Econo Lodge Waite Park - St. Cloud

The rooms have always been clean, and the cameras around the property give me peace of mind when I’m traveling alone as a woman. I’ll keep staying here. It’s a good option if you’re short on money, though some rooms are nicer than others. The building is old and could use a makeover. People sometimes get loud in the parking lot at night and don’t seem to care that guests may need sleep before work the next morning.

The staff were nice, but it’s clear that keeping the place clean or improving how it looks isn’t a priority. Food was overflowing from the outdoor trash bins and spilling onto the sidewalks. I know it’s a budget motel, but this location was far dirtier than an AmerInn or a Motel 6. The curtain rod was coming off the wall, and the bed and pillows were paper thin. The wood on the nightstands looked chewed up, possibly by rodents or termites, or both. I strongly recommend staying somewhere else.

The hotel is close to St. Cloud and Waite Park shopping and restaurants, which is handy. Check-in was fairly quick, and the staff were polite enough. It might do if all you need is a cheap place to sleep for a night, but I wouldn’t choose it again, even with limited options. It needs renovations and better upkeep. You get what you pay for. The water and beverage dispenser was broken and dirty. The towels were another problem. I’ve never seen white towels at a hotel or lodge look so brownish. Can they not buy new ones, or afford whatever bleach or chemicals they use to wash white towels? The room felt dated and not very clean. The bedding and carpets looked worn, there was a noticeable smell, and the bathroom needed a much better cleaning. Some fixtures also seemed poorly maintained. They didn’t put salt down on the snow, and my friend fell outside the hotel. She was limping for all the days we were there.

The staff were friendly, and the location works great for going to The Ledge Amphitheater. The room was okay, though a few things were broken: the bathroom towel rack, the arm on the office chair, and the shower drain plug was missing.