Motel 6 Prospect Heights, IL

The first room had a comfortable bed, but in rooms two and three I could feel the springs. One night I woke up with bites on my legs. I also saw roaches on the first and second floors, in the cafeteria, and in the bathroom. I'd tried not to worry after the first sighting, but then I kept seeing them. Housekeeping is supposedly on Thursdays and Sundays, but they don't check in daily, and the room won't get cleaned unless you tell the front desk. I asked twice and still had to track down a housekeeper, who said I wasn't on the list. I could only get toilet paper or towels, and we had to take out our own trash. There are no fridge or microwave either, so the money saved on the room goes toward food. The power even went out once because someone apparently had too many things plugged in. The building is meant to be smoke-free, but I smelled cigarettes or weed on every floor. Guests argued constantly, which made it hard to rest while staying here for work. The staff act like we're a nuisance, and the ambulance and police show up all the time. They watch you like a criminal, especially the rude second-shift worker, a short woman with curly hair whose name I don't know. The place is cheap, and that seems to be why people stay. Good luck.

The front desk clerks were friendly, personable, and helpful. Our first-floor room with a king bed was roomy, and that ground-level location made things much easier with our German Shepherd. Loading and unloading the car and taking the dog out can be a hassle while traveling. We had a great stay.

We stayed for quite a while, and the staff were great. The rooms are basic, as you'd expect, but they've always been clean. Some rooms have a strong mold smell, though, and those probably shouldn't be rented until it's fixed. For a budget place, it's a great deal and the staff are nice.

The hotel and staff were fine, but the other guests were loud and obnoxious at all hours, disturbing any chance of sleep or peace. Police were called to evict people too. It's a cheap place, so I got what I paid for. I'm glad I brought protection into my room.