Econo Lodge Roanoke Civic Center

I’m local, and I’d tell people to skip this dump. For the same money, you can drive five minutes down the interstate and get a much nicer, cleaner hotel. The staff were rude and kept changing the price, which felt like an attempt to scam us. They took my ID once and tried to do the same to my husband. I reported them to Choice Hotels and the health department. I can’t understand the five-star ratings.

The front desk staff were friendly, and the beds were reasonably comfortable, but that was about it for me. We were there for the Martinsville speedway race, about an hour away. Some guests were recovering addicts staying at the hotel, and while they seemed harmless, people were noisy outside the rooms and could have been more considerate. The floor in our room was dirty enough that I kept my shoes on. There weren’t many pillows, and they were small. Breakfast was just cereal, coffee, and bagels. There was no daily room cleaning, and I had to ask for fresh towels. The floor wasn’t swept or mopped each day either, which was upsetting since daily cleaning is one reason we choose Choice hotels. I don’t think I’d stay again, though the front staff deserve credit for being friendly.

For this area, it was a very cost-effective place to stay, close to everything, including the bus line. I booked it for a friend from far away, and the staff were fantastic. Booking was easy, and they had no problem allowing a late checkout.

We didn’t feel safe here, with so many strange people hanging around. It seemed full of long-term guests who were in a 'programme', and the hotel itself felt unfriendly. The place was clean, but absolutely worn out. Breakfast was adequate. We wouldn’t stay again, and I don’t know how it has good reviews.