Ramada by Wyndham Olympia

I booked through Hotels tonight for just $90 a night, and breakfast was included. For that price, I got a comfortable stay, though the form and function were mixed. The room had been remodeled, I believe, as they transition to a Marriot, but I wouldn't pay much more to stay again. The bed platforms were too big for the mattresses, and I hit my shin twice, cutting it both times. The reading lights didn't work, the lighting choices were poor, and the room was very dim. The showers only got warm, not hot. I also wish Hotels would bring more coffee for the next day, even if they don't provide daily turn-down service.

The rooms were clean, and check-in was quick and easy. The front desk woman was surprisingly professional and polite. The pool and hot tub stayed open 24 hours, and both were clean and nicely heated. Great value for the price, 5/5.

My room's recent upgrade was one of the few good things. The furniture and other room features were clearly new, but basic readiness checks seemed to have been missed. The toilet paper dispenser wasn't fully installed and came off in my hand. There was a mounting plate on the bathroom door, but no hook. I'm a frequent traveler and Hilton guest, as my profile showed at check-in, and paying $2 for a bottle of water was irritating enough. Having to wait while the young man in the black hoodie fetched a key to unlock the hallway cooler made it worse. The property is in the middle of extensive renovations and, in my view, shouldn't be open to guests in these conditions. At minimum, people should be told beforehand what to expect. The main entrance, lobby, and surrounding area were cordoned off, so guests had to enter through a side door that looked like an emergency exit. What passed for a front desk was a table in the hallway with a computer and a young man in a black hoodie who seemed more suited to working at a car wash. A manager was standing nearby when I checked in. Seeing my surprise, he insisted the rooms had all been recently renovated and that this was what mattered. I told him the website hadn't disclosed the property's condition, and he brushed me off. I'm sure conditions will improve, but the hotel should have prepared guests for what they'd encounter.

My brother and I came from Spokane because our mom was having surgery. The motel we'd booked first was a joke, so after a few calls we ended up at the Ramada for six nights. Despite some construction, we absolutely plan to stay here again and wish we could give it more than five stars. The rooms were huge, breakfast was really good, and the staff were helpful, friendly, and professional. Justin at the front desk and Abraham in the dining area were our favorites. The service was the best.