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10 Worst Hotel Chains in America (And Why You Should Avoid Them)

These entries will make you think twice before booking.

By April Khan

Edited by Andrea Basse

Updated July 26, 2025

When you book a hotel, you're expecting a clean room, a working lock, and hopefully a decent night's sleep. But not all hotel chains deliver on those basics, especially if you plan to travel on a budget.

If you're like most travelers, you rely on online booking sites to find accommodations, which can make it tricky to know which hotels to avoid.

To simplify this, we've uncovered 10 hotel chains you might want to reconsider before booking. These repeat offenders consistently earn low marks across the board in guest satisfaction.

Editor's note: Ratings were pulled from customer reviews via ConsumerAffairs.

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Days Inn

Rating: 2.4 (Consumer Affairs)
Parent company: Wyndham Hotel & Resorts

Days Inn is a budget-friendly pick for road trippers, but recurring complaints about cleanliness and noise often leave guests regretting their stay. In some instances, guests even claim to have paid for a room they didn't use.

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InTown Suites

Rating: 2.4 (Consumer Affairs)
Parent company: Starwood Capital Group

InTown Suites advertises modern amenities for extended stays, but guests often report rude staff, missing belongings, foul smells, and roach infestations — turning what should be a budget-friendly stay into a bad experience.

Radisson Hotels

Rating: 2.3 (Consumer Affairs)
Parent company: Choice Hotels

Radisson hotels may attract families and wellness travelers with perks like pools and fitness centers, but frequent complaints about broken amenities and poor service have left many guests disappointed.

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Motel 6

Rating: 2.0 (Consumer Affairs)
Parent company: Oyo Rooms

You've no doubt heard their famous slogan, "we'll keep the light on for you..." but according to some reviews, you may not want them to. Although this is one of the most visited chains, guests often complain about the lack of cleanliness and amenities across Motel 6 locations.

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Econo Lodge

Rating: 1.8 (Consumer Affairs)
Parent company: Choice Hotels

Econo Lodge is recognized for its affordability and convenience and is one of the most widespread chains under Choice Hotels. While the chain promotes clean and comfortable rooms, many guests report the opposite.

Some specific complaints include cigarette-butt burnt bedding that still looked worn from previous guests.

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Red Roof Inn

Rating: 1.8 (Consumer Affairs)
Parent company: Morgan Family Real Estate Fund

Red Roof Inn is a popular hotel chain known for its relaxed pet policies, free Wi-Fi, and continental breakfast. However, these days, it seems to be known for some not-so-nice "extras" like mold, foul smells, and soiled linen.

Quality Inn

Rating: 1.6 (Consumer Affairs)
Parent company: Choice Hotels

Quality Inn offers a free continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, and comfortable rooms, but some locations may have issues, such as stained linens, leaking ceilings, and unpleasant odors, which may make you think twice before booking.

Rodeway Inn

Rating: 1.3 (Consumer Affairs)
Ownership: Choice Hotels

This budget-friendly chain is situated near popular tourist destinations, drawing in many visitors. Guests appreciate the free Wi-Fi, but often complain about the rude staff and the limited breakfast options.

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Super 8

Rating: 1.3 (Consumer Affairs)
Parent company: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Although technically a motel and not a hotel, Super 8 is a welcome spot for anyone needing a good night's rest on a budget. Regrettably, it has fallen from its former glory, earning a 1.3-star rating due to poor cleanliness and unhelpful management.

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Holiday Inn

Rating: 1.0 (Consumer Affairs)
Parent company: InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)

Holiday Inn is one of the most popular chains on the planet and has a location in every U.S. state. Unfortunately, Holiday Inn reviews don't seem to line up with the experiences the chain expects guests to enjoy. Specific complaints refer to dirty entryways to the hotel.

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Bottom line

Booking a hotel shouldn't feel like a gamble, but it often feels that way with some of these chains. Before you book a hotel room, check reviews not only on the hotel's website but also on popular travel sites. These reviews will provide you with a better understanding of what the hotel is truly like and the reasons behind its ratings.

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