person. I’m 5'5 and have to squat under the showerhead. There are only two washers and two dryers for everyone, and one was “smoking” when I moved in. Laundry costs here, unlike at the other dorms. The heating system is prehistoric; I had someone check my room twice and it still took about a week to get fixed. The dining hall is across the highway, so you’ll probably go only twice a month and spend as much on groceries as on the meal plan. Their so-called continental breakfast is milk, cereal, toast, and granola bars. There’s plenty more I could say, but I’ll stop here. If you can, live off campus somewhere that won’t charge so much for a pile of dirt. Don’t waste your money. I’ve been here four months, and I’m utterly disgusted with the University of Idaho for putting me in the only dorms they could fit me into. It really feels like getting the short stick.

Saturday morning there was no running water at all. No shower, handwashing, or drinking water, and we got one toilet flush. That was a deal killer. We had a meeting we couldn’t miss, so we left without cleaning up; otherwise I would have made a real fuss at the front desk. I took photos and videos in case management disputes it. We needed somewhere to sleep and shower, but didn’t really get either. The pool looked more like a wet compost pile than somewhere to swim, nothing like the pictures, which must be from when the place was built. Outside, Moscow Police were driving around the motel, then parked across the street to watch who came and went. I don’t know what kind of reputation the motel has, but it can’t be good. The walls and common doors were paper thin, and we could hear nearby conversations late into the night, so I assume they heard us too. The place was moderately clean for a 2-star hotel, but shabby enough not to deserve that rating. The fabrics were stained and worn. I guess that’s what you get for the price these days. Thankfully, I found no bedbugs or fleas, though I was surprised. Stay somewhere else, even if it costs a couple bucks more. I wouldn’t expect this anywhere in North America.

The room, towels, bedding, and bathroom were all very clean, and the staff were friendly and helpful. The pool couldn’t be used because it was empty and being worked on, though I wouldn’t have used it anyway. It’s pet friendly, and the price was great. The only reasons I’m giving four stars are that the rooms are older and there was no breakfast. We’ll come back next time. I don’t agree with the reviews I read.

The front office staff were warm and welcoming at both check-in and checkout. Our room was clean and tidy, but its age and lack of maintenance showed. The door sill didn’t seal, letting in wind and the sound of people walking past. I reported the shower, but it still drained poorly and water pooled in the tub. The aging motel needs a remodel to meet the standards guests expect now.