Econo Lodge Knoxville North

This hotel is frequently noted for its budget-friendly rates, attracting travelers in transit seeking an economical overnight stop. However, guests consistently report significant concerns regarding the overall cleanliness of the accommodations and the safety of the surrounding environment. Many reviews highlight pervasive issues with room maintenance and the condition of amenities, often leading to a challenging stay. While some guests appreciate the convenient location near major roadways, the hotel's operational practices, particularly concerning deposits and advertised services, are a recurring point of contention. This property might appeal to highly budget-conscious individuals who are prepared for a very basic and potentially problematic experience. To ensure a smoother stay, it is advisable for guests to thoroughly inspect their assigned room immediately upon arrival and to clarify all hotel policies, especially regarding deposits and advertised amenities like breakfast and Wi-Fi, before committing to their reservation.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's facilities are frequently described as dated and in need of significant renovation, impacting the overall guest experience. Many guests report issues with the Wi-Fi, noting that it often does not work or is unreliable, despite being advertised as available. Similarly, the ice machines are a common point of complaint, with multiple guests finding them out of order during their stay. The general condition of the property's infrastructure, including air conditioning units and heating units, is often cited as problematic, with some units being ineffective or very noisy. While some guests found the Wi-Fi to be functional, the prevailing sentiment suggests that the amenities provided are often below expectations and contribute to a less comfortable stay. The lack of consistent functionality across various facilities is a recurring theme in guest feedback.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is overwhelmingly negative, with many describing rooms as filthy and poorly maintained. Common complaints include dirty floors, stained linens, and the presence of mold in bathrooms and on shower curtains. Guests frequently report finding hair in tubs and on toilets, and some even mention bloodstains on walls or pillowcases. The overall room condition is often cited as problematic, with numerous reviews detailing cigarette burn holes in sheets and bedspreads, worn-out furniture, and broken fixtures such as remotes, phones, and bathroom doorknobs. While a few guests found the beds comfortable, many reported issues like itching or generally unhygienic sleeping conditions. Noise levels are a significant concern, with frequent mentions of loud guests, car alarms, and disturbances from outside the rooms, making a restful stay challenging. The lack of basic amenities like functional televisions or sufficient clean towels further detracts from the guest experience.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining offerings, particularly breakfast, are a significant point of disappointment for many guests. Despite being advertised as included, numerous reviews state that no breakfast is provided, or only very limited options such as juice and coffee are available. Guests express considerable frustration at the discrepancy between the advertised amenities and the reality, often having budgeted for a complimentary meal. Some reviews indicate that the lack of breakfast has been an ongoing issue since a specific global event, yet the advertising has not been updated, leading to a sense of being misled. This consistent absence of the promised breakfast service forces guests to seek food elsewhere, adding unexpected costs and inconvenience to their stay. The hotel's failure to deliver on this advertised amenity is a recurring complaint among visitors, significantly impacting their overall satisfaction.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is described as convenient for travelers in transit, being situated close to the highway and offering easy access to nearby restaurants and gas stations. Some guests also noted its proximity to a stadium, which can be beneficial for event attendees. However, the surrounding area is a major concern for many visitors, frequently described as sketchy and unsafe. Numerous reviews highlight the pervasive presence of homeless individuals and visible drug activity in and around the parking lot and hotel premises, leading to feelings of discomfort and insecurity. Guests report disturbances from these individuals, impacting their sense of safety. While the hotel offers accessibility to major roads, the immediate environment significantly detracts from the overall guest experience, making it less suitable for those seeking a secure and peaceful stay.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service are highly varied, though often leaning towards negative, particularly concerning management and policy enforcement. While some guests commend the friendly staff at the front desk for their helpfulness and pleasant demeanor, many others report encountering rude, disrespectful, and even racist behavior from other staff members, especially management. The check-in process is a frequent source of frustration, with guests reporting unexpected and high deposits, issues with reservations not being honored, and difficulties obtaining refunds. There are numerous complaints about the hotel's pet policy, with guests being charged unexpected fees, refused lodging despite prior reservations, or denied entry with service animals despite advertised policies. Housekeeping is also a concern, with reports of rooms not being cleaned or trash not being emptied. The overall impression is that while some individual staff members are commendable, systemic issues with management and policy implementation significantly detract from the guest experience.

Additional Information
A significant and recurring issue highlighted by guests is the hotel's deposit policy, which often leads to considerable frustration and financial disputes. Many guests report being charged unexpectedly high security deposits upon arrival, often without prior disclosure online, and these amounts can vary wildly. A common complaint is the hotel's reluctance or refusal to refund deposits, with guests citing various reasons for retention, such as alleged damage to rooms or even charges for "dirty" towels, which guests dispute. Instances of being charged for pet fees already paid, or having cards charged for amounts different from what was quoted, are also frequently mentioned. Furthermore, the hotel's pet policy has drawn criticism for allegedly violating regulations regarding service animals, with some guests being denied lodging despite having proper documentation. These operational practices, particularly concerning financial transactions and adherence to stated policies, are a major source of dissatisfaction and contribute to a negative overall impression for many visitors.