This is the first entry in a new category on LM dubbed Bad Hotels. Most hotels I frequent fall into the decent category but every so often I unfortunately run into some shit holes like the Four Points by Sheridan in the Phoenix Metro Center.
The first thing you should note coming into the hotels area is that the Phoenix Metro Center isnt what it used to be. Its now pretty ghetto and many of the buildings are vacant. There are some decent restuarants around though so at least it had that going for it.
I walked up to the check-in counter and was not greeted but rather stood there and coughed until the girl behind the counter looked up. “Hi” she said. Not a “May I help you” or “Thank you for visiting us ….” but “Hi”. What are we friends? I check-in to my room and proceed upstairs. The hotel elevator smelled like someone had just run a marathon it in, body odor was strong with this one. You can always tell how old a hotel is or how many times its been renovated by the elevators. Most hotels wont replace them so take note. This one made a crashing noise at each floor as we passed it and when I finally reached the 4th floor it felt like I was coming off a roller coaster 360 degree bank. Made my way into my room and as per usual looked to see what my view was going to offer. A wall, not just a wall but a wall with trash cans below. I called the pleasant girl at the counter and asked if I could swap rooms, which she did do actually.
Got the new key and moved to the room across the hall which gave me a view of the parking lot which meant I could at least keep an eye on my vehicle. The bathroom floor had hair on it, yes little brown curly ones. I let the shower run on hot for about an hour to try and get anything that may be in there down the drain. The toilet bowl was clean but I always give everything in hotels a good once over before touching them. I wouldn’t say that I am a germ-phob but I don’t want to sit down where some dude may have just say with a huge case of hemroids. So, carrying a small body of Lysol with me gives me a little peace of mind. I usually give the bed a once over as well, pulling back the sheets and looking for bed bugs, dirt, hair, etc… I know I may seem paranoid but if you stay in as many hotels as I have you see a lot of things. This one seemed okay, for now.
Later that night climbing into bed I noticed I was itching pretty bad. I didn’t see anything that should be causing this so maybe it was whatever they use to clean their sheets with. Either way it was annoying. The bed was miserable! Hard in some spots and soft in others. I can usually deal with one or the other but some of both sucks. Pretty much guarantees you a bad back in the morning. I slept so-so considering the bed and at least the AC was working well. It was 115 degrees outside during the day and 102 at night so it better have been. I ordered room service in the morning, I like a good breakfast in bed when I travel. The eggs were runny, the toast was cold and the coffee tasted like something you would get in a bad cafeteria. I complained and they removed the charge from my bill. That didn’t change the fact that my meal was ruined.
Getting out to my vehicle I found out that apparently the sprinklers do a better job of watering down your car than promoting grass health. The entire row of cars were soaked and in this type of heat that means shitty hard water spots. I told the girl at the front counter and she just kind of shrugged. Sometimes I bite my tongue and don’t say anything but when I visit a place like this I feel the only way they are going to improve is if you say something. I suggest you do the same even though it may feel awkward, it may make the next travelers experience better.
On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being close to sleeping in the gutter and 10 being totally pampered I would rate this hotel about a 5. The only reason it hit a 5 was due to the service being decent. The clerk wasn’t excited about her job or greeting me but when I asked for something, I got it which does count for something. Would I stay there again? Nope.