Holiday Inn Express&Suites San Pablo/Richmond Area

I left feeling that paying a bit more elsewhere would be worth it for a decent night's sleep. Construction started waking people at 6 a.m., something they should make clear when booking. I have max status and asked about an upgrade; they told me the room was nearly renovated, but it was badly laid out and already falling apart. The thermostat dangled by its wires and kept shutting off, the doorstop was coming apart, and the shower wouldn't drain because the drain cover blocked it. When I asked maintenance to look, it seemed they and the front desk weren't communicating. The kitchen staff were also extremely rude. Between the staff who don't communicate and rooms in worse shape than vintage hotels, I don't understand how the place stays in business. It isn't worth whatever you save.

Our room looked newly redone, with fresh carpet, new sheets, and nice decor. I asked for somewhere quiet and got a room overlooking a lovely courtyard. The hotel is in the middle of major renovations, but we still had a lovely stay.

The location wasn't very interesting, which we expected, but the place felt private and safe. I wasn't concerned about leaving my car in the parking lot. We did see a group of male turkeys wander through the back lot, though they left us alone. The newly renovated room was great. Getting to it meant walking through a construction area, but we didn't find the work noisy or inconvenient. I'd stay again.

The elevator was still smeared with what looked like construction dirt and concrete the next morning, along with dirty handprints. I saw hotel employees ride it without cleaning it or seeming to care. The room had a huge bright blue light above the nightstand, so I could only sleep facing one way to avoid looking straight at it. At 10 p.m., the person next door kept slamming their microwave for about 20 minutes. I checked at arrival that turkey sausage would be available at breakfast since that's the only reason I stay here, but it wasn't. After a 12-hour drive, I checked in at 3 and hoped to nap for an hour, but construction noise continued until 5. They also put a $250 hold on my card for an 18-hour stay. The hotel sits behind a Ross dress for less, and this was one of my worst recent hotel stays. I hope the maids don't wonder why they don't get a tip.