The Greens Hotel - Del Paso Blvd

I can't believe this place is open for business. I paid $80 plus tax and a $100 deposit for a room barely bigger than a large closet. The deposit makes no sense to me, since the TV isn't worth $100. There wasn't even a clock, coffee maker, iron, or any of the usual things that make being away from home easier. No complimentary shampoo or conditioner, no lotion, nothing. They did provide a plastic ice bucket and tray, and luckily the ice machine worked, so at least I had cold drinks. I won't even get into the cockroaches or the soda dispenser charging $3 a can. Next time I'll bring a tent and sleeping bag and save my money.

I found an empty condom wrapper on the floor, and couldn't feel comfortable staying in the room. It was dirty, dingy, and loud with neighborhood noise. I spent maybe 15 minutes there before leaving to find another hotel, and was more than disappointed to have to pay for another place. I stayed here around eight years ago and it was lovely, despite the somewhat rough neighborhood. Back then, the owners had made it feel like an oasis, but that doesn't seem to be the case anymore. They clearly don't care about keeping the property up. Please skip the The Greens Hotel.

The rooms are large, with a regular fridge and freezer, a decent microwave, and a sink. The bathrooms are roomy too, with a shower big enough for two. Most of all, I appreciate that it's dog friendly. There's also a pool that seems to be working, though apparently it won't open until next year. The place is quiet, with little traffic except on weekends when it often sells out. The walls are solid, so you don't hear the next room like you do in many hotels now. A kind Indian family runs it and keeps the place clean while keeping most of the riff raff out. Uptown, aka The Heights, isn't the best neighborhood overall, but there's plenty of good food and drink right around the hotel. The block's food spots are good, the brewery across the street is exceptional, and the BBQ place on the corner is a great value. RT Light Rail and buses are a block away, making this a very convenient base for Sacramento. Rates are among the city's lowest, with an even better weekly rate if you book six nights. I've known about this place for years and finally got to stay for an extended time.

The decor is attractive, and the tall gates add a sense of security, though the hotel is in a rough area. My stay was still a frustrating mess. We booked for a 3 PM check-in, but the room wasn't ready until 6. The office was locked when we arrived, and we had to wait for the receptionist. She apologized and suggested we get food while the room was being cleaned, but when we came back, it was still a mess: full trash bins, an unmade bed, and generally poor cleanliness. Housekeeping seemed unaware and rushed to clean, but there was no real urgency or offer to make up for the delay. We also weren't allowed to eat by the pool, which felt overly restrictive. Once we finally got in, the room smelled strongly of chemicals and had to be aired out. Later, we found the TV wasn't working, and there was no room phone to call the front desk. When we reached someone, they couldn't fix it and said it would have to wait until morning. The next morning, there was a cockroach in the room. That was the last straw. I reported the problems to Expedia, but because of the payment arrangements, it was up to the hotel to offer a solution or compensation, and they refused. Manager David denied knowing about some complaints despite the evidence Expedia had, and acted as if he couldn't see the cockroach by the bed. Checkout was frustrating too, with the office locked again and another wait for staff. The lack of professionalism, cleanliness, and basic amenities ruined what could have been a pleasant stay. I can't recommend this hotel.