The Lodge at Hocking College

We left only 20 minutes after my fiancé checked us in. The outside and lobby looked nice, but the room was another story. When I closed the blinds, bugs started crawling off them. We saw and killed at least 6, which I think may have been ants, thankfully not bed bugs. There was some kind of splatter on the wall behind the bed, and dust and who knows what else showed through the gaps between the mattress, bed frame, and footboard. There was a pink/red stain on the regular sheet, the fitted sheet, and even the bed after we lifted them. The towels had stains and frayed fabric. The bathroom only had a toilet and shower, with the sink in the room itself. Mold was in an outside corner of the shower, and some of the edging on the other side was coming up. The door had a card scanner, but opened without scanning a room key, and the trash can outside was filled to the brim. I've never left a hotel because I didn't feel comfortable sleeping there until this one. The front desk called the manager and got us a refund. They said they'd been having trouble with housekeeping, but if they're that short staffed or whatever, they shouldn't rent out all the rooms.

We took shelter from a thunderstorm and ended up joining in some activities at the lodge. Gracie was the absolute sweetest. We made trail mix and bracelets with her, then did a scavenger hunt around the lodge using the paper she gave us. It was so much fun. The dining area service was great, and the views from the restaurant are gorgeous. We started with garlic cheese curds. I had the southwest black bean burger, my daughter had fettuccine alfredo, and my mom got the hot honey chicken sandwich. The food was fantastic, and we enjoyed lunch. We stopped in after taking my daughter to explore Hocking College. We love visiting state parks, and the lodge was just renovated in 2022.

The breakfast choices were basically nonexistent: nothing hot, no juices or pastries, and no waffle mix for the lonely waffle maker on the counter. The pull-out couch sleeper was utterly disgusting and filthy. Cold air poured through the patio door like it might as well have been a screen door, and the upstairs bed squeaked with every tiny move I made. The decor and walk-in shower were nice, but the bathroom needs more hooks for hanging clothes.

The room was small and the sink's placement right inside the entrance was a little odd, but it was cozy and immaculately clean. Even with other people staying overnight, I wasn't disturbed during sleep, and the morning shower was hot with plenty of towels. Breakfast had cereal, bars, orange and apple juice, tea, coffee, packaged muffins, and a waffle iron. Check-in was easy. My room wasn't quite ready, so the friendly, cheerful, helpful attendant quickly assigned me another one. Coming back late, the keycard worked without issues and I found the room easily. Check-out with the morning crew was quick and efficient. This lodge is run by hospitality students at Hocking College, like the nearby Rhapsody restaurant, and they're on the path to success. It's easy to reach off 33, with only one light to contend with on the way. I found this hidden gem on an overnight stay while visiting Athens, and I'll definitely stay again on future trips. My highest recommendations.