Red Roof Inn Knoxville North - Merchants Drive

This hotel stands out for its pet-friendly policy, often without an additional fee, making it a popular choice for travelers with animals. Many guests highlight the consistently friendly and helpful staff as a significant positive, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere despite other challenges. While it serves as an economical option for those seeking a quick overnight stay or a base for work in Knoxville, guests should manage expectations regarding room conditions. The hotel is particularly suited for budget-conscious travelers and road trippers needing a convenient stop. A recurring theme is the mandatory $100 deposit, which can be a point of contention for many. To ensure a smoother experience, it is advisable to clarify the deposit refund process upon check-in and be prepared for potential delays. Additionally, guests should be aware that while some rooms are clean, others may show signs of wear and tear.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a pool, which, when operational, is often praised for being clean and well-maintained, even through winter, providing a refreshing amenity for guests. However, some visitors have reported the pool being closed during their stay. Wi-Fi connectivity receives mixed reviews; while some guests experienced fast high-speed internet, many others found it unreliable or difficult to connect to in their rooms, sometimes requiring them to go to the lobby for a stable connection. A common complaint is the frequent malfunction of ice machines on the property, often leading guests to purchase drinks from the front desk. The parking lot has been described as undergoing repairs or being a hazard by some, though others found it convenient. The lobby itself is noted for being closed after hours, requiring interactions through a window, and some guests mentioned a lack of a working bathroom in this area.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Cleanliness in the rooms receives highly mixed feedback; while some guests found their accommodations spotless and exceptionally clean, many others reported significant issues, including stained sheets, dirty floors, and the presence of roaches or bed bugs. The overall room condition is frequently described as dated and in need of updates, with common complaints about peeling paint, holes in walls, broken fixtures like deadbolts, and mold on ceilings or around tubs. Bed comfort is also inconsistent; some guests praised the comfortable beds, while many others found them very hard or noted that the blankets were thin like sheets. In-room amenities such as televisions and Wi-Fi often experienced functionality issues, and some rooms lacked sufficient towels or basic toiletries. Noise levels are a significant concern for many, with reports of loud guests, slamming doors, and considerable road noise impacting sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast offered at the hotel consistently receives negative feedback from guests. Many describe it as sparse and of poor quality, often consisting of very limited options such as cold cereal, white toast, and waffles, with frequent complaints about a lack of juice, milk, or fresh fruit. Some guests reported that the coffee was cold or that food items ran out quickly after breakfast service began. The waffle maker is mentioned, but the batter quality can be inconsistent. Despite the hotel's own offerings, its location is a positive for dining, as it is within walking distance of several external restaurants, including a nearby Waffle House, Applebee's, and a Starbucks, providing more varied and satisfying options for meals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally considered convenient, offering easy access from the freeway and placing guests within walking distance of various restaurants and stores. It is also noted for being a quick ride to the University of Tennessee campus and relatively close to downtown. However, the surrounding area receives mixed reviews, with some guests describing it as dated, run down, or even sketchy, and mentioning the presence of construction or homeless individuals. Despite these concerns, many guests found the hotel's immediate vicinity to be safe enough for their needs. Parking is available on-site and is generally considered convenient, although some guests noted issues with the condition of the parking lot itself.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receives high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, with many guests highlighting their professionalism and attentiveness in addressing requests. Several reviews commend specific individuals for their welcoming demeanor and efficiency during check-in. However, there is also a notable number of complaints regarding certain staff members being rude, unaccommodating, or unprofessional, particularly concerning issues with the mandatory deposit or room problems. The check-in process itself is often described as easy and quick by many, though some encountered difficulties, such as being required to pay a cash deposit or experiencing delays. While housekeeping service is sometimes praised for maintaining clean rooms, other guests reported issues with staff entering rooms without permission or being unhelpful with requests for additional items like towels.

Additional Information
A significant point of concern for many guests is the hotel's mandatory $100 deposit, which is often required in cash and is not always clearly communicated during the booking process. Guests frequently report difficulties and delays in receiving their deposit refunds, with some claiming the hotel finds reasons to withhold portions or the entire amount, such as for perceived damages or policy violations. This policy has led to considerable frustration and a feeling of being unfairly treated. Additionally, guests booking through third-party websites have sometimes experienced issues with their reservations not being found or being unexpectedly canceled. The hotel also has specific rules, such as prohibiting guests from taking breakfast items back to their rooms. Regarding security, some guests expressed feeling unsafe due to door lock malfunctions or a general perception of the surrounding area, emphasizing the importance of ensuring room security upon arrival.