The Wesley by AvantStay

I was so uneasy about the room that I even wondered whether they check the pool and hot tub water or take care of bed bugs. There were plenty of problems: the patio and furniture were filthy, the BBQ was dirty and out of order, plants were dead, and shrubs untrimmed. Inside, furniture blocked the kitchen window, the bedroom window looked onto a rotten fence, trash, and pipes, and the breakfast chair felt unsafe because I could hit my head on the TV corner. The ice tray was grimy and stuck to the freezer. I saw two spiders by the bed. There were only two hangers and little dresser space. A pink neon light shone through the door blind at night, and I couldn't use the outlet by the bed because the Lynx equipment occupied it. The patio bulb was out, the bedroom windows didn't lock, and the internet was unsecured and unstable. Texts to the help number bounced back, and there was nobody on site to ask for help. I've felt more confident in youth hostels. The security screening was another major concern. Two days before check-in, I learned the hotel management required a check through Persona, including highly sensitive personal information and a biometric face scan. You also had to uncheck a box allowing them to sell your information. I'd heard Persona had been subject to multiple class action lawsuits over privacy violations. By the time I found out, it was too late to cancel for a refund. I was in Joshua Tree without cell coverage, and only learned about it after returning and dropping off my rental car. It took 45 minutes to reach someone and another hour to get approval. I didn't want to hand over that information, but felt I had to or lose $500. I wonder if this was legal and plan to ask the California Attorney General's office. I'm also creeped out that Persona has my data. There were some good points: the booking staff were nice and helpful once I reached them. The place has style, the pool area looked good and the water was warm, and there were lots of nice towels. It's near the mountain and within walking distance of downtown. Maybe other rooms are better, but this studio seemed neglected. See photos, though I couldn't post them all.