Econo Lodge Vallejo Fairgrounds

I booked two nights using rewards points directly through the Choice Hotels site, since EL is part of CH and that's how this motel takes online reservations. I only made the trip because the stay was supposed to be free. At check-in, I was told points could cover only one night per week. I couldn't pay for the second night, and I didn't have enough points for another nearby place, so I was stranded after traveling for nothing. The two-night points booking should never have gone through. EL needs to make sure CH's booking process reflects its policy, or tell CH to do that. When I asked staff if EL had asked CH to block two-night reservations, I got no answer. After a long ordeal, a CH agent on the phone gave me extra points and found me another place, but it added half an hour of travel. This complaint is about this EL's booking issue, not CH in general. I was lucky to get help, but someone else could end up stranded. While I was on the phone, another guest said his door had no lock. He was heading to a night shift, leaving his partner and baby in the room. Staff didn't help or seem to care, so he had to try to cancel and find somewhere else for his family.

The online photos don't match what I found at Econo Lodge Vallejo Fairgrounds. Several things weren't working properly, including the lights and air conditioning, and the staff offered no real help or room change when I raised the condition of the room. The area felt unsafe at night, with questionable activity in the parking lot that made me uncomfortable. Inside, the room hadn't been cleaned properly: the bedding smelled bad and had visible stains, and the bathroom showed mold and poor maintenance. I left disappointed and don't recommend staying here. The property needs serious work on hygiene, safety, and service before it feels like a viable option for guests.

There was blood on the floor, torn furniture, peeling paint and rust on the door, a broken toilet, and I couldn't tell what was on the AC. The door lock looked like it had been kicked in repeatedly. The elevator was out, so my elderly father climbed two flights just to turn around and hurry back down. People were fighting over “a hit.” I walked in and straight back out. This place felt very unsafe, disgusting, and full of drugs, and shouldn't be open. I lost the $100, but my safety and comfort were worth it. We went to the Hampton down the street, and the extra cost was worth it. Save your money and stay somewhere else.

I've never left a negative review before, but this place was the worst hotel I've ever stayed at. The bathroom sink was literally held to the wall with duct tape. It felt really shady. Save yourself and stay away.