Econo Lodge Traverse City South

The hotel is primarily noted for its convenient location, offering a practical base for budget-conscious travelers seeking an economical stay in the area, particularly those needing a last-minute accommodation due to unforeseen circumstances or local events. While some guests found it to be a bargain for the money and appreciated its affordability, many experienced significant issues that impacted their overall satisfaction, leading to a mixed perception of value. The property appears to be undergoing or has undergone some renovations, with certain areas like bathrooms showing updates, though the consistency and quality of these improvements vary across rooms. This makes it a suitable option for those prioritizing location and a lower price point over extensive amenities or a consistently polished experience. To enhance your stay, guests are advised to manage their expectations regarding the overall condition of facilities and to proactively confirm the operational status of specific amenities upon arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features an indoor pool and hot tub, which are frequently mentioned by guests, though many reported these facilities were closed or out of order during their stay, leading to significant disappointment, especially for families hoping to use them. When the pool was operational, some found it acceptable, while others noted issues with cleanliness or lack of proper lighting in the area. The property generally offers free Wi-Fi access, though its reliability and speed were not consistently praised by all guests. Additionally, the availability of vending machines for snacks and drinks was noted, but these were often reported as empty or out of order, causing inconvenience. A notable absence for some guests was an elevator, which posed a considerable challenge for those with heavy luggage or mobility concerns, particularly for rooms located on upper floors, requiring guests to use stairs.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is highly varied, with many guests reporting significant concerns. While some found their rooms to be acceptably clean and the beds comfortable, a substantial number encountered issues such as dirty floors that left feet soiled, stained towels, and even alarming reports of bugs, including bed bugs and cockroaches. Room amenities like coffee makers were frequently noted as broken or missing, and light switches or lights themselves were often non-functional, leaving parts of the room dim. Guests commonly experienced problems with hot water availability in showers, often reporting it was either cold or took a very long time to warm up, sometimes requiring a cold shower. Beds were described as ranging from comfortable to squeaky, sagging, or having thin linens, impacting sleep quality. Noise levels from hallways, other rooms, or outside were also a recurring complaint, disturbing rest.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a continental breakfast, but guest feedback consistently indicates a very limited selection, leading to widespread disappointment. Many described the offerings as basic, typically consisting of coffee, juice, packaged muffins, cereal, and sometimes fruit like bananas or oranges. Guests often expressed dissatisfaction with the breakfast variety and quality, with some opting to seek more substantial food and better coffee elsewhere. Issues with coffee machines being out of order or serving very bitter coffee were also noted. The overall sentiment suggests that the breakfast is a minimal offering designed to provide only the bare essentials rather than a satisfying meal, and guests should not expect a wide array of options or high-quality food to start their day.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally considered a significant positive aspect, particularly for its easy access and proximity to the Traverse City area and various local attractions. It is often described as being conveniently situated for those visiting the region, including being a reasonable distance from downtown and other points of interest, making it a practical choice for exploring. Some guests found it ideal for last-minute stays due to its accessibility and central position relative to their destinations. While the exterior appearance of the property was sometimes noted as rough or unkempt upon arrival, its practical location remained a consistent advantage for many travelers. Parking is available on-site and generally found to be sufficient and convenient for guests.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service are notably mixed. While some guests praised the staff as friendly, helpful, and accommodating, particularly in assisting with room changes or specific requests, a substantial number reported unresponsive, rude, or uncaring management and front desk personnel. Issues with slow check-in processes and staff being unavailable at the front desk for extended periods were also mentioned, causing frustration upon arrival. Some guests found staff to be defensive or unwilling to offer solutions when issues were raised, leading to a negative overall impression. However, instances of quick check-in and attentive service were also highlighted, suggesting variability in individual interactions and overall service quality provided by different team members.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel appears to be undergoing renovations, which may result in varying room conditions and some facilities being temporarily unavailable or in disrepair. The hotel has a pet-friendly policy, though some guests reported confusion or unexpected fees related to this, and finding suitable outdoor areas for pets was sometimes a challenge. There were also mentions of a no "Do Not Disturb" sign policy, which led to unexpected room entry attempts by staff. Some guests noted that the exterior doors of the hotel did not always lock properly, raising security concerns for those staying on ground floors. The overall impression is that while some updates have been made, the property still faces challenges in consistent maintenance and service delivery, impacting the guest experience beyond the basic room.