Can Am Inn

I won't be coming back to America's Best Inn, and I'll tell friends and family to avoid it too. I'd stayed here several times before. It wasn't special, but it worked for me. This time I had to cancel outside the 48-hour policy. The hotel was about two-thirds occupied that night, but when I explained the situation to the "manager" in person, the response was rude and showed no care at all. They charged me $124 even though I never went past the lobby.

The room was a decent size, and the motel looked nice from outside. That's about all I can say for it. There was a used bar of soap in the tub, no hair dryer in its wall mount, and the bathroom light didn't work. Neither did the air conditioner. Breakfast was three small sweet muffins with cold coffee.

The breakfast was packaged sweets and Ding Dongs, nothing fresh, and there wasn't any coffee. The towels were threadbare and the linens weren't in good shape. We also suspected someone had tried to take our belongings, though we had no proof. After only a few minutes there, we asked to cancel the second night and get a refund, but they refused. Their 48-hour refund policy should have been a clue. The couple managing the place live there, and seem over their heads. Management needs to step in. This was the worst stop on our two weeks in Northern and Central MN. We won't return, and I wouldn't give it even one star.

I spent a short time as the General Manager here, so I can say a bit about how things work. The two General Managers live in a tiny space in the building, basically a bedroom and kitchen, and they're the only full-time staff for 41 rooms. They're responsible for the desk, repairs, housekeeping, and laundry, and can only call housekeepers when more than six rooms are occupied. My wife and I were paid $1.57 an hour because we worked around the clock, and we were allowed only four hours away from the premises together each month. The cameras watch staff through the owner's computer over the internet. He even watched us at 4am when a guest was checking in. The rooms were incredibly clean while we were there, unless things have changed. Breakfast was basically coffee and three sweets, and there is no elevator, so hope for a first-floor room if your luggage is heavy. Summer may be the best time to visit, when the place is empty and Nick may have the lowest rates. I just looked at the new casino, where rates start at $75. I'd go there instead, since you'll likely get more for your money. Still, the General Managers are doing their best to give guests a pleasant place to stay on very low pay. If you enjoyed your visit, please leave them a review. I'll give the place three stars because, if you don't have to deal with the owner and his way of doing business, the rooms are comfortable and clean. It's a hotel bed to sleep in, and during the day you can get out and see what Warroad has to offer. If you see a glowing review, believe some of it, but not all of it.