Red Roof Inn Hartford - Vernon

The room was clean and the bed was comfortable, with recently updated furnishings. The bathroom still needed a few cosmetic fixes, including missing trim tiles. Renovations were clearly underway, and the breakfast area had no counters or seats, so breakfast wasn’t available while we were there. There are several dining options nearby and the hotel was easy to reach. The woman at the front desk was friendly and helpful. The mini fridge had no freezer, but the staff happily put my items in one for me.

The room was clean and I didn’t see bugs. The bright white linens made it easy to check, and the mattress was cushy, with plenty of fluffy pillows and a comforter. The shower had good pressure and temperature. I liked having lots of outlets and USB ports in the bedside stands and wall lamps, plus a big TV with plenty of channels and a one-cup coffee maker. There was an iron and board, though I didn’t try them. The wall dispensers for soap, lotion, shampoo, and body wash seemed less wasteful and more sanitary than bar soap or little plastic bottles, but their buttons were hard to press. The mini fridge had no freezer, which was fine with me since those small freezer compartments usually aren’t useful. I had trouble with the shower handle, which was very hard to pull on and push off, though the shower itself worked well. There was nothing to hold onto at the far end. The room also lacked a table and chair, a microwave, decent reading light, and enough places to set things. There was one suitcase stand, a narrow counter under the TV, a few cubbies, and no drawers. The coat hooks were about seven feet up and came with just two hangers. The vinyl chair had crumbs underneath; I moved it and used a nightstand as a table. Luckily I was alone and could put my things on the other half of the bed. The shower curtain had no bar to grab, either. The “Privacy please” sign didn’t stop housekeeping from knocking and calling out every day, even after I asked the desk about it twice. Renovation noise and odors got into my room. I couldn’t safely leave the ground-floor window open while I slept, since it was large, low, and had no screen. I aired it for five minutes, ran the bathroom fan, and stuffed a bath mat and towel under the door. One day someone banged and rattled my door as if trying to force it open. That was the last straw, and I changed hotels. If not for the workers, I might have stayed. It may be fine if you’re out all day, but I wouldn’t count on the sign keeping people from entering. The desk staff varied. Some were capable and spoke good English; others were new and struggled with English, and one man looked grumpy and seemed eager to get back to the back room. I think they’re all family. When I suggested that room numbers should be written down instead of spoken aloud in a lobby with other guests, for safety, the man laughed. The woman I took to be in charge could be helpful but also intimidating. When she smiled, it felt more like she was amused by a guest’s problem than being friendly.

The rooms I saw looked great, with nice laminate floors, and renovations seem to be starting there. Staff were friendly and helpful. It’s a dog-friendly place, which is a plus, though I’d like to see more grass for dogs; there are parks nearby. The outside looks a little rough, but it was quiet and felt safe. I’d recommend it and stay again.

It’s hard to find motels that take dogs, and this one does. The room is nice and clean, and most of the staff have been pleasant. They seem to be updating things, but my TV quit on the first night of a four-night stay, and repeated attempts to fix it didn’t work. The heat in my room also blows cold. I’m not sure what rating to give it or that I’d recommend it, though the price is reasonable.