Riverside Inn & Suites

I booked two nights but checked out in under 24 hours. I told the front desk I was leaving early and they said okay, then the manager claimed I’d completed the stay. That felt dishonest. The conditions were awful too: roach bait was visible, the tub was dirty and wouldn’t drain, and they provided just two large towels, no small ones. The area made me uneasy, with drug dealers and users coming and going all day and car alarms constantly sounding. The online photos don’t match the room, and I don’t believe the positive reviews are real. Don’t waste your money.

I paid $80 because I was desperate, but I’d never stay here again. Roaches were everywhere, even coming at me when I tried to eat dinner in the room. The bed had holes that looked like cigarette burns, and it was crawling with roaches, so I slept in my car. People were banging into things and yelling from all sides, with their dogs or each other. This place felt like something out of a horror or comedy movie. I’m serious, listen to me, it was the worst motel I’ve ever stayed in.

Please do Riverside a favor and clean up this motel. I live nearby, and businesses and apartments around it have had to increase security. There are many homeless people and people in transit around the property. I know that isn’t entirely the motel’s responsibility, but management can take steps to maintain the grounds and set expectations for who stays there. At my own property management job, we keep things clean, pick up trash, and address issues by asking people to leave or contacting available support services. You can’t control everyone who comes in, but you can decide what behavior you tolerate. I’ve never stayed here myself, so I can’t vouch for the rooms or their condition. Friends in law enforcement and things I’ve heard locally have raised concerns, including reports of bedbugs, though I can’t confirm those claims. I’m also not sure this is the hotel connected to the recent carjacking arrest, but the vehicle was reportedly found at the same intersection. If you doubt what I’m saying, drive by and see for yourself. It speaks volumes.

It’s usually quiet here, and the price is hard to beat. The rooms were nice, and the staff were helpful and pleasant. Tyler Mall is close by, along with anything else you might need. I’d highly recommend this property.