Comfort Inn & Suites

The snowstorm had me looking for somewhere to pull off the highway on my way home to Missouri, and this turned out to be a comfortable place to spend an unexpected day. I worked from the big lobby while the snow came down, and in the evening they poured me a couple glasses of wine even though the bar wasn’t open. The staff were really kind, and let me do laundry after ten days on the road with no clean clothes. It was clean, quiet, and comfortable, exactly what I look for in a hotel. The water park next door was a nice surprise too. I arrived around 10 a.m., while it was still open, and got to enjoy the hot tub. I heard from the night clerk that the hotel and water park are under new management and have had a lot of renovations, including new bedding and furniture. They’ve also been keeping the water park warmer. Food nearby is limited, but there’s Burger King, Taco Bell, and a Casey’s with pretty good pizza. Being stranded when you thought you’d be home is no fun, but the staff made me feel at home. I’d stay at this unassuming place again, especially with the water park.

The staff were polite and helpful, and the hotel was very clean. We met the owners and heard it had recently been renovated, and you can tell they’ve put a lot of work into improving the place. We wanted somewhere not too far from home to celebrate New Year’s with the family, with something fun for the kids, and this was just what we hoped for. The small water park has a pool, hot tub, and slides, and there’s something for all ages. I’d definitely recommend it to friends and family.

Do not stay here. I can’t find a single clean spot in this place, and the only thing in the rooms that looked new was the paint. There were holes in the walls, missing trim, and paint slopped over to cover things up. The tub and sink drains were moldy, there was mold around the toilet, and the previous guests’ toothpaste and trash were still there. The tub enamel was peeling, leaving sharp edges that could cut a child’s foot, hand, or face. The game room floor and machines were covered with trash and spilled liquid. Elevators shook like a blender, then stopped working altogether. There was no phone service to the rooms, and the emergency lights weren’t lit. The manager was working on an elevator, so I asked if he was certified. He said, “I no need certified. I manager. Go ahead and call police.” I did. Mr. Bobby Patel disappeared when the police arrived and came back after they left. He refused a refund and left the front desk girl to handle dozens of complaints, from noise to rooms that hadn’t been cleaned and used sheets left on the beds. I’m very suspicious of the reviews claiming the rooms are newly remodeled and clean, and of management’s replies to the five-star reviews. Maybe there are fake profiles to raise the rating. This place needs to close permanently. Don’t go. Sleeping in your car would be safer.

My kids had a blast at the park, and it’s nice that the adults can get a drink at the bar upstairs. Karissa, the bartender, was friendly and knew her stuff. The rooms are beautiful too. We’ll be back!