I had been in Colorado Springs hiking all day and drove out this way to see family in Lafayette before my flight the next day out of Denver International. I called the 800 number from the road and asked about Choice properties in the area and was told this one was rated OK and better than the Quality Inn across the street so I reserved a room.
The night manager was very nice on the phone when I called for directions and helped me find the place. He was also friendly and carried my bags upstairs (there is no elevator - that was a bit of a negative but not a deal breaker) then the rooms - the horror as I took my first breath in the room. Disgustingly odorous, most likely stale cigarette smoke, and a poor attempt to cover it with cheap deodorizer.
Went downstairs and got keys to another room next door and it was also smokey and smelly. Was told that there was only one other room and it was a king suite that would cost me $20.00 more and he couldn't call the manager for the OK to upgrade me because manager was sleeping. EXCUSE ME! - any hotel clerk should have the authority to upgrade if a room has a problem! Asked to see this suite - and guess what - it was smokey and smelly too!
Pulled out my cell phone and called the Marriott Courtyard across the street where I was offered a discount for their room and I took it. I had pulled in at 1 am and it was now nearly 3 am after all the messing around with the room and carrying luggage upstairs - I just wanted to leave - then the night manager (I will give him credit, he did admit that the rooms were too smelly and agreed with me) suddenly offered to give me the room of a guest that had not yet arrived - it had a queen bed rather than the king that I had reserved. Just out of curiosity I went with him to smell it - it was the only room that didn't stink of smoke - but by that time I just wanted to leave.
Went across the street to the Marriott Courtyard and the difference in quality was undeniable - much cleaner, very comfortable beds, spacious, extremely nice staff, and the breakfast, while not free, at about $10 was a wonderful buffet and great value plus they also have free wifi internet! (If the night manager of the Comfort Inn wants to go across the street for a new job - I will recommend him! He tried his best and just happens to work in a lousy hotel.)
Bottom line - if you run a non-smoking hotel you need to have your cleaning staff verify that rooms are smoke free before you try to rent them out. The moment that you find them smokey, steps need to be taken to fix the problem before the room is deemed available. Stale smoke lingers in drapes, carpet, air conditioner filters - you really need to clean to get rid of it.
(Apparently this hotel used to be a smoking hotel and was changed to non-smoking hotel but the old clientele keeps coming back expecting to be able to smoke.)
Pros: Very nice night manager but limited authority
Cons: Where to a start - no stairs, smelly rooms, old tired hotel
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