Econo Lodge Billings

The hotel is widely perceived as a very basic and budget-friendly accommodation, often serving as a last resort for travelers rather than a preferred choice. Its most notable feature is its pet-friendly policy, which makes it a practical option for individuals traveling with animals. However, guests frequently highlight pervasive issues with cleanliness, significant maintenance problems, and a general state of disrepair throughout the property. The hotel primarily caters to budget-conscious travelers and those on long road trips who prioritize affordability over comfort, particularly pet owners seeking accessible lodging. To ensure a more tolerable stay, guests are strongly advised to manage their expectations regarding the overall quality and be prepared for a no-frills experience. It is also highly recommended to thoroughly inspect the assigned room upon check-in and promptly communicate any immediate concerns or deficiencies to the front desk staff.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features an outdoor pool, which, while appreciated by some guests for recreation, is frequently reported as being covered or non-operational, leading to disappointment. A significant point of contention is the hot tub, which is consistently described as broken, out of service, or even used for storage, failing to deliver on advertised amenities. Connectivity is also an issue, as Wi-Fi is often reported as slow, unreliable, or entirely non-functional, hindering guests' ability to stay connected. Furthermore, essential facilities like the washer and dryer are noted to be out of order, and some ice makers are also reported as broken. Guests have also raised concerns about accessibility to upper floors, with some reviews implying a lack of an elevator. Pervasive issues with door locks and key card access are common, and external doors are sometimes found propped open, raising significant security concerns for guests.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The most pervasive issue is the lack of cleanliness. Guests frequently report filthy floors, dirty shower curtains (sometimes with blood or hair), stained linens, and uncleaned toilets. Many rooms are described as having dust, food debris, or even bugs (ants, roaches) present. Rooms often suffer from significant disrepair, including non-flushing toilets, mold in bathrooms, leaks, terrible water pressure, and broken faucets. Loud air conditioning units and damaged outlets are also common. While some guests found the beds comfortable, others described them as lumpy or having working wheels, impacting sleep quality. Noise levels are a significant concern, with thin walls allowing sounds from neighboring rooms and hallways to disturb guests. Essential in-room amenities like towels, hand soap, trash cans, and working refrigerators are often reported as missing or non-functional.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast offered at the hotel is consistently described as very basic, limited, and often disappointing, failing to meet guest expectations for a substantial meal. The typical breakfast variety includes cold cereal, waffles (though the single waffle maker is frequently reported as broken, dirty, or unavailable), bread, and toast. While coffee, apple juice, and orange juice are usually provided, the coffee quality is sometimes criticized for being bitter, and juice options can be limited. Many guests found the overall food quality to be low, with items like stale bagels or old creamer. Furthermore, the breakfast area itself is often noted for being unkempt, lacking proper maintenance, or sometimes not even open for seating, detracting from the dining experience.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally considered convenient by guests due to its proximity to the freeway, offering easy access for travelers and facilitating quick departures. It is also noted for being close to various local venues, which can be advantageous for specific travel purposes. However, a significant drawback is the perception of the surrounding area, which is frequently described as "sketchy" or unsafe, with reports of undesirable individuals and occasional police presence, contributing to a sense of unease among guests. Parking is available, and some guests appreciate the convenience of being able to park directly outside their room door. Despite the convenient location, guests often encounter difficulties with key card access to rooms and external doors, sometimes requiring assistance from staff or finding doors propped open, which further impacts the overall sense of security and accessibility.

Staff & Service
Feedback on the front desk staff is mixed; some guests praise their friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature, especially during difficult travel situations. However, other reviews describe staff as rude, unprofessional, or unresponsive to issues. The check-in process can be problematic, with reports of long waits, rooms not being ready, or reservations being cancelled without proper notification. Housekeeping is a frequent point of complaint, with many guests reporting rooms were not adequately cleaned before their arrival, or that requests for basic items like towels were not fulfilled. Attempts to resolve issues like room cleanliness or non-functional amenities often meet with resistance or are not effectively addressed, particularly regarding refunds, which are frequently denied, leading to significant guest frustration.

Additional Information
While the hotel generally has a pet-friendly policy, guests traveling with cats have reported unexpected and significant additional fees, with some staff indicating a specific aversion to feline guests. Despite non-smoking rules, many rooms and common areas are reported to have a strong smoke odor, and guests have been charged substantial smoking fees even when smoking outside. A recurring and significant concern is the hotel's strict no-refund policy, even when guests encounter severe issues that force them to leave early or change rooms. Guests have expressed security concerns due to issues with door locks, external doors being propped open, and a general feeling of unsafety in the surrounding area. Some guests noted that amenities advertised online, such as a hot tub, were not operational upon arrival, leading to disappointment.