Scarborough Beach Motel

I booked this for a romantic getaway and was told I’d have an ocean view. Instead, my window faced the street, with a building blocking the water, and the other side looked onto a parking lot. To see the ocean, I had to cross the highway to get to the beach. I arrived about an hour and a half before check-in and was allowed into the room, but they charged a $35 early check-in fee. I asked about an ice machine and was told there isn’t one, so you have to buy bags of ice.

I paid $324 after booking Friday and Saturday nights on Friday afternoon, but then a rain and wind storm came through and I couldn’t make it. When I tried to cancel a few hours later, I got no refund. Apparently a third-party booking site that looks like the hotel can keep your money that way. I called the hotel to ask if they could help and got nowhere. Why partner with third parties if you know they do this? They’ve got a nice little scam going, and I’ll never do business with Scarborough beach motel again. I hope this keeps someone else from making my mistake.

I had a death in the family and called seven days ahead, but they wouldn’t return my $334. I called again and asked if they could reinstate my reservation. They said no, but offered half toward another room. I booked a different day, and they promised me a second-floor room with a full ocean view and said they would return half my money. Neither happened, and I still haven’t received anything. Room 109 was on the highway, with a parking lot in front and no ocean view on the first floor. We even went back the next day, and that was the view from the front door. The owner’s statement is a total lie. From the start, they assured me I’d get a second-floor oceanfront room. Do yourself a favor and don’t go. Very bad.

Room 122 had constant noise from the utility room, and the bed was uncomfortable. At $300 a night, it wasn’t worth it. First stay and last. Thanks for the lousy night. I’m sure you sleep well knowing you took $300 for a worthless stay.