Hawthorn Extended Stay by Wyndham Richardson

The room smelled like sweat and Indian food, and there was black soot on the ceiling. The carpet was wet around the air conditioner, the mattress felt like nothing but springs, and the closet door was broken so it had to stay open. The microwave didn't work either. The curtains didn't cover the whole window, so the streetlight came in at night like a spotlight. Everything felt so outdated, like it hadn't changed in 20 years. I couldn't wait to check out.

We arrived at 1 a.m. with my three toddlers and got a room that stank. We asked to switch, but the second room smelled too, and had blood on the curtains. Both rooms smelled of cigarettes, the air vent blew dust, the stove and microwave didn't work, and the sink and carpet were filthy. The bathtub was backed up and wouldn't drain. We made it only six hours, waiting for morning so we could leave. They don't refund you if you go, so be ready to lose your money or your health. Worst experience ever.

We stayed while looking for a home, and the place worked fine for that. The Loft rooms are huge, with two bathrooms and lots of storage, and the staff at the Hawthorn were always smiling and extremely helpful. That made a difference after staying at pricier hotels where the staff seemed to resent every guest for breathing. There were still plenty of issues. Our mattress had a hole, the stove barely got hot enough for eggs or toast, and everything seemed dirty even after cleaning. Breakfast was almost nonexistent, with waffles as the only edible option. For the price, though, you get about what you'd expect.

For what it costs, the rooms are huge, which is why I gave it five stars. There's a full kitchen, a living room, and a huge closet. It feels like an efficiency apartment, and it's actually bigger than my one-bedroom.