Extended Stay America – Durham – Research Triangle Park

My first thought when walking into this ace was «oh no.» The lobby is sparse and small– not very welcoming. There were cars full of people just sitting in the parking lot as I walked in at 10 at night. When I walked to my room, I stepped over bread crusts, garbage, French fries and other trash/​food littering the hallways. After I opened the door to my room, my first thought was that I had seen government housing projects nicer than this: dirty handprints on walls, the (Non-​smoking) room reeked of smoke, big cobwebs hung in the corners, food was splattered and plastered on the walls, peeking wallpaper, cigarette burns on the comforter, huge stains on the dilapidated couch… I immediately called corporate guest relations to ask to be moved to another property– I didn’t feel safe there. Got NO sympathy and was told if I checked out, I’d be responsible for the entire balance of my three-​month reservation. Was told if get a call back in 3 days after the paperwork was filed. Shocker– no call back. I did get moved to a better room by the property manager, and after I scrubbed everything with Clorox wipes, and bought my own linens and air freshener, it’s livable. Still… The company mission statement promises clean and comfortable… And saying they didn’t deliver is an understatement. After this stay, that I’m stuck with, I WILL NEVER use extended stay EVER AGAIN! Not mentioned: front desk employee propping security door open so he isn’t bothered while texting, broken treadmill in the 2-​machine «fitness room,» screaming neighbors and littered parking lot.