White River Inn & Suites — Hotel in Hartford

If you don't have time to read this review, here's the takeaway message: IF YOU LIKE MONTHLY RATES TO CHANGE WITHOUT ANY NOTICE, THIEF, AWFUL MANAGEMENT/SERVICE AND COCKROACHES, THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOU, OTHERWISE, STAY VERY FAR AWAY!!

I stayed here for an extended stay for 7 months.

1. When were first inquired about staying here for an extended stay, we were told it would be a flat charge every month (like paying rent) and that we would not be required to give ample notice to move-out (i.e. if we wanted to move out, we could literally tell them a day in advanced and that was okay). We had planned on staying there for at least a year, but only extended our stay by 2 months at a time, in case anything happened. 6 months in, I get MULTIPLE calls to the room asking if I planned on extending my stay, each time I said yes. We went to the front desk to sign the receipt (as you must do each month they charge your card) and we're told there is a new rate. They increased the monthly charge by $200 WITHOUT GIVING ANY NOTICE! In addition, we were told that they had already put the room back up for sale for others to "rent" out starting next month because that's how far we extended it to. Obviously we were upset, who wouldn't be! An increase in the charge and no place to live the following months because they put the room up for sale! The manager told us not to get upset and that they are a hotel, not an apartment, and can change whatever they want because they run like a hotel. Absolutely AWFUL management and customer service! I get that it's a hotel, but when you know there is an extended stay guest that has been renewing every couple of months, it's just courtesy to give notice that the price was increasing and to ask if the planned move-out date was a hard date (as it hadn't been in the past). In addition, we were told we would now have to give 30 days notice to move out and that we could only extend for 3 months at a time, but that they could advertise the room for sale following those 3 months and if someone wanted it, they could pay and we would have to move out. Absolutely ridiculous!!
2. I had to go down to the front desk probably every other week to get kitchen towels because they would always forget to replace them. One time, I go to the front desk and the general manager is there. I ask for "kitchen rags". She so rudely chuckled and corrected me, "you mean kitchen cloths". She obviously knew what I meant and that was extremely unnecessary. (Side note: I had went down to get towels 2 weeks before the monthly rate change and it was the perfect opportunity to notify me, but they of course did not.)
3. Housekeeping would clean once every week. Since I was staying there for an extended stay and had all my belongings with me (Note: there is no safe in the room), I felt better about putting up some cameras (which were not discretely placed on purpose) to deter any thief from happening or to catch anything if it did happen. My 2nd to last day, I was checking the footage and I was LIVID! The housekeeping girl checked my jean jacket pocket that was hanging behind one of the bar stools and then goes into the bedroom and opens the nightstand drawer, looks around, then closes it. At this point, I do not believe anything was stolen, but I have yet to review the rest of the footage from my time there. I addressed the situation with the general manager, who was apologetic and willing to work with me if anything was stolen, but had I not had the footage, I feel like this would not have been the reaction. .
4. There are cockroaches! I don't know where it came from, but there was a baby cockroach scaling the wall one night. Although your room may be clean, others may not be!
5. Housekeeping doesn't always change your sheets! There were times they just remade the bed with the sheets that were already on, or if they changed the sheets, would put the same comforter/cover back on (even though it was clearly dirty and needed to...

I currently live here (temporary work assignment) in one of their extended stay apartments. It's a very roomy one bedroom with a lovely bathroom and a fully stocked kitchen. The furniture is nice. The bed is huge and comfortable. We get weekly maid service. The building is clean and well kept. The staff is kind and helpful. I don't feel unsafe at all here to go to my car at any hour. There's a pretty sweet indoor pool and a fitness center that caters to cardio and light free weights if you're looking to exercise or be active. Also, I'm not breaking the bank to live here. These are all the good things.

Now. Let's hit the one glaring negative:

The wifi. Calling it bad would be an understatement. Now, I realize that providing internet (at no extra charge) to an entire hotel isn't just some simple thing. Even factoring it into the cost of staying here, I get that it can be a task to adequately provide that sort of service. That being said, it is just deplorable. I lose signal often. I have to reauthenticate repeatedly when I sign back in, which isn't always easy on every device when you have to do so by opening a web browser to accept terms and conditions. The PS4 isn't meant for extra steps. At the same time as this griping, I also realize this is the epitome of a 1st world problem to complain about the level of convenience I have or don't have in signing a game console into OTHERWISE FREE wifi.

This place gets a solid 4 out of 5. If internet is not your main focus of your stay, you'd do well to check this place out.

PS. Don't forget to take advantage of the breakfast. Eat it. Eat it. Eat...

Since posting this review, I felt it necessary to point out that we have since received a refund. It is yet to show up on our credit card but have been promised it is forthcoming. This hotel is terrible to put it mildly. We booked it on Expedia. We rate it 0! When going down the hall on 2nd floor an unpleasant odor was noted. The door to our room was damaged as though someone had attempted to break in and the repair was half done. I sat on the bed and it was uncomfortable and squeaked. The room was not clean...stained carpets..outdated bathroom and decor was outdated. The elevator states only 2 people allowed or a family. We went back to front desk and told the front desk clerk we couldn't stay there. We had booked for 2 nights and prepaid. We asked for a refund and we were refused. We should at the least been refunded gor the 2nd night as they were getting 24 hrs notice. We asked for a receipt and manager refused. She offered us a different room! What a nightmare! I have since read the reviews and most reveal that this hotel is dirty, not taken care of and smells moldy and smoky. ! Look elsewhere and don't waste your money! They will not refund you. They don't even care about their bad reputation. The manager's response to bad ratings is that they will remedy the problem and hope you come back. Really! It's obvious they really don't care. Terrible place.i don't know why Expedia...