Rodeway Inn Smyrna

The weekly rate is what keeps us coming back, especially when you're a construction worker staying a week or longer. Just be sure to get in the correct lane as you approach, or you'll pass it and have to turn around at the light. There are a few drawbacks. They have just one washer, so you may need a nearby laundromat, and only one microwave. Breakfast can be cold. They don't vacuum the rooms during your stay even though there's a vacuum, and when they clean, the bed may or may not get made.

We had come from NC to GA for a funeral, and despite the circumstances, the family was in good spirits. My wife had booked 3 rooms on the same floor, hoping we'd get some needed rest after shopping at Cumberland mall. We often stay at BW hotels, and the clean lobby seemed about what we expected. The trouble started at the elevator, which seemed to take you up, down, and sideways. We had to press the down button to go up to the 2nd floor. It was around 6pm and my wife's room still hadn't been cleaned. Our kids' room smelled strongly of black and mild smoke. My mother-in-law had no hot water and a clogged toilet, for the 2 days we were there. Once our room was finally cleaned, the smoke alarm started chirping. Maintenance replaced its battery. When it got chilly, the heater stayed at a crisp 60 degrees, or perhaps colder, since its control showed "ERR". Maintenance couldn't fix it, so they gave us a small space heater and made no further effort to get it repaired. There were plenty of other problems. The tub base and sink were dirty, there was a wall smudge housekeeping missed, and the metal bed frame had a piece sticking out that could hurt someone. There was a hole in the wall where the doorknob hit it, dead water bugs in the hallway, cigarette burns on the blanket, and water on the hallway floor with no wet floor sign. The hallway ceiling had water damage and was peeling. The phones didn't work to call the front desk, and we could hear everything through the walls and from the hallway, including someone banging on a door and begging to be let in. We booked through Expedia, which contacted the front desk and asked them to move us, but they said they were full with a team of cheerleaders. No slight against them. We were stuck and couldn't go to another hotel, so we endured it. My wife called Corporate and said this location shouldn't be associated with BW until it dealt with its problems. Apparently it used to be a Red Roof Inn before BW took it over. Housekeeping needs retraining so they don't miss things, and maintenance needs the tools to do the job. We probably won't stop staying at BW hotels because we know their standards, but if this had been our first BW stay, we'd feel the complete opposite.

The breakfast lady, Tameka, was a delight. I don't know how she got up every morning to make biscuits, sausage, gravy, grits, and turkey links while staying so pretty, cheerful, and happy. She greeted every guest with a cup full of happiness to get the day going. There was also a complimentary spread with waffles, sausage, juice, bagels, my favorite yogurt and granola, and oatmeal. So tasty. I was here for work just before Valentine's Day, and the room was clean, inviting, and smelled clean. The bed was really comfortable, the AC and heater worked well, and there was plenty of hot water. We spent a lot of time in the room when we weren't working, so having a good place to stay mattered. It's in a great spot, with lots of restaurants and stores within about two miles. There was a little mix-up at check-in because they were booked up for Valentine's Day, but it was sorted out in under 2 minutes. Shanita was kind, warm, and welcoming, and the young woman at the front desk was wonderful too. We got a hello every time we went out and came back. This motel feels clean, safe, and healthy, and after you've been there it feels like family. I really recommend it if you need to stay near the northside perimeter. We'll definitely be back in May.

The hotel wasn't what I expected, but Kayla at the front desk was patient, compassionate, and very helpful. She did everything she could to help with the cancellation, and I appreciate her effort more than she knows.