Additional Coverage:
- 10 Worst Hotel Chains in America (Do You Agree?) (financebuzz.com)
Sleeping on a Budget? These 10 Hotel Chains Might Give You Nightmares
When you book a hotel, you’re usually hoping for the basics: a clean room, a working lock, and a peaceful night’s sleep. But if you’re traveling on a budget, some hotel chains might leave you dreaming of better accommodations. With so many travelers relying on online booking sites, it can be tough to know which places to steer clear of.
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of 10 hotel chains that consistently receive low marks for guest satisfaction. These are the “repeat offenders” you might want to reconsider before handing over your hard-earned cash.
Editor’s note: Ratings were pulled from customer reviews via ConsumerAffairs.
10. InTown Suites
Rating: 3.2 (ConsumerAffairs)
Parent Company: Starwood Capital Group
InTown Suites aims to attract extended-stay guests with promises of modern amenities. However, many visitors report a different reality, citing rude staff, missing belongings, unpleasant odors, and even roach infestations. What’s supposed to be a budget-friendly stay can quickly turn into a truly bad experience.
9. Rodeway Inn
Rating: 2.3 (ConsumerAffairs)
Ownership: Choice Hotels
This budget-friendly chain often pops up near popular tourist spots, drawing in many visitors. While guests appreciate the free Wi-Fi, common complaints include unhelpful staff and rather limited breakfast options.
8. Red Roof Inn
Rating: 1.7 (ConsumerAffairs)
Parent Company: Citigroup Global Special Situations Group and Westbridge Hospitality Fund LP.
Red Roof Inn has long been known for its relaxed pet policies, free Wi-Fi, and continental breakfast. Lately, though, it seems to be gaining notoriety for some less-than-pleasant “extras” like mold, foul smells, and soiled linens.
7. Quality Inn
Rating: 1.7 (ConsumerAffairs)
Parent Company: Choice Hotels
Quality Inn offers a free continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, and comfortable rooms. However, some locations have been flagged for issues such as stained linens, leaking ceilings, and unpleasant odors, which might make you think twice before booking.
6. Radisson Hotels
Rating: 1.6 (ConsumerAffairs)
Parent Company: Choice Hotels
Radisson hotels often appeal to families and wellness travelers with perks like pools and fitness centers. Despite these offerings, frequent complaints about broken amenities and poor service have left many guests feeling let down.
5. Motel 6
Rating: 1.6 (ConsumerAffairs)
Parent Company: Oyo Rooms
You’ve probably heard their famous slogan, “we’ll keep the light on for you…” but according to recent reviews, you might not want them to. While Motel 6 remains one of the most visited chains, guests frequently complain about a lack of cleanliness and amenities across many locations.
4. Days Inn
Rating: 1.6 (ConsumerAffairs)
Parent Company: Wyndham Hotel & Resorts
Days Inn is a budget-conscious choice for road trippers, but recurring complaints about cleanliness and noise often lead guests to regret their stay. In some cases, guests even claim to have paid for rooms they ultimately couldn’t use.
3. Econo Lodge
Rating: 1.5 (ConsumerAffairs)
Parent Company: Choice Hotels
Econo Lodge is recognized for its affordability and convenience, making it one of the most widespread chains under Choice Hotels. While the chain promotes clean and comfortable rooms, many guests report finding quite the opposite, with complaints including cigarette-butt burnt bedding that looked worn from previous occupants.
2. Super 8
Rating: 1.2 (ConsumerAffairs)
Parent Company: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Although technically a motel, Super 8 used to be a reliable spot for budget-friendly rest. Sadly, it has fallen from grace, earning a dismal 1.2-star rating due to poor cleanliness and unhelpful management.
1. Holiday Inn
Rating: 1.0 (ConsumerAffairs)
Parent Company: InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)
Holiday Inn is a global giant, with locations in every U.S. state. Unfortunately, customer reviews don’t seem to align with the positive experiences the chain aims to provide.
Specific complaints often refer to dirty entryways and overall poor conditions. You might want to save your money and book elsewhere.
The Bottom Line
Booking a hotel shouldn’t feel like a gamble, but with some of these chains, it often does. Before you reserve a room, make sure to check reviews not only on the hotel’s website but also on popular travel sites. These independent reviews can offer a more honest understanding of what the hotel is truly like and why it received its ratings.
To make your travel dollars go further without sacrificing comfort, consider exploring top travel credit cards. Many offer valuable perks like hotel upgrades, trip protection, and cash back on bookings.
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- 10 Worst Hotel Chains in America (Do You Agree?) (financebuzz.com)