The Kempton Hotel

I was scared to come back after what happened. The room walls had mold, and the sheets smelled really dirty, like they hadn't been changed. There were a couple of mouse droppings on the bathroom floor, as if it hadn't been cleaned properly. I asked the cleaning lady for another bottle of water, but she seemed out of it, talking to herself, and said no.

An odd find, and I'm grateful for the hospitality. The place is dated, with stained wallpaper, cracked ceiling and paint, and rusty sinks and shower. Calling it a sleepy town is an understatement. Still, you can see a lot of heart has gone into it, with little updates here and there and plenty of amenities in the rooms and shared bathroom. Everything was clean, the bed was so comfortable, and the window unit worked perfectly. We stayed cool and had a quiet night, with no weird smells. Probably the most unique and interesting hotel experience I've ever had.

I contacted the hotel more than a month before my planned stay to cancel because my route changed. I spoke with Linda, who said there would be no penalty. Then I checked my credit card and found the room charge. When I called, the owner screamed at me even though this was their mistake. They now say they refunded it, but wouldn't give me confirmation, so I can't feel sure they'll follow through. They had already promised once and didn't. The owner shamed me for asking, saying it was only a couple of dollars. It was 124 dollars, and if it wasn't a big deal, why not refund it? I'd avoid giving them credit card information, or maybe use a booking engine for more protection. This doesn't seem like a professional operation, so credit card and personal information may be at risk.

The rooms each have their own decor, and some include original artwork. Having a microwave and refrigerator right in the room is really convenient, and the fridge has a small freezer inside. Kempton Hotel has plenty of local charm. The owners took over the hotel around 35 years ago, when it had already been operating since about 1902, and they've been renovating it with care while keeping its old-time feel. They're considerate and responsive.