Travelodge By Wyndham Waukegan Gurnee

The most notable aspect of this accommodation is its convenient location, which guests found easy to access and well-situated near popular attractions such as theme parks, shopping outlets, and other regional points of interest. This makes it potentially appealing for budget-conscious travelers or shoppers prioritizing proximity to specific destinations over hotel amenities and quality. However, reviews consistently highlight severe issues across almost all other aspects of the stay, including pervasive cleanliness problems, significant maintenance deficiencies, and highly unsatisfactory service experiences. The property is frequently described as outdated and poorly maintained, with many guests reporting unpleasant odors throughout the building. For those considering a stay, it is strongly advised to thoroughly inspect the room upon arrival and be prepared for a very basic and potentially challenging experience, as many essential amenities and services are reported to be lacking.

Facilities & Amenities
Feedback regarding the facilities and amenities is overwhelmingly negative, with guests frequently reporting a lack of basic provisions. Many reviews indicate a complete absence of towels, soap, and toilet paper in rooms upon arrival, requiring guests to request these essential items. The property reportedly lacks a functional elevator, which can be a significant inconvenience for guests on higher floors, especially given the presence of "useless extra furniture" cluttering hallways. While some guests noted the air conditioner worked, others described it as old, loud, or even clogged with ice, alongside issues with the refrigerator. There is no coffee machine in the rooms, and the communal ice machine was frequently described as unsanitary or non-functional. The general condition of the building's common areas, including the lobby and hallways, was often cited as unsightly and poorly maintained, contributing to an overall sense of disrepair.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The most prevalent and severe concerns among guests revolve around cleanliness and room comfort. Numerous reviews describe rooms as dirty, with widespread reports of stains on furniture, mattresses, sheets, and towels, often accompanied by unpleasant odors such as cigarette smoke, mold, or general mustiness. Guests frequently encountered signs of disrepair, including holes in furniture, molded ceiling tiles, and even cigarette burns on blankets. Several alarming accounts mention the presence of bed bugs, cockroaches, and silverfish bugs, leading to significant discomfort and health concerns. While a few guests found the beds comfortable, this positive aspect was often overshadowed by the pervasive lack of hygiene and maintenance. Noise levels were also a concern for some, with reports of "questionable noises" throughout the night. The overall impression is that rooms are poorly maintained and often unhygienic, with basic amenities like clean linens and functional bathrooms being consistently problematic.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback regarding dining options and food quality is consistently negative, primarily due to the reported lack of available services. Guests frequently noted that there was no breakfast provided at the property, which was a significant point of disappointment for many expecting at least a basic morning meal. The only offering mentioned was lukewarm coffee, which guests often had to specifically request from staff, and even then, cups were not readily available, adding to the inconvenience. There are no mentions of a dedicated restaurant or bar on the premises, nor any positive comments about in-room dining services. The absence of basic breakfast provisions and coffee facilities in rooms or the lobby was a significant point of dissatisfaction for many, indicating a complete lack of attention to this aspect of the guest experience and forcing guests to seek all their meal options outside the property. This significantly detracts from the convenience of a hotel stay, especially for those on a tight schedule or looking for on-site amenities.

Location & Accessibility
The location stands out as the sole consistently positive aspect mentioned by guests. Many found the property to be in a convenient location, easy to access, and not in a "bad place." Its proximity to various popular attractions, including major theme parks like Six Flags and Hurricane Harbor, as well as shopping destinations such as Gurnee Mall and Pleasant Prairie Outlets, was highly appreciated. This makes the hotel a practical choice for travelers whose primary focus is visiting these specific regional landmarks. Furthermore, guests reported plenty of parking available on-site, which adds to the convenience for those traveling by car. Despite the numerous issues reported internally, the external setting and ease of reaching nearby points of interest were consistently highlighted as beneficial.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the property received predominantly negative feedback from guests. Many described interactions with staff as unprofessional, unkempt, bored, and even unfriendly, with some instances of staff appearing annoyed or argumentative. Guests reported difficulties during check-in, including issues with reservations and a lack of clear communication regarding hotel policies, such as the need to pull up on door handles to open rooms. There were multiple complaints about staff being unhelpful when issues arose, such as a lack of basic room supplies or maintenance problems, often requiring guests to argue to receive assistance. While a few isolated reviews mentioned staff members being friendly or talkative, these positive comments were largely overshadowed by widespread reports of poor customer service, including instances of perceived threats or attempts to unfairly retain deposits. The overall impression is one of significant dissatisfaction with the level of professionalism and helpfulness provided by the hotel personnel.

Additional Information
Several important miscellaneous details emerged from guest reviews that are crucial for potential visitors. A recurring issue is the requirement for a cash deposit, typically $20 or $40, which was often not disclosed upfront and sometimes led to disputes regarding its return. Guests also reported a strict one-key policy per room, which proved inconvenient and led to additional fees if keys were accidentally locked inside. The hotel's smoking policy is a major point of contention; despite "no smoking" signs, the property frequently reeked of cigarette smoke, even in non-smoking areas, and some rooms had ashtrays or burn holes, posing a significant issue for guests with sensitivities. Furthermore, the pet policy was a source of confusion and frustration, as the hotel is advertised as "pet-friendly" on booking sites but has clear "no pets" signs at check-in, with some guests reporting high, undisclosed pet fees. Housekeeping services were also notably absent, with no regular cleaning, garbage removal, or towel exchange during longer stays.