2.0

JUST SPEND THE EXTRA MONEY AT THE HOLIDAY INN. My partner and I booked a one-night stay at this property for a short visit, expecting a basic, clean place to sleep. Unfortunately, our experience was unacceptable from start to finish. Leading up to our stay, I attempted to contact the front desk multiple times to arrange an early check-in. I received no response, and when I finally reached someone, the customer service—particularly from the manager, Amelia—was dismissive and unhelpful. We had specifically booked a non-smoking room but were given a room that reeked of cigarette smoke. It was clear that smoke permeated the entire property. The room itself was filthy and in such poor condition that we ended up checking out early without staying the night. Despite the situation, we were refused a refund. I’ve attached photos that show the condition of the room to help others understand the reality of this property. This location is a poor reflection of the Choice Hotels brand and should be thoroughly reviewed by corporate. I would not recommend this hotel to anyone.

Erin Winiarski
  • Overview
  • (203) 285-6010
  • www.choicehotels.com

Econo Lodge Introduce

Welcome to the "Hotels Near Of Me" platform, your guide to finding suitable accommodations in your vicinity. Today, we're focusing on Econo Lodge in West Haven, CT, located at 370 Highland St, West Haven, CT 06516, USA. As part of the Choice Hotels brand, Econo Lodge is typically positioned as a budget-friendly option, catering to travelers seeking essential amenities without extensive frills.

Environment and Location

Econo Lodge West Haven is strategically situated off Interstate 95, making it a convenient stop for travelers passing through or visiting the West Haven and New Haven areas. Its location provides easy access to major roadways, which is a significant advantage for those traveling by car. The immediate surroundings of the hotel are generally typical of properties located near major highways, often characterized by other businesses, restaurants, and gas stations designed to serve transient traffic. The hotel itself is a two-story structure, a common architectural style for economy lodgings, often with exterior corridors.

While the location offers accessibility, the reviews suggest that the cleanliness of the overall property and its immediate vicinity might be a concern. Guests have noted issues within the rooms, which can extend to the perception of the hotel's overall environment. For example, some guests have reported a pervasive smell of cigarette smoke throughout the property, even in non-smoking rooms, indicating a potential issue with air quality and adherence to non-smoking policies.

Services and Features

As an Econo Lodge, the hotel aims to provide fundamental services and features that are common to budget accommodations. Typically, Econo Lodge properties offer:

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi: Essential for both business and leisure travelers to stay connected.
  • Free parking: A valuable amenity, especially for those driving.
  • Basic in-room amenities: These usually include a television, air conditioning/heating, a private bathroom, and sometimes a microwave and refrigerator.
  • 24-hour front desk: To assist guests with check-in, check-out, and any immediate needs.

However, it is crucial to temper expectations based on recent customer feedback for this specific Econo Lodge location. While the brand standard generally includes these features, the actual condition and reliability of these services at the West Haven property have been called into question by recent guests.

For instance, while a 24-hour front desk is available, a customer review explicitly mentioned difficulty in contacting the front desk and receiving unhelpful customer service from management regarding early check-in requests. This suggests that the responsiveness and helpfulness of the staff might not always meet guest expectations.

Regarding in-room amenities, while basic items are expected, significant issues have been reported. A non-smoking room was described as reeking of cigarette smoke, and the room itself was reportedly "filthy and in such poor condition." Another severe complaint mentioned the presence of cockroaches, necessitating a room switch. These directly contradict the expectation of a clean and functional basic room.

Security of belongings has also emerged as a grave concern. A review detailed an incident where luggage left with the front desk for safekeeping was rummaged through, and items were stolen. The response from the manager to this theft was described as unhelpful and indifferent, indicating a significant lapse in accountability and guest safety measures. This raises serious questions about the hotel's policies and procedures for handling guest property and addressing security incidents.

Promotional Information

Econo Lodge, as part of Choice Hotels, often participates in Choice Privileges loyalty programs, allowing guests to earn points for stays that can be redeemed for free nights, gift cards, and other rewards. Direct bookings through the Choice Hotels website or the Econo Lodge brand site might offer the best rate guarantee or exclusive member discounts. However, given the severe negative feedback, any promotional savings should be weighed carefully against the reported guest experiences. It is always advisable to check current offers directly with the hotel or via the official brand website.

Customer Feedback and Considerations

The customer reviews for Econo Lodge West Haven are overwhelmingly negative and raise serious concerns about the quality of the stay. Key issues highlighted include:

  • Cleanliness and Condition: Multiple reviews describe rooms as "disgusting," "filthy," "reeking of cigarette smoke," and "in poor condition." The presence of pests like cockroaches is a major red flag.
  • Customer Service: Guests have reported dismissive, unhelpful, and indifferent customer service, particularly from the management, in situations ranging from check-in requests to serious complaints about theft and room conditions.
  • Refund Policy: Despite severe issues like an uninhabitable room, refunds have reportedly been refused, leaving guests out of pocket for unacceptable accommodations.
  • Security and Safety: The incident of luggage theft and the alleged lack of accountability from hotel staff is a critical safety and security concern for guests' personal belongings.
  • Brand Representation: The reviews explicitly state that this location is a "poor reflection of the Choice Hotels brand."

Prospective guests Browse the "Hotels Near Of Me" platform for an Econo Lodge in West Haven should be aware that while the brand typically signifies a basic, affordable option, the specific property at 370 Highland St, West Haven, CT 06516, USA, has received extremely negative feedback regarding fundamental aspects of hotel operations: cleanliness, safety, and customer service. The strong recommendation from reviewers to "JUST SPEND THE EXTRA MONEY AT THE HOLIDAY INN" or "DO NOT STAY HERE" underscores the severity of the reported issues.

Therefore, while the Econo Lodge West Haven might appear as a budget-friendly option based on price, the information from recent customer experiences suggests that the potential for a very unsatisfactory stay is high. For travelers prioritizing cleanliness, safety, and reliable customer service, it would be prudent to consider alternative accommodations in the area, even if they come at a slightly higher cost. It is always recommended to review the most recent guest feedback on various booking platforms before making a reservation.

Econo Lodge Photos

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Econo Lodge Location

Econo Lodge

370 Highland St, West Haven, CT 06516, USA

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Reviews

JUST SPEND THE EXTRA MONEY AT THE HOLIDAY INN. My partner and I booked a one-night stay at this property for a short visit, expecting a basic, clean place to sleep. Unfortunately, our experience was unacceptable from start to finish. Leading up to our stay, I attempted to contact the front desk multiple times to arrange an early check-in. I received no response, and when I finally reached someone, the customer service—particularly from the manager, Amelia—was dismissive and unhelpful. We had specifically booked a non-smoking room but were given a room that reeked of cigarette smoke. It was clear that smoke permeated the entire property. The room itself was filthy and in such poor condition that we ended up checking out early without staying the night. Despite the situation, we were refused a refund. I’ve attached photos that show the condition of the room to help others understand the reality of this property. This location is a poor reflection of the Choice Hotels brand and should be thoroughly reviewed by corporate. I would not recommend this hotel to anyone.

May 12, 2025 · Erin Winiarski

DO NOT STAY HERE — Theft, Roaches, and No Accountability My sister and I had to leave our luggage at Econo Lodge West Haven due to a medical emergency. The front desk told us it was okay to leave it with them — they placed it in a back closet. When I returned, my bag had been clearly rummaged through, unzipped, and several items were missing: bras, perfume, skincare, hair products, and more. I also lost sentimental jewelry and a journal that can never be replaced. Even worse? The manager didn’t care and offered no help. Earlier, we had to switch rooms because the first one had roaches. This hotel is unsafe, unprofessional, and neglectful. Do not trust your belongings with them — and shame on Choice Hotels for allowing this

May 19, 2025 · Jalaxy Quick

Listen to the reviews and do not book. We booked 3 non smoking room, when we went in all 3 of our rooms smelled liked cigarettes, weed, etc. The bathrooms were decent but nothing is as described. We ended up leaving the same day and went to another hotel. Avoid.

May 10, 2025 · Laurha A.Y. Dastine

DO NOT STAY HERE!! There is fecal matter and urine in the hallways and stairs. No towels!! This reminds me of what purgatory would be like. Scary place 😬 I don't know when the last time this place was inspected by code enforcement but they need to do another one IMMEDIATELY!! AND I WILL BE CALLING TO MAKE SURE THEY DO...The most disgusting, vile place I've ever seen!

May 19, 2025 · Donna Gowen

Simply put, it’s a dump. Rude staff, dirty room, literally no towels. When asked for towels, the front desk just said there were none available and offered no explanation or solution. The location is decent, and there are four walls and a ceiling, but there’s very little else to recommend this place.

Apr 11, 2025 · Erik Caplan

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