On January 25, 2024, we checked into the Best Western SureStay in Sarasota-Lido Beach after making a reservation through Expedia. I chose this hotel because it was affiliated with Best Western. I was in the hotel industry for 45 years and managed several Best Western Hotels. I was always impressed with Best Western’s quality and rigid standards.
This was one of the worst hotel rooms I have ever seen. Best Western should be ashamed to allow its name on this dump. Expedia should be ashamed to accept reservations for it.
After moving our bags into the room and unpacking, we realized that the room was filthy and smelled strongly of cigarette smoke. We left the door open to let in some fresh air, but after a while we noticed some rather unsavory-looking characters in front of our door. We were forced to close the door. After about an hour, I was having difficulty breathing and decided that we could not stay in this room. It was so bad that I decided to take photographs. We packed our bags and left.
I went to the desk to inform the staff that, because of the smelly, dirty room, we would not be staying. The owner/manager came out and refused to refund our room charge. I told him we would take it up with Expedia. We left and checked into a Hilton across the street.
Here are the problems I encountered with this room:
The smell of cigarette smoke was overwhelming.
There were burn holes in the bedspread.
The sheets were old, worn and damaged.
The deadbolt lock did not work and the door