With the price of accommodations at an all-time high, you want to be sure that you are going to enjoy your stay at a hotel. However, if you arrive and realize that the room isn’t what was sold online, you might find yourself staying in less-than-desirable conditions. That said, some chains have a reputation for being unclean and just gross. Here is a look at the dirtiest hotel chains in the United States and what previous guests have to say about their experience.
4. Motel 6
Motel 6 is known for providing extremely affordable accommodations. However, there is a reason Motel 6 is on the list of dirtiest hotel chains in the U.S. Reviews on Consumer Affairs cite multiple locations across the country as being “disgusting” and “unsafe.” Overall, they have a 2-star rating on the site. Out of 900 reviews, nearly 700 of them are 1-star reviews.
In one case, a reviewer said that their room reeked of “ammonia and mildew.”
Kate from Henderson, NV, said,
“the conditions were not only unsanitary but also unsafe. Here are the key issues we encountered: Filthy and Sub-standard Room: Upon arrival, our room was in a shocking state. There was vomit on the refrigerator (which was not working), dried bodily fluids (use your imagination) on various surfaces, and a filthy shower with an unclean curtain. It was clear that the room had not been properly cleaned or maintained.”
NC, from Sparrows Point, MD, said,
“Be Aware!!!! Motel 6 will tow their guest vehicles. Checked in 7/9, checked out 7/10 to find out that Motel 6 had my vehicle towed. Tow bill $943.00. Expensive night stay at a cheap hotel. STAY AWAY!!!”
3. Econo Lodge
Prices for the Econo Lodge are even cheaper than Days Inn. While you’ll save money on your stay, it may cost you in other ways. On Consumer Affairs, customers have given Econo Lodge 1.6 stars. Of 263 reviews, 202 of them are 1-star ratings. Most people have complained about the lack of cleanliness in the hotel and bad service from the workers at the front desk. One reviewer stated that they even found empty syringes and drugs hidden in their room.
Kylene from Bemidji, MN, wrote,
“DO NOT STAY HERE!!!! This was the most discussing hotel I’ve ever seen. As soon as we walked in we were hit in the face with a cat pee type of smell and roaches everywhere!! There were stained bedding and traces of bed bugs. The bathroom doesn’t look like it’s been cleaned EVER. There were more roaches on the bathroom linens. We asked for a different room and the next one was even worse!!!“.
2. Super 8
Super 8 is even cheaper than those previously mentioned, but it has a 1.2-star rating on Consumer Affairs. There are a total of 625 reviews on the site for Super 8, with 435 of them receiving 1-star ratings. Common complaints are dirty rooms, mold, “run down” accommodations, and unprofessional customer service employees at the front desk.
One traveler, Rebecca from Anaconda, Montana, wrote,
“Old and run down. Took over 10 minutes for clerk to show up at the front desk. The mattress was worn out and had a hole in the middle that I kept rolling into making my night’s sleep horrible. Carpet was worn. Facility had a stale, sour smell. No wash cloths in bathroom. Amenities skimpy. The electric outlet that the hair dryer was plugged into had dirt/dust hanging out of it.”
1. Days Inn
Days Inn has 1,213 locations across the United States and offers affordable accommodations for travelers. Considering the current average price of a single night’s stay in a hotel can cost around $250 now, more expensive than the other hotel chains reviewed in this article. Reviews on Consumer Affairs have Days Inn rated 1.7 stars. Of the 531 reviews left on the site, 374 of them are 1-star reviews. Customers commonly complain about dirty rooms, “sketchy” locations, bed bugs, the lack of handicap-accessible rooms, and poor customer service.
One reviewer left comments similar to horror movie plot. Ed from Amarillo, Texas wrote,
“The room was absolutely disgusting. Pile of molded dog poop in room. Dirty tub. Dirty floors.” They continued, “Dirty walls. Tried to talk to front desk but there was no manager on site. Hair all over sink area. Bugs in light fixtures.”
Can You Avoid Dirty Hotels?
Avoiding dirty hotel chains starts with a bit of smart preparation and paying attention to the right details. Before booking, check recent reviews on multiple platforms like Google, TripAdvisor, or Yelp. Don’t just look at the star rating — read what people actually say about cleanliness, bedding, and bathrooms.
Always choose reputable brands with consistent standards, and if you’re unsure, call the hotel directly to ask about their cleaning procedures. A courteous staff that’s open about their sanitation process is usually a good sign. Upon arrival, do a quick scan of your room. Check the corners of the bathroom, under the bed, and the state of the linens. If anything looks or smells off, ask for a different room or consider leaving altogether — your comfort and health are worth it.
Lastly, trust your instincts. If a hotel feels unkempt or poorly managed, it probably is. By being observant, assertive, and proactive, you can avoid unpleasant stays and enjoy the relaxing, refreshing travel experience you deserve.
Takeaways From the Dirtiest Hotel Chains
When it comes down to it, you don’t want to spend your hard-earned money on anything that’s going to be a disappointment. Traveling is already a costly endeavor for many families. So, if you are booking a stay in the near future, it may be best to avoid these chains. If you can’t completely avoid them, you may want to read that specific location’s reviews before you make a decision about where to stay. In some cases, people who have stayed in these hotels have reported difficulties getting their money back. At worst, you’ll bring something home, such as an insect infestation leaving you with unpleasant memories for months to come.
Do you agree with the reviews of these hotel chains? Let us know about your experiences in the comments.
