Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Newark, DE

I’ve been here for the last three weeks for work, and I’d happily stay again, even if I were paying myself. The front desk staff are friendly and usually have fresh cookies. The rooms are spacious and clean, with decent TVs. Water pressure was a bit weak, but still within normal hotel standards. I really have nothing bad to say.

The breakfast was pretty good, and the staff were friendly. The rest of the property needs serious work, and I’d rate it two stars at most, nowhere near a three-star level. The hallway carpet was stained and the doors needed repainting. My room felt humid and muggy, the furniture was chipped, and the carpet was stained there too. The bed’s broken headboard left two sharp screws exposed. Wallpaper was peeling in the shower, and the drain didn’t work properly, leaving water pooled in the tub while I showered. The lamp switch was very hard to press. This place badly needs renovation.

The room was clean and tidy when we arrived, with a comfortable bed and sheets and a large bathroom with a shower and tub. Staff were friendly, and the location was easy to get to, with a good-sized parking area. Guests get free breakfast, though the hotel doesn’t offer room service. There are several restaurants and bars within walking distance or a short drive.

My fiancé’s company put him here last night, 11/7/17. I’d read the bad reviews and warned him, so at least he knew what to expect. I’ll confirm: don’t stay here. Marriott and Hilton are right across the street, and if he’d had the choice, he would’ve stayed at one of them. He was assigned a third-floor room, but the elevator was broken. The place smelled awful, the bed was hard, and even just the covers felt lumpy. The refrigerator ran all night, though I told him maybe the noise would help distract him from who knows what else. He hasn’t unpacked yet, but no bugs were visible during his stay. The blackout curtains had gaps that let the streetlight shine in his eyes while he tried to sleep. Nobody on staff asked how his stay was at checkout. He thinks they already knew better than to ask. He definitely won’t stay here again.