I try to give people the benefit of the doubt, but now I understand what it means to “put lipstick on a pig.”
All the positive reviews are likely because of the new cabinets and the one-burner glass stove with a sink. But don’t expect plates , silverware, utensils, or even a spoon in this so-called “kitchenette.” Bring your own hair dryer too.
The woman who answered the phone when we called ahead was lovely. Sadly, the man who checked us in had the enthusiasm of someone stuck at jury duty. When I asked about the missing lamp by the bed, he said he’d have to check with housekeeping the next day. Strange, but okay.
The coffee maker? Horrifying. I dumped out a brown sludge that looked like it had been there since the early 2000s.
The next night, I had to ask again for a lamp by the bed so I could read. A young woman at the desk found a lamp within seconds. Imagine that.
Later, we returned to find the motel had lost power. A neighbor guessed the place had blown a fuse since there was a huge air purifier in his room to clear out smoke from a previous guest.
And the details? Brown carpet that hides every sin, and a brown stain on my sheets I tried very hard not to think about.
For the price, I wasn’t expecting luxury, but I did expect the basics: a lamp, some kitchen essentials, working power, and maybe clean sheets.
If you’re dazzled by new cabinets and don’t mind doing without the rest, the Baltzel might be for you. Otherwise, keep driving.
