Econo Lodge East ...Save Yourself...Go North, South or West!
Written: Jan 20 '07 (Updated Jan 20 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: My husband got to sleep, staff, close to Bass Pro
Cons: Drunk troublemakers, bed, shower, dark
The Bottom Line: Get an air mattress and pitch a tent somewhere. You'll get more rest.
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| cmaw63's Full Review: Econo Lodge East |
My husband and I went to Fort Leonard Wood, early 2006, to see his daughter graduate from Army basic training. After all of the ceremonies and some time spent with her, we traveled on to Springfield, MO. My husband HAD to go to the main Bass Pro Shop and check it out.
I had made a one night reservation, online, for us at Econo Lodge East in Springfield, Mo. I chose this hotel due to it's location, near Bass Pro Shop, and the price. I reserved it for $51.96 + tax for a Wednesday night stay in a king bed room.
Lobby & Staff
The lobby is nicely appointed and airy with many windows and small tables & chairs. There were some small lounge chairs and end tables, also. When you enter, the check-in desk is on your right with the seating to your left. There was a pleasant young male clerk that waited on us. He was efficient and helpful, giving us the name of a pizza place that would deliver and had good food. Then he handed us a key...not a card key... a real metal key. Remember those?
Exterior
Once, past the lobby area, you pull back into a horseshoe type parking lot with the hotel on 3 sides. The difference between the nice lobby and the hotel was evident. The doors were painted a bright color, while the hotel itself was dingy. This was all seen through the yellow lighting of the lights that were on outside of each rooms door. Our room was towards the back of the hotel, where an opening in the fencing around it, led into a dark, littered alley. When I got out of the truck, 3 men, came through the opening towards me. They had, obviously, had to much to drink and were looking for trouble. They weren't quite so sure that I was the easy victim they wanted when my husband came around the truck. Between the two of us, two helpful young men in a room next to ours and a cell phone, we convinced them we were not the trouble they wanted. Once, we made it into the room, we called the front desk and they did send a policeman. Who knows what would have happened if I had been alone or with another woman.
The Room
The room had dim lighting, even with all the lights on. It was average size with a king size bed, recliner, 2 end tables, small desk & chair and a dresser with a tv on it. There was plenty of room for the two of us to move around. Everything in the room was dated, but functional. The carpet was worn, but the room appeared to be clean. It was one of those times, when I knew better than to start looking. We were here to stay, as my husband wasn't feeling good and just wanted to lay down.
Bathroom
The bathroom was average with a toilet, sink and bathtub/shower. There were thin, but clean, towels and washcloths provided. The shower had plenty of pressure, but the water would go from hot to cold and back again, several times before my shower was done. You could hear water running and toilets flushing from adjoining rooms at all hours.
The Bed
Our bed was king size, with sheets and a bedspread. It didn't matter what size it was. Once we both laid down, we rolled to the middle and whoever rolled the fastest was underneath the other. We tried scooting to the edges and laying still. No good...as soon as we relaxed, we met in the middle again. We've been up since 3 a.m., traveled many miles and it's, now, 11:00 p.m. All I want is some sleep. I'm all for checking out and finding another hotel. My husband on the other hand wants sleep and wants it NOW. He fell asleep in the middle of the bed. I ended up in the recliner with my coat for a blanket.
Amenities
There is a small kidney-shaped outdoor pool. It looked clean, but we weren't there long enough to do anything more than give it a glance. It, also, states that there is a free continental breakfast. We didn't see it. If there was one, it was done before we got to the lobby.
Check-out
Checking-out became a hassle when the credit card machine wouldn't work. I don't know what the problem was and didn't care...they wanted me to pay cash. After, running down my list of grievances, ending with being hassled by three drunk men, I was given a discount. The manager and young woman working the desk were pleasant and apologetic. If the hotel was half as nice as the staff, it would be a 4-star place.
Final Thoughts
If I had been alone or with my usual traveling companion, mom, I would have left the hotel in a hurry. My husband, who has had survival training in horrible places, thanks to his special forces stint in the army, is happy with anyplace he can get a shower and a bed to sleep in. That's what the Econo Lodge East is...a bed, shower and a little danger. There are so many places to stay in the Springfield, Missouri area, this hotel shouldn't even be an option.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
cmaw63
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 in Pets, Home and Garden, Books |
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Member: Julie
Location: Illinois, USA
Reviews written: 307
Trusted by: 73 members
About Me:
Looking forward to my first grandbaby. She's due November 24!
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