EXCLUSIVE: Fascinating map reveals the WORST-rated hotels across the US – from the Houston motel with a missing toilet seat and a ‘strong smell of mold’ to the two-star LA venue where a guest found a SYRINGE on the sink
- DailyMail.com has taken a cross section of some of the worst rated hotels on Booking.com across the US
- Customers on the travel booking site can rate properties across seven categories including ‘Wi-Fi’ and ‘staff’
- Many of the hotels on this list fall short on these factors and the scores range from a pitiful 2.5 out of 10 to 4.9
Cockroach infestations, dirty bed linen and missing toilet seats.
These are just some of the things unhappy travelers have stumbled across at hotels across America causing them to leave damning online reviews on Booking.com – and now, these horrifying ratings have been laid bare in a fascinating map that reveals the worst-reviewed hotels and motels in the US.
DailyMail.com has taken a cross-section of some of the worst rated hotels on the travel website, from New York to Seattle and other major cities in between.
Customers are asked to provide scores for seven key elements, with these being ‘staff,’ ‘facilities,’ ‘cleanliness,’ ‘comfort,’ ‘value for money,’ ‘location,’ and ‘free Wi-Fi.’
Many of the worst rated hotels fall short on these factors and as a result, the scores range from a pitiful 2.5 out of 10 to 4.9.
Take a trip to see some of the hotels and motels you might what to avoid on your next American vacation, as travelers say these will make for a memorable break for all the wrong reasons…
DailyMail.com has taken a cross-section of some of the worst rated hotels on Booking.com, from New York to Seattle and other major cities in between
NEW YORK: Bowery Grand Hotel – 3.7/10
The listing states that the Bowery Grand Hotel has a convenient central Manhattan location close to Little Italy and Chinatown
While it offers great value for money in Manhattan, some guests were not impressed by the Bowery Grand Hotel’s offering with a spread of negative reviews
This hotel has a 3.7 rating out of 1,083 reviews. For a single room with a shared bathroom, rates start from $90 a night.
The listing states that the hostel has a convenient central Manhattan location close to Little Italy and Chinatown with the basic amenities including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, hairdryers in the shared bathrooms along with toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap.
The hostel scores highest for its free Wi-Fi, with the internet getting a score of 7.3, but on ‘comfort,’ ‘facilities’ and ‘cleanliness,’ it falls short with all of these getting a 4.2.
While it offers great value for money in Manhattan, some guests were not impressed by the Bowery Grand Hotel’s offering with a spread of negative reviews.
Benjamin stayed at the hostel for one night in October and he seemed shocked by what he found after checking in.
He wrote: ‘Bed bugs, prison cell sized room, shared bathrooms, dirty bathrooms, toilet paper not provided, paper thin walls so you can hear every snore and fart anybody makes. Roaches. Homeless people sleeping in the lobby.’
Similarly Gonzalez from Argentina deemed the property ‘bad,’ writing: ‘It was unbelievably dirty. The smell was disgusting. There were bedbugs in the bed and homeless people in the reception. Worst hotel I’ve been.’
LOS ANGELES: Highland Park Motel – 4.7/10
The motel scores highest for its location, with that getting a score of 6.8, but it only gets a 5 for its Wi-Fi and 5.1 for its facilities
Some guests took to Booking.com to air their grievances, with Richard from the US describing it as the ‘motel from hell’ following a two-night stay in October 2022
This hotel has a 4.7 rating out of 310 reviews. For a single room for two people, rates start from $80 a night with the amenities including free Wi-Fi, free private parking, a 24-hour front desk and pet-friendly rooms with air conditioning, flat screen TVs and private bathrooms.
In terms of its location, local attractions include Occidental College and the Dodger Stadium, while Bob Hope Airport is 9.9 miles from the property.
The motel gets highest marks for its location, with a 6.8 rating, but it only gets a 5 for its Wi-Fi and a 5.1 for its facilities.
Some guests took to Booking.com to air their grievances, with Richard from the US describing it as the ‘motel from hell’ following a two-night stay in October 2022.
He wrote in his damning review how the bathroom sink was ‘falling of the wall,’ there were ‘holes in the wall,’ the ‘toilet seat was broken,’ and to make matters worse, the TV remote ‘only worked by standing right next to TV.’
He summed up his motel break as the ‘worst experience I’ve ever had traveling.’
Meanwhile Dustin, who stayed at the property in May, went to the extent of branding the hotel the ‘7th circle of Hell.’
He was shocked to find a syringe on his bathroom sink, ‘stains on all the blankets,’ and topping things off, ‘one of the neighbors pooped on the hallway. It was a nightmare.’
A recent review left by Lea in September doesn’t point to any improvements. She wrote: ‘The room was too shabby and had clearly not been maintained for years. Even the paint on the walls was unevenly applied. Although I understand that this is a budget motel, it seems like they have been a bit too casual with upkeep.’
CHICAGO: FairBridge Inn Express Melrose Park – 4.5/10
For those landing into Chicago or with an early morning flight, the property is conveniently located 10 minutes from Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Rates start from $71 a night for a standard king room with a private bathroom
This hotel has a 4.5 rating out of 513 reviews, with guests deeming it ‘disappointing’ overall. Rates start from $71 a night for a standard king room with a private bathroom.
Along with ensuites, other perks include free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, cable TV, telephones and there is a ‘public computer with a printer in the lobby.’
For those landing into Chicago or with an early morning flight, the property is conveniently located 10 minutes from Chicago O’Hare International Airport and for a spot of retail therapy, the Fashion Outlets of Chicago outlet is a 12 minute drive away.
The hotel scores highest for its free Wi-Fi, with this getting a score of 6.5, but its rating drops to a 4.9 for its facilities.
Many travelers have left ‘bad’ reviews following a stay at the hotel. Jennifer from the US, who stayed there in September said she would never return.
She said some of her gripes included difficulty opening the room door, and the ‘lack of furniture and decor… so the room echoed bad.’
She also slammed the man on the front desk who ‘was too busy on his phone to notice I was standing there.’
‘It was a quick stop just to sleep however next time I will pay more to stay somewhere else,’ the frustrated traveler concluded.
Echoing Jennifer’s sentiments, Bridget from the US said after her stay in March 2022 that ‘it was horrible and I will not be returning back.’
While the ‘location was good [and] the initial first look at the property was nice,’ she said the ‘rest of the hotel was horrible.’
Topping things off, there was no hot water in her room, ‘hair in [the] bathroom not cleaned, the ‘tub was rusted,’ and the towels were ‘super hard.’
HOUSTON: OYO Hotel Houston Katy Freeway – 3/10
This two-star hotel has a score of 3 from 237 reviews, with guests deeming it ‘poor’ overall
Rates start from $49 a night for a standard king room with a private bathroom
This two-star hotel has a score of 3 from 237 reviews, with guests deeming it ‘poor’ overall. Rates start from $49 a night for a standard king room with a private bathroom.
The Booking.com listing highlights that the hotel is ‘ideally set in the Energy Corridor district of Houston,’ while the CityCentre shopping development is just over five miles away and the Constellation Field baseball arena is a 12 mile journey.
Along with ensuites, other perks include TVs, desks and free toiletries.
The hotel scores highest for its location, with guests giving it a 5.4 on this front, but its rating drops to a 3.9 for its facilities.
In the review section, a couple of guests complained about cockroaches and Ashley – who stayed there in January 2022 – said her room had ‘a very strong smell of mold and the air filter was filthy.’
Gabriel, who visited in October, also commented on the hotel’s cleanliness. He wrote: ‘The beds had hair on them, the toilet was missing a seat, several flies buzzing around when I first walked in and the room reeked of cigarettes.
‘Only positive thing was the receptionist was very nice and the location is just off of a main freeway going into Houston.’
The disgruntled traveler added: ‘I understand that it’s a two star hotel but that should mean that there are less amenities NOT dirty rooms… Do yourself a favor and pay the extra $20 a night to stay at a Motel 6.’
SAN DIEGO: Heritage Inn San Diego – 4.9/10
This hotel scores highest for its staff, with guests giving the team a 6.7, but its rating drops to a 5.3 for its facilities and Wi-Fi connection
Many of the recent reviews for this hotel are fairly positive but a swathe of travelers have complained about the poor standards
This hotel has been deemed ‘disappointing’ by travelers, with a 4.9 rating out of 1,371 reviews. Rates start from $80 a night for a standard queen room with a private bathroom.
One of the lures is its convenient location next to ‘many of San Diego’s main attractions, including the San Diego Zoo,’ while ‘shopping centers and restaurants are also placed within walking distance.’
Some of the notable amenities include an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi and a hot tub.
The hotel scores highest for its staff, with guests giving the team a 6.7, but its rating drops to a 5.3 for its facilities and Wi-Fi connection.
Many of the recent reviews are fairly positive but a swathe of travelers have complained about the poor standards.
One anonymous reviewer said after their stay in October that they ‘would not stay here again’ and they ‘would like refund really.’
Their main gripe was that the property was under construction, yet the website did not flag this.
They also complained that the bed was ‘horrible, on a metal frame,’ and the pillows were not adequate.
‘At least we brought a personal pillow,’ they concluded as a warning to others.
LAS VEGAS: OYO Gateway Motel Las Vegas North Strip Fremont St Area – 2.5/10
Rates at the OYO Gateway Motel Las Vegas start from $109 a night for a standard queen room
One of the most damning reviews for the OYO Gateway Motel Las Vegas, left by Heather in April, instructs travelers to ‘spend a little extra and stay somewhere else’
Coming out with one of the lowest ratings on the Strip via Booking.com is this hotel, with a score of 2.5 following 131 reviews. Rates start from $109 a night for a standard queen room.
The description states that the property is ‘well located in Las Vegas… around a 19-minute walk from the Fremont Street Experience, 1.1 miles from the Stratosphere Tower and 1.2 miles from The Mob Museum.’
Along with a convenient location, other highlights include free Wi-Fi, free private parking, private bathrooms and TVs with cable channels.
The hotel scores the highest points for its staff, with guests giving the workers a 4.9, but the facilities and value for money only get a 3.4.
While some guests have given the property a thumbs for its location, there aren’t too many other positive remarks.
One of the most damning reviews, left by Heather in April, instructs travelers to ‘spend a little extra and stay somewhere else.’
She gave the hotel a 1 our of 10 rating after finding a dirty room, ‘hair on the shower walls, paint peeling, bed made incorrectly, holes in the carpet.’
The fuming traveler added: ‘Looks NOTHING like the pictures. Looks like a murder motel, hoping to make it out alive.’
ATLANTA: Microtel Inn by Wyndham Atlanta Airport – 4.3/10
From 758 reviews, this budget hotel in Atlanta lands a 4.3 ‘disappointing’ rating
Some of the on-site amenities include a business center, a launderette, a 24-hour reception, newspapers in the lobby, and vending machines
From 758 reviews, this budget hotel in Atlanta lands a 4.3 ‘disappointing’ rating.
Rates start from $60 a night for a standard queen room with a private bathroom.
For those in transit, the listing states that the hotel is conveniently located a five minute drive from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport with transfer services available.
Some of the on-site amenities include a business center, a launderette, a 24-hour reception, newspapers in the lobby, and vending machines.
The hotel’s Wi-Fi and location get the most positive ratings, with both factors getting a 6.5, while the facilities only score a 4.9.
Some of the complaints touch on the hotel’s poor cleanliness and cheap finish.
Michelle, who stayed at the property in May, said the staff were ‘nice’ but the building ‘needs lots of work.’
Expressing her dissatisfaction, she wrote: ‘Nasty! Floors were nasty, tub had pubic hair on shower walls, mold and slummy under and around the tub mat! I could go in but I think you get it!’
Another recent reviewer complained about the walls being two thin, which meant she only managed to sleep for two hours during her stay.
SALT LAKE CITY: Econo Lodge Downtown Salt Lake City – 2.9/10
This hotel scores highest for its central location, with a 5.1 rating, while the facilities only get a 3.9
While it looks ok from the photos, some travelers said the images aren’t a true representation of what you get
With a 2.9 rating from 762 reviews, this hotel has been labeled ‘very poor.’
Rates start from $54 a night for a king room with a private bathroom.
Some of the nearby attractions include the historic Temple Square area of the city and the Delta Center sports and music arena.
The listing states that guests of this hotel will ‘enjoy amenities like free airport transportation, free wireless high-speed Internet access, free continental breakfast, free coffee and hot chocolate is available 24-hours.’
The property also serves up a seasonal outdoor pool and a business center.
The hotel scores highest for its central location, with a 5.1 rating, while the facilities only get a 3.9.
While it looks ok from the photos, some travelers said the images aren’t a true representation of what you get.
David, who stayed at the hotel for one night in September, left a unimpressed review warning other travels: ‘Don’t stay here!’
He simply stated that he ‘didn’t like anything about this place’ adding: ‘The pictures on their website showed a room that look new and had a microwave and fridge. My room had neither. The light fixtures were broken and one was a lightbulb hanging from the ceiling. Broken locks on the door.’
Similarly, Álvaro from Spain said ‘never again’ after his stay in June 2022. He said in his review that the place was ‘dirty’ and ‘things didn’t work’ and he complained that the reception ‘is closed to clients all day long.’
MIAMI: Miami Gardens Inn & Suites – 4.3/10
Photos of the two star hotel show its cotton candy hued exterior and the listing states that some of perks include free private parking, am outdoor swimming pool, air conditioning, a 24-hour front desk and free Wi-Fi
However, out of 1005 reviews, 425 travelers have deemed the property ‘very poor’
More than 1,000 travelers have left reviews for this hotel, but many of them are negative and it only scores a 4.3 ‘disappointing’ rating.
Rates start from $69 for a standard room with two double beds and a private bathroom.
Photos of the two star hotel show its cotton candy hued exterior and the listing states that some of perks include free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, air conditioning, a 24-hour front desk and free Wi-Fi.
It’s also positioned just over four miles to the Hard Rock Stadium, which is the home field for the Miami Dolphins football team.
The hotel scores highest for its free Wi-Fi, with a 6.5 rating, while the facilities only get a 4.8.
Out of 1005 reviews, 425 travelers have deemed the property ‘very poor.’
Nicole, who stayed there in October, wasn’t a fan and she reveals in her review that ‘everything was dusty and dirty.’
Some of her other qualms included ‘broken shades,’ a dirty Jacuzzi, a ‘TV with bad reception,’ ‘no phone in room’ and ‘no lights in bathroom.’
Rezende, who stayed at the hotel in September 2022, also gave the place a ‘passable’ rating.
The unenthused traveler said: ‘The elevator and all the installations are old. The whole building is old. When we arrived, there was just one towel in the room and I couldn’t take a shower because of that, they said the didn’t have more towels.’
BALTIMORE: Midtown Inn – 2.7/10
The listing highlights the hotel’s historic charm, with the property dating to 1862
In total there are 146 reviews, with some travelers giving it just a one out of ten
This centrally located hotel hasn’t left a good impression with many Booking.com customers and as a result, it has a 2.7 ‘very poor’ rating.
Rates start from $65 for standard rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
The listing highlights the hotel’s historic charm, with the property dating to 1862.
It also praises its location, with museums, shops and restaurants on the doorstep.
Indeed, the hotel scores highest for its location, with a 6.1 rating, however the free Wi-Fi lets the place down with just a 3.3 out of 10.
In total there are 146 reviews, with some travelers giving it just a one.
Indeed, Robert gave it a ‘one’ when he stayed there in October 2022.
He said: ‘What is being advertised and what actually is are opposite ends of the spectrum. Visualize a dirty crack house and you’ll get an idea of what this place is like.
‘Holes in the walls, stained bedding, leaking ceiling, no heat… disgusting and shameful!!!
‘I slept in my truck rather than the room. The bathroom was clean enough to use and then I checked out.’
Chett, who stayed at the hotel in September, also stated in his review that it was the ‘worst hotel I’ve been to’ and he disliked ‘everything about it.’
He said that despite there being a ‘no smoking’ sign, ‘as you walk in the smell of stale cigarettes nearly chokes you out.’
He continued in the feedback section: ‘There was a giant hole in the second floor ceiling. The toilet seat was cracked and not attached to the toilet. The toilet seat lid was propped up next to the toilet.
‘The fridge in the room wasn’t on, nor was it cleaned out from the previous guest. There’s no on-site parking, and the staff is rather unhelpful. There’s zero parking anywhere.
‘My recommendation is to go a city over and spend an extra $6 to get a decent room. I will never use Midtown Inn again. I spent $362 for a four night stay and was checked in for 2 hours. We did NOT stay longer than that. They didn’t offer to refund my payment. But clearly they needed the money more than I do. ‘
SEATTLE: Ramada by Wyndham SeaTac Airport North – 3.8/10
From 373 reviews, this airport hotel only gets a 3.8 ‘poor’ rating
This property’s main appeal is its proximity to the airport, with the commuter hub just over 2 miles away
From 373 reviews, this airport hotel only gets a 3.8 ‘poor’ rating.
Rates start from $75 for a queen room with a private bathroom.
This property’s main appeal is its proximity to the airport, with the airstrip just over 2 miles away.
The description states that other features include free Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs with cable channels, private bathrooms in all of the rooms, a business center, a fitness center and a mini market.
In terms of the key elements, the hotel’s highest score is for its free Wi-Fi, with a 6.8 rating, while the facilities only get a 4.4.
One of the most recent negative reviews was left by Ould in September, with him simply describing his stay as ‘bad.’
He slammed the receptionist for being ‘very aggressive.’ Detailing what happened, he wrote: ‘I had already paid for my stay online so he withheld $150 more from my card which I have not yet recovered even though I left two days ago.
‘In addition of everything he made a photocopy of my bank card [and] I don’t know why.’
Tahmid, who stayed at the hotel in February 2022, said the ‘location was ok’ but overall it was ‘not my cup of tea.’
He continued: ‘I wonder how a brand like Ramada could be that low class. Bathroom smell like heavy cigarettes. Corridor was not clean. All the doors paint are chipped. Carpets are not clean. Advertised free breakfast. That was one of my criteria to select a hotel but there was no breakfast.
‘When asked they said due to COVID. But COVID is going for two years, why do you advertise breakfast is included when it’s not.’
DENVER: HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof, Lakewood West – 3.2/10
The Booking.com entry for this hotel explains that it specifically caters to longer term stays and all rooms feature private kitchenettes decked out with stoves, microwaves and fridges
The hotel scores highest for its staff, with the team getting a 5.5 rating, while the facilities only get a 4.2
The Booking.com entry for this hotel explains that it specifically caters to longer term stays and all rooms feature private kitchenettes decked out with stoves, microwaves and fridges.
It currently has a 3.2 ‘poor’ rating with 482 reviews.
Rates for a queen-sized studio start from $65.
For guests who are booked in for longer stays, the description notes that the hotel provides ‘laundry facilities, upgraded bedding with extra pillows, and fresh water in in every room.’
Meanwhile, ‘attractions within close proximity to the hotel include the Red Rocks Theater, the Butterfly Pavilion and the Colorado Mills Mall.’
The hotel scores highest for its staff, with the team getting a 5.5 rating, while the facilities only get a 4.2.
A recent negative review left by Barela in August, states that it was her worst hotel stay ‘ever.’
She appreciated that the price was cheap, but noted that ‘you get what you pay for.’
Explaining what was so bad about the place, she wrote: ‘When we arrived we got into the room and it was disgusting!! It was dirty, paint coming off the walls, the stove was dirty as hell.
‘My boyfriend killed like 10 bugs including spiders and beetles there was even a big ass cricket under the bed.
‘There was a bunch of dirty furniture outside our room and trash on top of it and on the side. The bedding has burn marks… I wish I would of just paid a little extra to stay somewhere else that’s decent.’
Another piece of bad feedback left by Danish traveler Jacob in Denmark in September reads: ‘Was too disgusting to stay at. Had to book something else late on the day and drive 30 minutes more.
‘Non smoking room absolutely reeked of smoke/weed. Only got a refund for half the stay (one out of two days) despite not staying at all.’
The feedback from Booking.com customers and hotel scores are based on reviews left prior to November 2023
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