Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Waterloo Downtown

Kelly at the front desk is the best, and the lobby coffee is pretty decent. The price is great, too. The hotel is dated and could use a few touch-ups, but the beds seem fairly new and are really comfortable, with awesome pillows. The hot tub in room 415 is a bit small. Breakfast kinda sucks.

The smell of marijuana was the worst part. It was there when we entered, stayed all night, and could be smelled outside in the open. If I’d known, I never would’ve stayed and exposed my children to it. We were in Waterloo for the Peewee state tournament, and the location worked well for where we needed to go. With nicer weather, we could’ve walked to both destinations. The hotel itself is dated, and the elevator made noises. Our room was called a “King suite,” number 402, but it didn’t feel much like a suite. The AC was very loud, the bathroom tiny, and my FIL found it annoying that you had to walk through the main bedroom to reach it, even though there clearly used to be a bathroom in the “living room” area. My family thought breakfast was bad: the biscuits were still frozen, and the gravy and eggs were cold. Hotel coffee is never good, of course.

Parking was a bit congested, but I always found a spot after work. I didn’t try breakfast because my work schedule started early, so I can’t say whether they serve it. There was no housekeeping during my four days there, and I’m not sure why. The room was mostly quiet, though the elevator sounded like someone was banging on the walls whenever it moved. I stopped hearing it after 9 pm. There are plenty of good restaurants within a few miles, although downtown streets and driving can be a little crazy. I also had to pay a $50 deposit. I’m hoping I get it back, but having to pay one always makes me uneasy.

Kelley, the front desk manager, is pleasant and does a great job while the place is being rebuilt. Econolodge provides a service for people who might not otherwise receive it. I’m glad I stayed while my plumbing gets worked out.