Travelodge by Wyndham Richmond Kentucky

We ended up sleeping in our car because it felt safer than staying there. The front desk woman was nice and tried to keep us at the price we were quoted, but the key to the first room didn't work. The next one opened after a few tries, and there was already a man inside. We were two women arriving at midnight in KY, and that could have gone very badly. She apologized and said she'd forgotten to change his reservation in the system, and promised it wouldn't happen again. We turned down the third room she offered, especially after seeing reviews about bugs. Staff being pleasant doesn't excuse a dangerous mix-up. Everything nearby, even two hours away, was sold out, so we had nowhere else to go. At least our car didn't have another key someone could hand to a stranger. Don't stay here unless you want someone walking into your room at midnight, or to be the person walking into someone else's.

The cleaning lady is really nice. She ought to be managing this place, and maybe things would be better if she were allowed to do more than the old man who keeps changing his mind. We were told $500 for the week with everything included, then the next day the price became $697. The manager disappears for hours, and trying to find anyone to extend our room took hours too. He tells you one thing, then gives you a different price. It feels like a cat-and-mouse game, and I wouldn't come here unless you want to lose money. The room's rough as well. The beds are filthy, the bathroom looks like it may have black mold, the tub drains badly, and the sink was dirty when we arrived. The lights are in poor shape, especially one that flickers so much we call it the ghost light. People using the conference room behind the hotel sometimes blast music and keep us from sleeping. We put up with it because the alternative is being homeless, but this is ridiculous.

I had a temporary job in Richmond again and needed a room for a month, so I stopped at CSI to ask if I could see the room first. The woman at the desk was happy to show it to me. On the way over, I noticed all the security cameras around the building, which helped me feel safe. I'd stayed here months earlier and was very unhappy, but it was all I could afford then. This time, though, the room was surprisingly different, and even six months ago CSI would have been the best choice in the area. The bathroom had been updated and was clean. The linens looked dated but were clean, and I checked for roaches and bedbugs without finding any. The TV, microwave, and mini fridge were all new, clean, and working. The location suited me, and the price was more than fair, so I booked for my whole stay. A few times a loud bunch of guests ran in and out at all hours. Once staff knew, they put a stop to it quickly. One of the women working there told me they now pay closer attention to who they rent to and try to keep potentially loud guests apart from families and people wanting a quiet stay. I was impressed by that, and staff were walking the property around the clock to keep noise down. I didn't have much else to complain about. They're doing a good job looking after different guests while keeping the place clean, safe, and affordable. Nice work, CSI, and thanks to the staff!

The newer microwave and mini fridge were a plus, and the bathrooms looked more updated than what you usually get at a cheap motel. The room was a good size, too, and my wife was especially happy with it. We stopped at Countryside Inn in Richmond Kentucky during a long drive with our two kids. Some online reviews had put us off, but it was so close to I75 that we decided to try it. For the price, the room and staff impressed us.