Sleep Inn Pelham Oak Mountain

The price is still hard to believe. Our room with two double beds cost $77 including all fees, while in recent years we've paid $120 or more for barely acceptable rooms. I almost skipped booking because of a couple of bad reviews, but I'm glad I paid attention to the good ones. This is one of the nicest mid-price hotels we've stayed at. The room had plenty of towels and pillows, and it was clean. The hallways smelled good, too. Staff were friendly and accommodating, and they genuinely seemed to care about making guests comfortable. Breakfast had lots of hot and cold choices. We'll stay here again.

I chose this place after seeing some decent reviews, but was confused once I got there. The parking lot was well lit, the lobby and check-in area looked nice, and there was a dining room for breakfast, though I didn't stay to eat. The check-in attendant was friendly. But the lobby had an overpowering fragrance that wasn't pleasant, and my room, which cost nearly $100, smelled just as strong. I'm pretty sure it was Fabuloso, a very cheap cleaner. The decor was fine, and the glass-enclosed shower was nice. Its glass was clean and the floor tile looked clean, though I couldn't tell if it had been sanitized. Given the rest of the room, I chose not to shower. The bath and room weren't clean: the baseboards and tile floor were really dirty, there were dried paint spots on the tile, and dust showed on the painted walls. There was no lamp between the beds, so be careful if you get up at night. I used one bed, but could feel rods or something underneath me. The pillows were old and unsupportive. The TV turned on but couldn't pick up reception, so I couldn't really watch anything. After trying for over an hour, I asked someone to fix it. The check-in assistant came by, fiddled with the settings, and said I'd need to wait for something to update. I never got to watch anything. I don't know whether the hotel is corporate owned, but I suspect it's not. There are other hotels close by, and I'd suggest trying one of those.

My in-laws had to change rooms three times, and every option was a problem. In 104, the heater didn't work and they were freezing. Room 115 had a door that wouldn't shut because the latch and locks were broken, leaving them worried someone could walk in during the night. Then in 321, there were bugs all over. They had to flush them down the toilet and throw them in the trash. Extremely disgusting. They had to choose between freezing, being walked in on, or dealing with bugs. Don't stay here. No one has contacted them since they complained.

The best part of my stay was how Nikki at the front desk greeted and treated me. The first time I stayed here, she made me feel more welcome and at home than anyone at any hotel ever has. She went out of her way to check on what I needed. Whoever pays her should pay her more, lol. You'll see what I mean if you stay here. The hotel is nice, quiet, and clean, the staff are great, and breakfast is nice, too.