Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Fairview Heights, IL

The hotel offers a convenient location right off the highway, making it a practical choice for road trippers and overnight stays. Many guests highlight the friendly staff and comfortable beds as key positives, contributing to a generally pleasant experience. While the complimentary breakfast is a notable feature, feedback is mixed, and the condition of the pool is a frequent point of concern. The hotel appears to be a suitable option for families seeking value and amenities, and for budget-minded travelers looking for an affordable stay. However, some guests report issues with the hotel's overall upkeep and cleanliness, alongside noticeable highway noise. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from the highway to minimize noise, and if the pool is a priority for your visit, it is advisable to confirm its operational status and condition beforehand.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's pool is a frequently discussed amenity, though often with significant negative feedback; many guests report it being cold, green, dirty, or even empty and non-operational due to lack of heat. This is a major disappointment for families who booked specifically for this feature. A critical issue for many guests has been the consistent lack of hot water throughout the hotel, impacting showers and overall comfort. While some guests found the Wi-Fi to be decent, others experienced weak or intermittent connectivity. The elevator is noted by some as showing wear, being dirty, or having expired inspection notices. On a more positive note, the hotel offers ample and convenient parking, which is appreciated by those traveling by car. The overall impression of the facilities suggests a need for significant maintenance and updates to meet guest expectations.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably mixed. Many guests praise the rooms as clean and the beds as comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, a significant number of reviews detail concerns about the rooms being dirty, with reports of stained bedding, hair in various areas, unpleasant odors like mildew, and even insect sightings. The overall room condition is often described as worn down or dated, with issues such as chipped bathtubs, cracked caulking, and peeling paint. Bathrooms are frequently noted as being small, making it difficult for multiple people to use them simultaneously, and some experience poor shower drainage. A recurring complaint is the pervasive highway noise, which can be disruptive and impact sleep quality, even with windows closed.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast at the hotel receives varied feedback from guests. Many appreciate the variety of options, including waffles, scrambled eggs, sausage, and biscuits, finding it to be a satisfying and filling start to the day. However, a considerable number of reviews point out significant shortcomings. Issues frequently mentioned include food being cold or only lukewarm, limited choices, and items running out quickly, especially later in the morning. Some guests found the coffee to be weak and noted a lack of basic items like forks or sufficient seating in the dining area, leading to overcrowding and guests having to stand. Despite these inconsistencies, the availability of a complimentary breakfast remains a valued amenity for many visitors.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, offering easy access to the highway and placing guests conveniently close to a variety of shopping centers, restaurants, and recreational activities. This makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area. Guests appreciate the ample and convenient parking available on-site. The proximity to public transportation, including the metro link, is also noted, providing options for getting around without a car. While the location is generally praised for its convenience and perceived safety, some guests with mobility challenges have reported that the hotel's design, including narrow rooms and bathroom doors, may not be fully handicapped accessible, potentially posing difficulties for wheelchair users.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and courteous demeanor. Many guests commend their willingness to accommodate requests and provide attentive service, contributing positively to the overall experience. However, the check-in and check-out process can be inconsistent; while some report quick and efficient service, others describe long waits or difficulties, particularly in cases of overbooked or unexpectedly canceled reservations. There are also recurring complaints regarding the responsiveness of management to guest issues, with some guests feeling their concerns were not adequately addressed or that staff were unhelpful in resolving problems. Housekeeping service also receives mixed reviews, with some guests reporting a lack of service or interruptions during their stay.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of the hotel's deposit policy, which often requires an unexpected $50 or $100 payment upon check-in, a detail not always clearly communicated during the booking process. This can be a surprise for some visitors. While some guests appreciate military perks offered by the hotel, others have experienced issues with early check-in requests being denied, even when rooms appeared available, leading to frustration after long journeys. The hotel's ADA compliance has been questioned by some, with reports of narrow spaces and bathroom configurations that may not be fully suitable for guests with mobility needs. There are also isolated mentions of an unusual policy regarding not allowing continental breakfast food to be taken back to rooms, which can be inconvenient for families or those with specific dietary needs. These specific details, while not universally experienced, are important for potential guests to consider for a smoother stay.