America's Best value Inn & Suites-Helena

The hotel is primarily characterized by its affordability, making it a choice for budget-conscious travelers or those needing a quick, no-frills stopover. Its unique motel-style layout, with doors opening directly to the outside, is noted by guests, offering direct access to rooms. However, the overall guest experience is significantly impacted by pervasive issues with room cleanliness and maintenance, alongside concerns about the surrounding environment. Many guests report encountering rooms that are dirty, poorly maintained, or have unpleasant odors, which detracts significantly from their stay. While some guests appreciate the efforts of individual staff members, many report challenges with service and unexpected charges. This hotel might suit travelers who prioritize a low price point above all else and are prepared for a very basic and potentially challenging stay. To manage expectations, it is advisable to confirm all charges upfront and be aware of the immediate surroundings, as the area is frequently described as unsettling.

Facilities & Amenities
Most guests report a general lack of functional amenities, with the outdoor pool frequently mentioned as being closed, unclean, or appearing non-operational for an extended period, often described with rocks on its cover or as a "dump." While some reviews mention the presence of a fridge in the rooms, and a few note free Wi-Fi and a Roku TV, these positive mentions are sparse. Many guests highlight the absence of basic in-room amenities such as a coffee maker, hair dryer, telephone, alarm clock, or even sufficient lighting due to missing bulbs. The overall impression is that the facilities are run-down and do not meet standard expectations, with some guests noting broken or missing locks on doors, non-functional exhaust fans in bathrooms, and a general state of disrepair across the property.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is overwhelmingly negative. Many reviews describe rooms as filthy, dirty, and having a pervasive horrid stench of stale cigarettes, mold, or other unpleasant odors, which some guests found so strong they could "taste" it. Common issues include stained carpets, sheets, and walls, along with cigarette burns on bedding and carpets. Guests frequently report broken items such as non-functional door locks, broken windows, damaged furniture, exposed electrical wires, and non-working air conditioning or heating units. The beds are often described as uncomfortable or broken, and pillows as small or dirty. Some guests even reported finding bugs or animal dander in their rooms, and in extreme cases, blood on sheets. The bathrooms are often cited as unclean, with issues like clogged toilets, poor water pressure, or missing exhaust fan covers, though a few isolated positive comments mentioned a clean bathroom.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location receives mixed, but predominantly negative, feedback. While some guests find its proximity to the freeway, Walmart, and downtown convenient for quick stopovers or local access, many express significant concerns about the immediate surroundings. The area is frequently described as unsafe, with numerous reports of homeless individuals loitering, broken-down vehicles on the property, and a general sense of unease. Guests often mention feeling uncomfortable or even fearful for their personal safety and their vehicles, with some opting to leave the property shortly after arrival. The presence of long-term residents and a perceived lack of security contribute to this negative perception. Parking is available, but the condition of the lot, often filled with derelict cars and trash, adds to the overall negative impression of the location.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service are notably varied. While many reviews highlight specific individuals, particularly the front desk staff or receptionists, as friendly, nice, helpful, understanding, and welcoming, a significant number of other guests report negative interactions. These negative experiences include staff being described as rude, uncooperative, dismissive, or having language barriers. Issues such as difficulty with check-in processes, rooms being given to other guests, or staff being unable to assist with basic maintenance requests are frequently mentioned. Some guests also reported being subjected to unexpected charges or difficulties in obtaining refunds, with staff sometimes directing them to third-party booking services rather than resolving issues directly. Despite these inconsistencies, the positive mentions often praise the efforts of the staff who genuinely tried to assist guests under challenging circumstances.

Additional Information
A prominent recurring theme in guest reviews is the issue of unexpected charges and difficulty obtaining refunds. Many guests report being charged more than the advertised price, incurring additional "damage deposits" without approval, or being charged for no-shows even after attempting to cancel. The process for securing a refund is frequently described as challenging, often requiring intervention from third-party booking services. Another significant point is the presence of long-term tenants or residents, which contributes to the overall atmosphere and perception of the property. While the hotel has a pet-friendly policy, some guests found the carpeted rooms unsuitable for pets or noted challenges with finding appropriate outdoor areas. The property is also frequently described as being in a state of disrepair, with many guests mentioning recent "remodels" that do not seem to have significantly improved the overall condition or cleanliness.