We were two couples that booked 2 rooms at the Comfort Inn in Clarksdale during the Juke Joint Blues Festival in April 2011. Although the reviews we read on Trip Advisor were not favorable, we are hotel professionals and understood both the opportunity for potential exaggeration of issues and the simple fact that the area is limitted for accommodations. Frankly we simply thought it better to stay locally rather than drive back to Memphis where we were completing our vacation before flying home. The staff were friendly and as accomodating as they could be- the lobby and exterior were as expected and acceptable. Upon entering our room, the overwhelming odor ( cat urine ) or something equally unpleasant stopped us in our tracks. I had kicked off my sandals and as I walked accross the carpet to call the front desk, my feet sort of slid on a greasy feeling surface. I asked for a different room and the front desk advised they were sold out and offered us a can of Febreeze. We turned the A/C on high - went out for the night and hoped for the best once we returned. Our friends we were traveling with provided us the detail on their room experience. A thick orange extension cord ran accross the floor providing electricity to the one and only lamp in the room. Bathroom lights worked but no other lighting was available. Bathroom mirror had large hand prints obvious in the dust/grime and toilet area was so soiled that a call to the desk resulted in employee coming to the room to clean it herself as housekeeping had left for the day.
Again, it was our decision to stay as we had checked out of our secured rooms in Memphis to enjoy the festival and not have to drive back that evening. I had thoroughly inspected rooms for bed bugs and there were not any. But the overall feeling of a very dirty room did not make for even a barely acceptable experience. We made the decision to get up as early as possible and get on the road. Breakfast was fine - basic and included in the rate. Upon check out, I asked to speak to the Manager and was told no one was available. I asked for a comment card and was told there were not any. I emailed the General Manager upon my return home and as of more than a week later, have not received a response.
Although Clarksdale was absolutely charming, we do not regret going there and everyone we met were gracious and kind - I would sooner drive the almost 2 hours to Memphis than to ever staying at that hotel again. As we heard similar stories of the entire areas lodging and after experiencing the " not so comfortable " Comfort Inn, I also would not take the chance to stay in the local area either. Thank you Trip Advisor for a forum to discuss travel experiences.