Upon checking in, the staff (seemed to be teenager)at the front desk could barely speak English. It took at least five tries to break the language barrier. There were computers and wires all over the front desk area (1st red flag). After checking in and entering the rooms (my family had 3 rooms) we were quite disappointed. The rooms were stale and old. The bathroom floor was quite dirty. We called and asked to have the floors cleaned but the staff could not understand what we were asking. The hotel seemed to be one of those cheap $39.99 a night hotels. The next morning we were surprised at how they kept the side exit door to the hotel propped open. Anyone could have walked into that hotel off of the streets. The security was non-existent. We could not stay another night. Would never recommend hotel to anyone.

The hotel advertised services, the availability of which was a determinant in my decision to stay there. The hotel did not deliver said services. I was at the hotel because I was doing business in the area. Pursuant to that, I needed an internet connection. The hotel advertised that it provided said connection (the Days Inn Melrose Park website verifies that they do advertise this service). I called before and after making an online reservation for confirmation of the availability of this service and was assured that it was provided. It was not. In fact, when I checked in on 12 November 2007 and unsuccessfully attempted to connect to the internet, I was told that about 50% of the hotel (the entire second floor) did not have internet connectivity. Additionally, my room was filthy and had no telephone service though Days Inn in general and Days Inn Melrose Park in particular advertise both clean rooms and in-room telephone service. I was assigned a new room on the first floor by the desk clerk and found that it also had no connection, was filthy, and was, apparently, still occupied by another party. I had a work commitment and had to leave the hotel before the situation was resolved, but was assured by the clerk that upon my return that night I would have a room that was clean, had a viable connection and was not otherwise engaged by another guest. I called the hotel at about 9:30 PM to make sure that the clerk’s promises were kept before my arrival at 10:30 PM or so. I was informed that yes, indeed, I had been assigned a clean first floor room, unoccupied by anyone else, and featuring the long awaited internet connection. When I arrived at 10:30 PM or so, I found that the room was filthy, the connection nonexistent and the evening clerk rude. The clerk explained to me that, “a lot of people are using the net and so there is none left for you.” He then hung up on me. I do not claim to be a computer expert, but I suspect that the clerk was misinformed. I spoke with several other guests who were in the lobby area and found that they were hanging around the lobby because they could not work because they also did not have connections. Apparently, they were not the same guests who were selfishly using up the internet. They also complained about the filthy condition of their rooms and common areas. I suggested that we all call the local Better Business Bureau and resolve to never again stay in a Days Inn. They agreed. In addition to the above, the next morning the advertised continental breakfast appeared to be completely unsanitary and, quite possibly, dangerous. This was also commented on by others.

I made a sincere effort to find other accommodations. This is, however, the Chicago O’Hare Airport area and everything at every price point was booked. I had nowhere else to go. I had to be back at a nearby client’s office by 5:30 the next morning and would be working until about 10:30 that evening. Going home was not an option. To add insult to injury, the hotel also overcharged me. My reserved rate as verified on the receipt was $ 53.99 plus tax. Despite this, the hotel charged me $ 71.99 plus tax for the first night. They also tacked on a “security warranty” without my knowledge or consent. As I have never seen this charge on any other hotel bill in all of my years of traveling, I have no idea what this charge represents as I always thought that hotels provided for the security of their guests without charging a separate fee. I certainly did not notice any extra security, though I am happy to report that I was not robbed, except, of course, by Days Inn. In reading the above, you might conclude that I am a greedy customer who is creating an exaggerated axe to grind against a hotel in an effort to get free lodging. Three points in this regard: first, the Better Business Bureau of the area where the hotel is located told me that they have received many complaints about this facility’s business practices. I gave them another one. A Melrose Park Department of Health representative said that they have taken the facility management to court but still receive many complaints about the hotel’s sanitation issues. Again, I made a formal complaint myself. Second, that the hotel overcharged me is clearly documented on the receipt. Third, in all the years I have stayed in hotels and motels throughout the United States and internationally I have never before written a letter like this or contacted a Better Business Bureau or a public health agency about any facility.

This has to be a viable candidate for the worst hotel in the US. Arrived here after midnight in a terrible storm after getting stuck at O'Hare with thousands of others because of weather. Consequently, no hotel rooms around and this was one of the few hotels with space. I soon found out why they still had vacancies.

Dirty bed linens, stained mattresses, dirty carpets, peeling wallpaper, cracked masonry, barely-functioning showers, doors that looked like they had been forced around the locks. This hotel has it all and is an unpleasant and scary place. Avoid at all costs and stay in the terminal if this poor excuse for a hotel is the only option.

I can not believe that Days Inn doesn't condem the place to protect their name. Rooms looked to be in the condition of an abandoned home, nothing was safe and when I told the front desk that there were problems, she asked if I would like to check out.

The breakfast did include waffles....the frozen kind out of a box that after they were thawed and sitting out for 3 hours they put back into the box and into the freezer.

My safe was not even bolted to anything, just laying on the floor. My shower had no pressure if hot water, only cold. I had a business associate staying there as well and I had to kick the door multiple times in order for the regular door latch to release in order for her to get out of her room. She called the front desk but after 10 minutes they still had not come to her room so she called me.

What a dump!

Travel Advantage also said they were giving me the best rate, when complaining about my room the person took a call and quoted rates over the phone that were $30.00 lower than what I was paying, I asked how that can be and the lady said she would give me $10.00 off the room. TA was also going to give me a $30 rebate for my stay and today when I cancelled my trial membership, they informed me that I will not get the rebate now.