I reserved a queen bed handicap accessible room since I'm an amputee and need a shower bench. The woman at the desk accidentally checked me into a room that was being used. Innocent enough error and she immediately gave me the handicap room next to it which was clearly labeled as non-smoking. Well, I opened it and was immediately overwhelmed by thick cigarette smoke odor. The room appeared clean, but because it was labeled as non-smoking it was clear that the person in charge of cleaning this room didn't do his/her job to try and clear that odor out (first indication of some issues to come). I went back to the desk and advised them of this. They gave me another accessible room that had 2 double beds and had no cigarette odor at no additional charge so I was pleased enough at that point.

Here's the problems I encountered/observed:
1. Small metal shelf in bathroom was clearly coming off of the wall - screws underneath were very loose. As a tradesman's daughter I always have tools in my vehicle so I went and got my screwdriver and fixed it. I could probably have called management on this to fix it, but once things are in my room I don't want anyone in there again until I check out. Again, it makes me wonder the attention given to things. I can't believe that a housekeeper wouldn't notice this and report it to management to be taken care of or grab a screwdriver and fix it himself/herself.
2. Outer strip of countertop near sink also clearly loose from counter. I didn't have the items necessary to fix this other than my hammer and nails so I didn't do the repair. Something that a housekeeper could clearly report to be fixed.
3. Recliner armrest extremely loose. Not necessarily easily noticed, but if you move the chair itself it's not hard to miss. Not unusable, but either needs to be tightened up if possible or replaced. On the upside it's faux leather which allowed me to use a few Lysol wipes on it because I don't believe for one minute that it's been sanitzed anytime recently. I also santizied the handicap shower seat, toilet seat, TV remote and sinks while I was at it since I had the wipes anyway.
4. On one of the towels I noticed a few hairs that were not my own since I bring my own towels (see my "universal precautions" below).
5. The 2 office type of chairs in the room had mesh-like backs which were fine, but the cloth seats were dirty on both. I wasn't planning on using them anyway, but if I were going to I would have put a towel down on it.

On the upside:
1. Refrigerator, freezer, microwave, stove and vent over stove were clean upon detailed inspection. Set of 2 plates, mugs, silverware, etc. Basic pot and frying pan.
2. Staff I dealt with were nice and didn't give me a hard time about the room change request.
3. Location was close to the Mass Pike and 495. Was about 30 minutes to Gillette Stadium. Drug stores, Walmart, etc. within a couple of miles.
4. Also related to location, this was set well back away from the road with no other buildings around it so it was quiet. The only other building even nearby was a restaurant (Picadilly's Pub - good eats, reasonable prices) - can see from the hotel and in easy walking distance.
5. Reasonable rate, esp. on the weekend.

Neutral point:
TV is the old large type, but worked well and was 27" so it was easy enough to see from bed or the recliner.

I have implemented my own "universal precautions" when it comes to staying in ANY hotel/motel and have for some time now which makes most places other than complete dumps acceptable for me to use. Perhaps it will seem overly neurotic, I have had so many bad hotel experiences that I now bring my own fleece sleeping bag to unzip to lay on top of the bed (bedspreads and TV remotes are the filthiest things in all hotel rooms), my own sleeping bag (LL Bean ultralight for small pack size, yet roomy), my own pillow/pillowcase and full set of towels (chamois packable type from REI - small to pack, but good sized and ultra absorbant). I didn't buy these things specifically for hotels, I also camp extensively so I just happen to have them anyway. I also bring a travel pack of Lysol wipes. Let me add that I'm not a "high brow" kind of person either - I just want a clean and safe place to stay. So long those 2 things are met I'm happy enough. Atmosphere is nice, but not necessary.

So perhaps someone reading this will think I'm neurotic, but let me sum it up by saying that I was pleased enough because I brought my own linens and Lysol wipes. Would I recommend this place? It depends. If you travel the way I do I guess I would. If you're relying on the hotel itself to ensure reasonable cleanliness is in place you might want to think twice (but be aware that problems like this could be anywhere). Again, the things that tipped me off that there might be quality control issues were the thick smoke odor not taken care of, the loose shelf and countertop strip. If things so blatantly obvious go unattended how might the rest of the care be?