MainStay Suites Conover-Hickory

This hotel is characterized by its spacious rooms and suites, often featuring kitchenettes, making it a suitable choice for extended stay guests and families seeking more living space. While the hotel generally aims for a clean and new feel, a significant recurring issue is the persistent problem with elevators, which are frequently out of service or cause long delays, impacting guest convenience. The front-line staff consistently receives praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing positively to the guest experience despite operational challenges. For a smoother stay, guests are advised to confirm their booking details directly with the hotel prior to arrival, as some have experienced unexpected room changes. Additionally, allowing extra time for elevator use, especially during peak hours, is recommended.

Facilities & Amenities
A major concern for many guests revolves around the hotel's elevators, with reports of one being out of commission for an extended period, leading to significant wait times and even guests getting stuck. While some instances of repairs were noted, the issue appears to be persistent. The hotel features a pool, though some guests reported late-night noise disturbances originating from this area. Rooms often include a small kitchen area, but guests frequently found it lacking essential items like utensils, and some noted kitchen appliances were not clean. Other in-room amenities, such as TVs and phones, were occasionally reported as non-functional, and some electrical outlets were not working. The absence of a hair dryer in rooms was also mentioned by some visitors.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is mixed, with many appreciating the big rooms and comfortable beds. However, several reviews highlight significant issues, including pervasive pests, specifically cockroaches, found in bathrooms, kitchen areas, and even on bed headboards, leading some guests to check out early. Other concerns include stains on bedding, sofas, and curtains, suggesting that beds may not always be changed between guests. Some rooms were described as needing repairs, with torn carpets, trim falling off walls, and paint peeling from ceilings. While some guests found the rooms clean and smelling fresh, others reported unpleasant or "weird smells" and a general dated appearance in hallways. Noise is also a recurring issue, with complaints about thin walls and loud parties by the pool affecting sleep quality. The bathrooms were sometimes noted as small or not thoroughly cleaned, and some rooms lacked adequate seating beyond beds or a desk chair.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback regarding the hotel's breakfast offerings is inconsistent. While some guests found the complimentary breakfast to be "tasty" and "good," a notable number expressed disappointment, describing the "continental breakfast" as "not good at all" or having "disappointing" quality. This suggests that the breakfast experience can vary, and guests should manage their expectations regarding the variety and quality of the food provided.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally viewed positively by guests, who found it to be convenient and easy to find. Its accessibility makes it a practical choice for various travel plans, suggesting it is well-situated for navigating the local area. No specific landmarks or public transport links were consistently highlighted, but the general ease of access and central positioning were appreciated by visitors.

Staff & Service
The hotel's front-line staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and understanding, with many guests highlighting positive interactions at the front desk during check-in and check-out. However, there are significant and repeated concerns regarding management, with multiple guests reporting issues such as uncommunicated changes to their room bookings, alleged dishonesty regarding reasons for room changes, and difficulties obtaining refunds for unsatisfactory stays. Some guests also reported a lack of housekeeping service, not receiving fresh towels or washcloths during their stay. There were also instances where guests were told rooms were unavailable when they could be booked online, indicating potential discrepancies in booking management.

Additional Information
Guests have reported significant issues with booking discrepancies, including instances where their pre-paid reservations were unexpectedly changed without prior notification, leading to frustration upon arrival. Attempts to secure refunds for these issues were often met with resistance, with guests being informed that only the owner had the authority to process such requests, and the owner was reportedly unresponsive. There were also concerning reports of the hotel's alleged failure to pay maintenance companies for work performed, specifically concerning elevator repairs. Furthermore, some guests claimed to have been contacted by the hotel and accused of lying after leaving negative reviews, which raises concerns about the hotel's approach to guest feedback.