Elite Inn

I’m checking out in the morning instead of staying the two nights I planned. I only booked because of an emergency, and I wish I hadn’t. My little one was excited about his first hotel stay, so I stayed despite the room being in such poor shape, and I feel bad that this was his first experience. The tub was peeling, so I couldn’t bathe him in it. The bed covers had burn holes, and the king room I expected turned out to have two double beds. The temperature swung between hot and cold with no comfortable middle, and a hissing noise in the bathroom kept me awake all night.

The room was decent apart from the bathroom. It had a bed, sofa, fridge, microwave, a nice desk space, and the location was convenient, with a Dollar General next door, two gas stations nearby (one by the Inn serves light food), a DD a couple of blocks away, and department stores close by. The coffee was okay, though complimentary, and they don’t want you taking any after 11 am. For what you get, the price is far too high, especially for the extended-stay option, which is ridiculously expensive. The tub had paint peeling badly, the lights flickered, and the heating and cooling unit wasn’t installed properly, leaving a gap to the outside that let in the air. At the front desk, the woman was rude when I picked up the phone as directed by their sign, saying I should wait at least two minutes first. I pointed out the sign might need changing. They live on the property, so I suppose I should’ve known and not bothered her at home. The rude gestures made it seem like she couldn’t wait for us to leave, and she tried to tell people how to parent. You never know who’s staying there, and some people I know have asked me about it. I’d only go back if there were no other options. People spending money there shouldn’t be treated that way. Reviews and word of mouth matter.

The room was spotless and cozy, with comfortable beds, a big flat-screen TV, microwave, mini fridge, bath linens, toiletries, and plenty of outlets for charging. Wi-Fi was free, and the motel was remarkably quiet, the quietest I’ve slept in. The desk clerk greeted me with a real smile and was pleasant and efficient. There are lots of restaurants and convenience stores close by. For that price, you really can’t ask for more. I highly recommend it.

At least the front desk woman was nice, and the place was quiet. The rest felt like a cheap, dirty room where every expense had been cut. The sink, mirrors, and bathroom vent were dirty or dusty; the bed and pillows were merely tolerable. There was serious water damage on the particleboard sink cabinet beside the shower, and a nail sticking out of the trim had simply been painted over. There wasn’t a do-not-disturb sign. Nobody came to clean while we were out, though maybe I could have asked for it, but I’ve never needed to ask at another hotel. It all felt rushed, with no quality check.