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Summary of reviewsThe Econo Lodge in Crystal River is often praised for its prime location, providing easy access to local attractions such as parks, manatee tours, Crystal Springs and the downtown area. This convenience is complemented by ample parking and accommodating staff, making it an ideal spot for those eager to explore adventurous activities like snorkeling and airboat tours.
While the breakfast offerings are minimalistic and often deemed lacking, the overall experience is balanced by the positive notes on cleanliness with several guests finding their rooms tidy and the amenities in good condition. However, there have been recurring issues with cleanliness, highlighting a need for improved housekeeping standards, particularly regarding the presence of mold, insects and musty odors.
Guest experiences with the rooms are mixed. Positives include comfortable beds, spacious layouts and well-functioning amenities like air conditioners and refrigerators. Noteworthy are also the clean pools, which offer a pleasant retreat despite some encountering minor cleanliness issues. However, many guests have reported outdated furniture, dim lighting and cleanliness concerns with bedding and bathrooms. Improvement in these areas could notably enhance guest satisfaction.
The staff receives mixed feedback as well with many guests appreciating their friendliness and helpful nature, while others experienced rude and unprofessional behavior, particularly at the reception. This inconsistency in service quality stands out as an area in need of attention.
The hotel's free Wi-Fi is generally functional but can be hit-or-miss with some guests finding it adequate for basic needs while others experienced connectivity issues. The pool is a well-regarded feature, often described as clean and inviting, though it has limited operating hours and is not heated.
Parking is noted for its convenience, allowing guests to park directly in front of their rooms, enhancing the ease of access. The lodging also receives commendations for its accessibility features, including accessible rooms and accommodating staff, making it a suitable option for those with mobility challenges.
The beds at Econo Lodge received a range of reviews. While some guests found them comfortable and conducive to a good night’s sleep, others reported issues with hardness, wear and occasional uncleanliness, indicating a need for consistent updates to the bedding.
Most importantly for pet owners, Econo Lodge is recognized for its pet-friendly policies, offering designated rooms and charging a relatively modest fee for dogs, making it a convenient and welcoming option for travelers with pets.
In conclusion, the Econo Lodge provides a practical and pleasant stay for guests visiting Crystal River, especially those looking for an accessible location to explore local attractions and outdoor activities. With attention to improving cleanliness, room updates and consistent service quality, the guest experience could be significantly enhanced. Show more
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Dog Friendly Motel
This hotel allows up to two pets per room for a fee. It provides basic accommodations and easy access to outdoor areas for walking dogs. Nearby attractions include Three Sisters Springs.
Motel with Parking
This hotel offers spacious and ample parking with dedicated accessible parking spaces. It also accommodates larger vehicles like RVs, buses, and trucks, providing versatile parking options for guests.
Motel with Outdoor Pool
This hotel offers an outdoor pool for guests to enjoy. It is located near the Gulf of Mexico and provides free continental breakfast.
Motel with Swimming Pool
Outdoor Pool
Accessible Motel
Room Types
Double Room with Two Double Beds - Non-SmokingThis room features a cable TV and a telephone. A private bathroom is also provided.
Queen Room - Non-SmokingThis room features a cable TV and a telephone. A private bathroom is also provided.
Double Room with Two Double Beds - Accessible/Non-SmokingThis quadruple room features a pool with a view. This air-conditioned quadruple room is comprised of a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom. The unit has 2 beds.
King Room - Non-SmokingThe unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
5.8
Rated
Location
The Econo Lodge boasts an excellent and convenient location, ideal for those looking to explore the natural beauty and attractions of Crystal River. Guests praise its proximity to parks, manatee tours and the renowned Crystal Springs sites and nature reserves. It's especially noted for being just a short drive from Citrus Avenue, the lagoons and downtown Crystal River, making it easy to access popular restaurants, bars and main attractions.
This hotel is perfectly situated for adventurous activities like manatee snorkeling tours and airboat tours at Ozello. Visitors also appreciate the peaceful and quiet setting, set back from the bustling main road yet still central to all key destinations. Ample parking and accommodating staff further enhance the convenience of the location.
For those considering a trip to Crystal River, the Econo Lodge offers a practical and pleasant place to stay with everything needed for a comfortable visit, whether for a night or an extended trip.
Breakfast
Travelers' experiences with the breakfast offerings at Econo Lodge reveal a consistent theme of minimalism and scarcity. While some guests appreciated the inclusion of a simple morning snack, the majority found the offerings to be lackluster. The typical "continental breakfast" consisted of coffee, juice and a pre-packaged pastry, often described as a honey bun or Danish, which many felt was insufficient for a fulfilling start to the day.
Several reviews highlighted the limited nature of the breakfast with some pointing out that the fridge containing these items was nearly empty or that the selection ran out early in the morning. The coffee was often noted as weak and the pastries were occasionally described as stale. There were frequent mentions of the breakfast being disappointing or a "joke," with some guests feeling misled by the hotel's promotional material.
Despite the overwhelmingly negative feedback, a few guests appreciated having any breakfast item available at all, noting that it was better than nothing. However, overall, the consensus was that Econo Lodge's breakfast fell short of expectations and could benefit from a more substantial and varied selection, including fresh fruit and improved beverage options.
Rooms
The guest reviews for Econo Lodge reveal a mix of positive and negative experiences. Many guests appreciated the comfort and spaciousness of the rooms, which were described as clean and functional. Some found the check-in process straightforward and the location convenient for meeting family or accessing local attractions. The air conditioning worked well for some, providing a cool and comfortable environment. On the positive side, clean pools, comfortable beds and additional amenities like refrigerators were noted by several guests.
However, the negative feedback indicates significant areas for improvement. Many reviewers pointed out that the rooms were outdated with worn-out furniture and dim lighting. Cleanliness was a recurring issue, as several guests reported dusty floors, dirty bathrooms and stains on bedding. The presence of cockroaches and other bugs was also a significant concern for some. Air conditioning units and other room facilities, such as showers and TVs, often malfunctioned or performed poorly.
The rooms often had an unpleasant, musty smell with some guests describing smells of mold or stale smoke. The condition of the rooms and hotel overall appeared run-down with issues such as broken locks, leaky shower heads and noisy air conditioning units. Several guests highlighted that the room cleanliness was below expectations, mentioning visible dirt and untended areas.
Overall, while the Econo Lodge provided basic, functional accommodations, many aspects of the rooms could benefit from thorough cleaning and significant updates to improve the guest experience.
Beds
Econo Lodge guests have shared mixed feedback about their experiences with the hotel's beds. On the positive side, several visitors found the beds to be comfortable, allowing for a good night's sleep. Phrases like "bed was comfortable," "slept very well," and "beds were very comfortable" indicate that some travelers left quite satisfied with their rest. The bedding was also highlighted as being clean and great by some guests, enhancing their overall experience.
However, dissatisfaction was prevalent among many reviewers. Common complaints included beds being extremely hard or stiff, leading to discomfort. Some guests found the mattresses to be worn out, sagging and even having springs poking through, which significantly diminished their sleep quality. Issues with beds being unclean or unsanitary were also noted with several reports of stained bedding and even bed bugs.
It's clear that Econo Lodge has inconsistent bed quality that varies from room to room, suggesting the need for significant updates and improvements to ensure a more consistent and comfortable experience for all guests. While some beds may offer a decent night's sleep, it's a gamble that could result in an unpleasant stay for others.
Cleanliness
Econo Lodge offers a mixed experience with regard to cleanliness. Many guests did find their rooms clean and tidy upon arrival and some commented on the cleanliness of certain amenities, like the bathroom vanity and general room areas. However, there are significant mentions of areas that need improvement. Numerous reviews highlighted issues such as dirty bathrooms, floors in need of sweeping and mopping and outdated facilities that add to a generally unkempt appearance.
Guests mentioned mold on ceilings, broken fittings and dirty, old towels contributing to an unpleasant stay. There were also frequent reports of unpleasant odors, ranging from mustiness to more severe smells like mold or even urine. The presence of insects, including cockroaches, added to the dissatisfaction, as did areas that appeared not to have been cleaned between guests, like dirty fridges and sticky floors.
Some reviews noted specific issues like stained sheets, dirty air conditioning units and even sightings of bed bugs, which clearly suggest lapses in maintaining high cleanliness standards. This suggests that while some rooms may meet guests' expectations, a significant number fall short, highlighting an inconsistency in housekeeping standards across the property. The overall feedback suggests that Econo Lodge needs to adopt more effective cleaning protocols to consistently meet the expectations of its guests.
Staff
The guest reviews of the Econo Lodge reveal a mixed experience when it comes to the hotel's staff. Many guests have described the staff as friendly, helpful and respectful, noting their kindness and willingness to assist. The housekeeping team was particularly praised for being wonderful and accommodating. There were also mentions of excellent customer service and thoughtful assistance with some guests specifically appreciating the politeness of the morning and checkout staff.
However, the reviews also highlight significant inconsistency in service quality. Several guests reported encountering rude and unprofessional behavior, particularly at the reception. Specific instances of unfriendly and unwelcoming interactions, often marred by sarcastic remarks and unprofessional conduct, were frequent in the comments. Issues like unorganized staff, a lack of engagement and even privacy violations by front desk personnel were mentioned, indicating serious lapses in service standards. Despite these criticisms, there were notable individual staff members who stood out for their friendliness and excellent service, although these positive experiences appear to be sporadic rather than the norm.
Wi-Fi
Despite some drawbacks, Econo Lodge offers functional and adequate internet access for its guests. Experiences with the hotel's Wi-Fi services vary widely. While a number of guests have reported issues such as weak signals, intermittent connections and poor overall quality, there are indications that Wi-Fi can work well under certain conditions. Some visitors have found it to be good enough for streaming and general use, suggesting that the Wi-Fi at Econo Lodge may meet basic online needs in specific circumstances. Nonetheless, potential visitors should keep in mind the mixed feedback and manage expectations accordingly when it comes to relying on the hotel's internet connectivity.
Pool
The pool at Econo Lodge received various reviews from guests with a significant focus on its cleanliness and general maintenance. Many guests found the pool to be well-maintained and pleasant, providing a great experience after a long journey. The pool was consistently described as clean and inviting, though there were mentions of occasional cleanliness issues, such as bugs and ants, which seemed to detract from some guests' experiences.
The pool area was noted to be nice and centrally located with a secure fence, enhancing safety for visitors. Despite its smaller size compared to promotional pictures and limited shaded seating, the pool area provided a pleasant environment for relaxation. The colorful shade cover was also appreciated for adding some charm.
However, the pool's operational hours were limited, opening only at 9 o’clock and closing at 10, which might restrict swimming time for some guests. Moreover, the pool is not heated, which could be a drawback for those preferring warmer water.
While a few guests had issues with their pool experience, overall satisfaction seemed to be the common sentiment with many finding the pool to be a nice addition to their stay.
Parking
Econo Lodge offers guests a convenient parking experience with numerous positive aspects highlighted in reviews. The ability to park directly in front of room doors is frequently mentioned, ensuring easy access to accommodations. The hotel's ample and sufficient parking facilities are praised for being readily available and trouble-free. Guests appreciate the good location and the presence of free parking near their rooms. Some reviews note that although there may occasionally be a need to park at a distance, overall, the parking situation is satisfactory. The ease of having parking literally right outside the room door enhances the stay, making the parking experience at Econo Lodge both convenient and hassle-free.
Accessible
The Econo Lodge receives positive feedback for its accessibility features. Guests appreciate that the rooms and amenities are easily accessible, including the availability of first-floor accessible rooms. The parking facilities also contribute to the ease of access, making it convenient for those with mobility challenges. The hotel staff is frequently mentioned as courteous and accommodating, ensuring a comfortable stay. However, a few guests noted some concerns such as the thin blankets, loud air conditioning and occasional issues with the hairdryer and heating/cooling system. Despite these minor drawbacks, many found the location good for activities like kayaking and manatee observation with secure and large rooms adding to a generally positive experience.
Outdoor Pool
The outdoor pool at the Econo Lodge receives generally positive feedback from its guests. Many appreciated the clean and well-maintained state of the pool, making it a pleasant place to relax after a long journey. The area around the pool is noted as being secure and well-shaded, providing a safe environment for children. The pool's inviting and wonderful atmosphere also contributes to making it a comfortable spot for summer fun. While some guests did not use the pool, they still remarked on its appealing appearance and the convenience of its location behind their rooms. Overall, the pool at Econo Lodge seems to be a well-regarded feature that enhances the guest experience.
Dog Friendly
Econo Lodge is an ideal choice for travelers with furry companions, frequently praised for its pet-friendly policies and accommodating atmosphere. The hotel permits dogs with a noted fee of $16 for a 10-pound dog. Pets are welcomed in designated rooms, making it accessible and convenient for pet owners. The location is also highlighted as ideal for those traveling with pets. Additional amenities such as Wi-Fi and boat parking are available, contributing to a comfortable stay for both guests and their pets.
Yes, Econo Lodge has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Econo Lodge.
Yes, Econo Lodge welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Econo Lodge.