Red Roof Inn Hickory

This hotel is consistently described as a budget option, primarily appealing to travelers seeking the absolute lowest price for a brief, no-frills stay. Its signature feature, often cited as its only positive, is its convenient location near local amenities. However, this is frequently overshadowed by pervasive issues with cleanliness, safety, and overall guest experience. The hotel appears to attract a transient and disruptive clientele, leading to concerns about personal safety and excessive noise. It is not suitable for families or couples seeking a comfortable retreat, nor for business travelers needing a quiet, reliable environment. To enhance your stay, be prepared to thoroughly inspect the room immediately upon check-in and consider alternative accommodation if conditions are unacceptable, and be aware of the surrounding environment and potential disturbances.

Facilities & Amenities
Many guests report a significant lack of basic in-room amenities, with frequent complaints about the absence of a refrigerator, microwave, or coffee maker, despite some online listings suggesting their presence. This often leads to inconvenience, especially for longer stays or for guests with food storage needs. Issues with televisions are common, including non-functional remotes, poor signal, or missing channels. The air conditioning units are frequently cited as ineffective or problematic, failing to provide adequate cooling or heating. Other reported deficiencies include non-working ice machines, missing coat hangers, and a general lack of towels or toiletries upon arrival. Some rooms also suffer from exposed electrical outlets, broken window shades, and inadequate lighting, contributing to a sense of disrepair and discomfort.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is overwhelmingly negative, with a pervasive issue of insect infestations, including frequent reports of roaches and bed bugs, which significantly impacts guest well-being and sleep quality. Many guests describe rooms as generally filthy, with visible stains on sheets, blankets, and towels, often accompanied by cigarette burns even in non-smoking rooms. The overall condition of the rooms is poor, featuring mold in bathrooms, cracked walls, damaged furniture, and a persistent unpleasant odor of smoke or urine. Guests frequently complain about uncomfortable beds and inadequate pillows, leading to restless nights. Noise is a major concern, with thin walls allowing disturbances from other guests and outside activities to be heard throughout the night, making it difficult to relax or sleep.

Dining & Food Quality
There is very limited information on dining, and the overwhelming majority of mentions indicate that breakfast is either not offered or not available, despite some advertising suggesting otherwise. Only one review positively mentions a "great breakfast," which is an outlier. Given the lack of consistent feedback and the prevalence of negative or absent mentions, it is clear that dining is not a significant feature or positive aspect of the guest experience at this hotel. Guests should plan to seek dining options outside the property, as the hotel does not reliably provide food services.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is frequently cited as a primary advantage, offering convenient access to a variety of restaurants, shopping options, and a nearby mall. Its proximity to the highway makes it easily accessible for travelers. However, this convenience is often overshadowed by significant concerns regarding the safety of the surrounding area, with many guests feeling uncomfortable due to the presence of disruptive individuals and a general sense of unease. Some guests also note that the hotel's signage is small or unlit, making it difficult to locate from the main road, requiring careful navigation to a shared side street. Parking can be disorganized, with large vehicles sometimes occupying excessive space.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service are highly mixed, though negative feedback is more prevalent. While some guests commend the front desk staff for being friendly, helpful, and accommodating, a substantial number report encountering rude, unresponsive, and unprofessional individuals. A recurring issue is the frequent unavailability of staff at the front desk, leading to long waits for check-in or assistance, and difficulty getting key cards to work. Guests often struggle to reach anyone by phone, and some report being denied refunds or having reservations cancelled without proper notification. Housekeeping services are consistently criticized, with many guests stating their rooms were not cleaned or that they had to request fresh towels themselves, even during extended stays.

Additional Information
A frequently highlighted aspect of the hotel's policy is a mandatory cash deposit, which varies but is often between $100 and $250. Many guests express frustration that this deposit is not clearly advertised online or communicated upfront, leading to unexpected charges upon arrival. While the hotel is pet-friendly, some guests report issues with other pet owners failing to clean up after their animals, resulting in unsanitary outdoor areas. Despite a no-smoking policy and associated waivers, numerous reviews indicate that rooms often smell of smoke or show evidence of smoking, suggesting inconsistent enforcement. Guests also frequently report significant difficulties in obtaining promised refunds for unsatisfactory stays or cancelled reservations, even when the hotel is at fault.