Econo Lodge

I’d happily pay the price to stay here again. I used points from a program I’m in this time, and the location, comfort, cleanliness, amenities, and friendly staff made it worth the cost. There are two or three restaurants within walking distance, plus a gas station basically across the street. The room was awesome, and I could bring my dog. Staff were friendly and prompt, breakfast had plenty to choose from, and there’s a pool and hot tub. I appreciated the dog waste bags outside, since I’d forgotten to bring any for his first hotel stay. I wish I’d taken pictures. Next time I’ll try to remember to take some when I go somewhere I plan to review.

The place has a cool look from outside, and I liked the walkways. Inside, the appliances were pretty clean, the bathroom was clean, and the room had a working landline and adjustable lights. The sheets and blankets were tidier than in most places, but there weren’t enough towels for the number of guests we’d reserved. The heater and air filter, like in most hotels, were pretty gross. The windows opened without trouble, and the plastic keeping the curtain out of the way was a thoughtful touch. The coffee pot only makes about one pot. Service was decent overall, and the dryer needs its lint trap cleaned. I’m not from the area and found the price through Groupon, so it was a better deal than the other offers I saw. I wish they’d close off the entertainment room for reservations. My acquaintances and I can be noisy ourselves, but the hotel seemed to have that under control. The fake deadbolt didn’t latch, though the real one worked. Xoxo

The front desk staff were awesome, and the common areas have a nice lodge feel. My room was clean, quiet, and spacious, and the stay went smoothly when I was here this summer. It’s an economical motel, so I didn’t expect much and was pleasantly surprised. Rates seemed a little high, but there aren’t many other options. Keep in mind there’s no elevator to the second floor, so ask for a first-floor room if carrying your bags would be difficult.

The photos showed a bright, inviting room, but ours was dark and outdated. The front entrance was nice, but the room itself was nothing like the pictures. The bed was uncomfortable, with every spring noticeable, the pillows were very flat, and I found black hairs in the sheets. There was black mold on the shower head and around the tub edges, and the toilet paper holder was badly rusted and wouldn’t close. Breakfast didn’t have many options and wasn’t great, and the hot tub was closed for maintenance during our stay. I’ve stayed in many hotels through work and family travel, but I can’t give this one a good review. I wouldn’t recommend this Econo Lodge in Rice Lake, WI.