Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Santa Rosa South

The common areas were the biggest problem. The stairwells badly need a deep clean, and there was a smell of “funny cigarettes” in different parts of the building. My room itself was tidy and fine for the price on a quick work trip, and the service was about what I expected at that rate. I wouldn’t bring my family here. The location also wasn’t great; I didn’t have much time to look around before booking, or I would’ve spent a little more to stay somewhere more central.

The free breakfast was easily the best I’ve had at a Quality Inn. There were eggs and sausage, make-your-own Belgian waffles and French toast, toast and bagels with plenty of spreads, English muffins, fruit, cereal, milk, orange and apple juice, and coffee. A lot more than the muffins, granola bars, juice, and maybe coffee that other places offer. I was honestly flabbergasted, lol. The rooms were cozy, clean, and had really comfortable beds. Even with the big parking lot nearly full and people coming and going all night, it stayed incredibly quiet inside and out. The hotel has clearly had a lot of renovations, both indoors and outside. Everyone on staff was smiling, friendly, helpful, and quick, especially the young woman at the front desk who kept helping a steady stream of tired, cranky, and sometimes downright rude guests while staying professional. I couldn’t get the YouTube app to connect, so I cast it from my phone instead. Still, this is one of the best Quality Inn & Suites hotels I’ve stayed at, easily in my top five. I plan to keep coming back to this one on Santa Rosa Ave. for future weekends and getaways.

It was nice and quiet, and the location was decent, with a gas station and Starbucks nearby and Target farther down the road. But for $173 for one night, the room was gross. There were crusty stains on the bed skirt, loose hairs on the bed, and mold all around the window frame. I checked for bed bugs and didn’t see any, but there was a nasty mystery stain under the mattress that had been there long enough to soak through the bed skirt and into the box spring. There were old chips and crumbs around the bottom of the bed, so it clearly hadn’t been cleaned underneath or around it. There was also smashed bug residue on the ceiling, with what looked like cockroach legs. The beds felt like springs with a thin blanket over them. I wouldn’t recommend this place at that price.

The staff were friendly and courteous, but the rooms weren’t clean and the bathroom subfloor was damaged. We tried this place after staying at the Petaluma hotel, and we’re going back to Petaluma. Breakfast was hit or miss, too. You pay for the amenities, but they seemed to be out of one thing or another about half the time. I won’t stay here again.