Baymont by Wyndham Ferndale/Royal Oak

The hotel's online presentation often creates an expectation of a quaint and updated property, which guests frequently find to be a significant misrepresentation upon arrival. This stark contrast between advertised images and the actual condition of the hotel is a recurring theme, leading to widespread disappointment and a strong desire to immediately seek alternative accommodation. The overall atmosphere is consistently described as unsafe and unhygienic, with many feeling the property is unsuitable for habitation. This hotel is generally unsuitable for business travelers, families, or anyone seeking a comfortable and secure stay. It might only be considered by budget travelers with extremely low expectations and limited alternatives, who prioritize minimal cost above all else. Prospective guests are strongly advised to disregard online photos and consider alternative accommodations, as many reviewers express profound regret about their decision to stay.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently report a significant lack of basic facilities and non-functional amenities throughout the hotel. The elevators are often noted as being out of service, problematic, or emitting unpleasant odors, causing inconvenience for guests. Rooms commonly lack essential items such as in-room refrigerators, microwaves, telephones, and alarm clocks, forcing guests to rely on a single, often problematic, microwave located in the lobby. Issues with unreliable Wi-Fi connectivity and malfunctioning air conditioning units are also widely reported. Furthermore, there is a pervasive scarcity and poor condition of basic supplies like towels and toilet paper, which are often described as dirty or insufficient. Non-functional ice machines and problematic vending machines further detract from the guest experience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The most pervasive issue highlighted by guests is the severe lack of cleanliness and overall poor room comfort. Reviews consistently describe rooms and bathrooms as being very dirty, with widespread reports of stained sheets, dirty carpets, mold, and various insect infestations, including roaches and dead bugs. The condition of bathrooms is particularly concerning, with mentions of dirty tubs, broken toilet seats, and strong, unpleasant odors. A significant and recurring problem is the absence of hot water in showers, forcing guests to use cold water. Many rooms also suffer from broken door locks or handles, raising serious security concerns. The walls and doors are noted as being very thin, leading to high noise levels from hallways and adjacent rooms, making it difficult to rest. Additionally, strong, pervasive smells of smoke and other unpleasant odors are frequently reported throughout the property.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback regarding dining options and food quality is consistently negative, primarily due to the hotel's significant lack of offerings. Many guests report that the advertised breakfast is either entirely absent or extremely limited, often consisting only of a small juice and a donut stick, which is widely considered unhealthy and insufficient. There are no dedicated eating areas within the hotel, further inconveniencing guests who wish to consume food on-site. The only available amenity for food preparation is a small microwave located in the lobby, which guests must use if they wish to heat any personal items. This forces guests to spend additional money on outside food, as in-room options for storing or preparing meals are non-existent, and the absence of in-room refrigerators or microwaves means guests cannot keep or prepare their own provisions.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is a major point of concern for many guests, frequently described as being in a "bad" or "ghetto" area. This perception is reinforced by the visible presence of solicitors and uncontrolled individuals in the parking lot and within the lobby itself, contributing to an unsettling atmosphere. Guests often report feeling unsafe and insecure due to the surrounding environment and the various activities observed outside and inside the property. The parking lot is also noted for being poorly lit, adding to safety concerns, particularly after dark. This challenging environment significantly detracts from the guest experience, making many feel uncomfortable and prompting some to leave immediately upon arrival. The constant presence of various individuals around the property creates an impression of a lack of control, impacting guests' sense of security and overall comfort during their stay.

Staff & Service
Feedback regarding staff and service is notably mixed, with some guests reporting positive interactions while others describe negative experiences. A few guests found the front desk personnel to be friendly, welcoming, and informative during check-in, and some appreciated their apologetic demeanor when issues arose. However, many reviewers describe staff as rude, unaccommodating, or unhelpful, particularly when guests attempted to address concerns about room conditions or hotel policies. There are reports of staff being unwilling to provide assistance or resolve issues, leading to frustration. The process of check-in itself can be problematic due to unexpected deposit requirements. Despite these inconsistencies, a small number of guests did highlight instances of staff kindness and a willingness to clarify rules, suggesting a varied experience depending on the individual staff member encountered.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the hotel's specific deposit policy, which is a frequent point of contention. Upon arrival, guests are often required to pay an additional security deposit, typically either a larger refundable amount that must be paid in cash, or a smaller non-refundable fee that can be charged to a card. The refundable deposit is often not returned until the next business day, which can be inconvenient. The hotel states that the non-refundable fee is intended to discourage smoking in rooms, though many guests report pervasive smoke odors regardless. Another notable guest policy restricts visitors from entering after a certain hour. This hotel is often perceived as a budget option, but guests should manage expectations regarding the overall experience, as the property's conditions and policies significantly impact the stay.