Motel House

I paid $160, and the manager called it their “cheapest” option. I found a proper hotel downtown Newark for $120, with reception, a good location, and decent service. The manager also promised a refund and asked me not to leave a bad review, but no refund ever arrived. I regret not taking photos. I left as quickly as I could. I’d booked this because of its good reviews and closeness to Rutgers, expecting it to be convenient. Once I got there, I didn’t feel safe enough even to go inside, so I booked a real hotel on the spot. The building looked abandoned and badly neglected, the gate was broken, and the grounds were poorly kept. It looked nothing like the online pictures or the description. The front doors were broken and wide open, so anyone could walk in. There was no host around, only banners saying it was an Airbnb. I rang the bell as a handwritten sign instructed, but the manager didn’t even know about my booking. A dirty old couch on the deck was covered in someone’s clothes, and garbage was scattered around. It felt more like a shelter than somewhere to stay. The surrounding area didn’t feel safe either. I wouldn’t recommend it, especially for anyone traveling alone. The reviews seemed as fake as the pictures.

The woman running the place was very kind, helpful, and communicative, and it came in handy when I was in a pinch. I paid $85 for a room in an apartment with a shared bathroom and other guests. It wasn’t hotel-worthy, but the room was clean, with a clean towel, outlets, and a door that locked. They text with you, which is convenient.

The street view gives a better idea than this picture. This isn’t what was advertised, and it’s not a nice place. At best, it’s a bad Airbnb, not a hotel or motel, and it’s in a dangerous area.

The person I spoke with was really rude. Before even hearing me out, she said outright that she doesn’t give rooms to broke people. I was shocked by how she acted.