AmericInn by Wyndham Topeka

The room was small but clean, and the price seemed fair. The staff were polite, too. Still, the building needs a lot of work. The outside and parking lot looked badly neglected, and there was a musty smell inside. I tried to excuse that because the laundry area is behind the desk and the pool is across the hall. In my room, the toilet rocked whenever I stood up, almost as if it might tip over. I told the front desk, but although they said maintenance would come, it stayed that way and nobody offered me another room. I also nearly fell through a soft patch in one corner of the floor, which felt like possible water damage. I reported that before leaving. I booked four nights ahead for a wedding in Topeka, but I wouldn't stay again until the place gets repaired.

We left as soon as we saw the place. The stairwell had piles of trash, and neither the elevators nor the pool worked. The building had no sign, its front looked as though it was falling apart, and the dim parking lot in what seemed like a sketchy area made us nervous about leaving the car there. We had booked ahead through Expedia, believing the photos on Wyndham's website, Expedia, and Google. Those pictures showed a Fairfield, nothing like this hotel, which was in shambles when we arrived. We've tried to reach the manager about a refund, but our calls keep getting ignored. Whenever we speak to someone, we're told the manager has just left. Customer service matched the hotel's condition.

We weren't after luxury, just an affordable place to sleep, and the price is good. There's a continental breakfast, though we didn't try it; it smelled nice. Lots of places to eat are close by, and Walmart is right across the street. The staff are friendly and helpful, and the rooms we've had were clean. We've stayed several times this year. One room had a badly patched toilet, a shower that drained poorly, and a problem with the floor in one corner, but the others were great. It looks like they may be remodeling outside, which gives the place a slightly sketchy look, though nearby hotels seem worse. The lot is well lit and has security cameras. It's a good option if you want a clean room at a fair price. If you want all the extras in a really nice area, it may not suit you.

Really nice place. It used to be a Fairfield, so the rooms are great. Can't go wrong.