Comfort Inn & Suites Port Charlotte-Punta Gorda

This hotel, recently renovated after a hurricane, offers a welcoming and comfortable stay, particularly noted for its pet-friendly policy and the exceptional warmth of its staff. Its convenient location near major highways and local attractions makes it an ideal choice for overnight travelers, families, and travelers with pets seeking a comfortable base. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's comfortable beds and the generally positive breakfast experience. While the recent updates have improved the property, some lingering issues like occasional musty odors and hot tub functionality are noted. To ensure the best experience, guests might consider requesting a room away from high-traffic areas or floors designated for pets, and verifying the hot tub's operational status upon arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of amenities designed for guest convenience and relaxation. The pool is generally described as clean and well-maintained, though some guests found it to be on the smaller side. The hot tub, however, frequently receives mixed feedback, with many reports of it being cold, non-functional, or having issues with its jets. A fitness center is available, equipped for workouts, though some users wished for heavier weights. Guests appreciate the laundry facilities, which are noted as clean and serviceable. Wi-Fi is provided, though a few guests experienced spotty connectivity. Ample parking is available, including space for larger vehicles like semi-trucks, though some instances of blocked access points were mentioned. Additional touches include complimentary cookies and lemon water in the lobby, and the availability of board games/puzzles for guest use.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is varied. Many guests praise the rooms as very clean and the beds as exceptionally comfortable, ensuring a restful sleep. The pillows are also frequently complimented for their comfort. However, a significant number of reviews mention a persistent musty smell or moldy odor, sometimes described as a "wet dog" smell, particularly in carpeted areas, which some attribute to the hotel's pet-friendly nature or post-hurricane conditions. Some rooms were equipped with dehumidifiers to combat humidity. While some bathrooms are noted as spacious and clean, others report issues such as peeling paint, mold on walls, water leaks, low water pressure, or ants and cockroaches. Room amenities like refrigerators and light switches occasionally malfunctioned, and some guests noted TV issues. Noise levels are also a concern for some, with reports of barking dogs, loud neighbors, and hallway disturbances impacting sleep.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast service is a notable highlight for many guests, often described as "excellent" and "very good." It typically offers a hot breakfast selection, including eggs, sausage or bacon, and a popular waffle station, alongside various pastries, cereals, and juices. The staff responsible for the breakfast area consistently receives high praise for their attentiveness and for keeping the food items replenished and the area tidy. However, some guests found the breakfast variety to be limited, or noted issues with food quality, such as cold sausages, salty eggs, or weak coffee. The coffee is generally available 24/7 in the lobby. For other dining options, the hotel's location provides easy walking access to several popular restaurants, including a Waffle House and Cracker Barrel, offering convenient choices for meals outside the hotel.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a highly convenient location, situated right off I-75 and close to the Punta Gorda airport, making it easily accessible for travelers. Its central location places guests within walking distance of various restaurants and shopping options, including popular establishments like Cracker Barrel and Waffle House. This proximity to dining and retail is a significant advantage for many visitors. While parking is generally ample and accommodating for various vehicle sizes, including semi-trucks, some guests noted occasional issues with trucks blocking certain access points. A recurring point of frustration for many guests is the hotel's advertised airport shuttle service, which is frequently reported as unavailable due to repairs or lack of drivers, forcing guests to arrange and pay for alternative transportation like taxis or ride-shares, despite booking specifically for the shuttle.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with guests frequently describing them as "excellent," "professional," "friendly," and "helpful." Many reviews highlight individual staff members for their exceptional attentive service and willingness to go "above and beyond" to assist guests. The check-in process is generally reported as smooth and quick. While most interactions are positive, a few isolated instances of unhelpful or rude front desk staff were mentioned. The hotel's pet-friendly service is particularly appreciated, with staff being very accommodating and providing treats for dogs. However, the housekeeping service receives mixed reviews; while some rooms are praised for cleanliness, many guests noted that daily cleaning is not provided unless specifically requested, leading some to collect their own towels and supplies. A strict no-refund policy for cancellations due to illness or emergencies, even with advance notice, caused significant dissatisfaction for some guests.

Additional Information
The hotel's strong pet-friendly policy is a defining characteristic, welcoming guests with animals and even offering treats for dogs. However, this policy also contributes to a noticeable wet dog smell or strong cleaner scent in some areas, and frequent complaints about barking dogs impacting the quiet enjoyment of other guests. Some reviews suggest that the hotel should consider designating specific floors for pet owners to mitigate noise and odor issues for those without pets. The property is undergoing renovations, which means some areas are newly updated while others may still show signs of wear or construction, such as paint smells or dated furniture. The hotel also provides unique luggage carts that are praised for their ease of use. Guests should be aware that during peak times or when large groups are staying, the hotel, including the breakfast area and pool, can become quite crowded and noisy.