Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Monroe

The property feels worn out. The wall by the dumpster was broken, with cement blocks left around the damaged section. Inside, the floor was sticky enough that our shoes stuck with every step, as if it hadn’t been mopped clean. There was nowhere in the room to hang anything. We had to ring a doorbell and were “greeted” through a camera by a voice we could barely hear. It was around 4pm on a Wednesday, and someone living on the third floor responded. He was in plain clothes, hard to understand, and I had to ask him to repeat nearly everything. After checking us in, he rode the elevator with us to the third floor. The outside entrances we used weren’t locked, and their locks looked nonfunctional. Handles on the stair and hallway doors seemed broken or didn’t fit properly. Air freshener filled the stairwells and halls, apparently masking cigarette and cannabis smoke. In the evenings there were loud conversations in the hallway, like neighbors and moms raising teenage girls. Dogs were allowed, and one was often barking. Some guests also played loud music. I’m not sure if the property is a residence for people in a program.

We arrived an hour early and they let us check in. The process was quick, and staff were friendly. Renovations left the lobby a bit disorganized, and the main lobby restroom was completely out of order. The area by the first-floor elevator smelled a little concerning, though our floor had no odor. We’d reserved a jacuzzi room after seeing the front desk sign advertising them. Our first room was dated but clean and needed updating; the bed and couch were comfortable and seemed newer. The jacuzzi motor was loud and barely worked, so we asked for another room and they quickly moved us. In the second room the motor ran for only a minute or two, then stopped for 10-15 minutes before starting again. We reported that too, but no other jacuzzi rooms were available. They gave us a 50% refund for the inconvenience.

We were disappointed during our vacation stay. I’d requested a crib for our 9-month-old when booking, but only after the desk clerk charged my card and an extra $100 deposit did he hand over the key cards and tell me no crib was available. If I’d known sooner, I wouldn’t have paid and would’ve stayed somewhere else. I’d paid for a jacuzzi room, but got a giant bathtub in the corner, crumbs all over the floor, and an extremely hard bed. The jacuzzi ran for about 10 minutes and then stopped. I waited, thinking it might have overheated and shut off for safety, but it never started again. There were cigarette ashes in the bathroom tub and an enormous pair of women’s underwear, big enough to cover the front of a semi. I don’t see how housekeeping missed them. My fiance and I won’t return or recommend this location.

The room was really spacious and clean, and the young woman at the front desk couldn’t have been sweeter. Best value in the area, hands down. Pick this place, and don’t hesitate to stay here. Thanks for an amazing stay 🙏