Room smelled like a wet dog and didn't feel clean. Continental breakfast had yogurt that was expired. Would not stay here again.

After reading reviews before booking at this AmericInn, I realized I would have to lower my standards some but still was hopeful that the reviewers might be exaggerating--no such luck. This hotel property was in much need of some TLC outside and in. Carpets were stained, beadspreads had holes in them (looked like cigarette burns), old style TV... The room was clean but all the other eyesores made it appear unkept. I was, however, impressed with the shower--lots of pressure and plenty of hot water. We went down for breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and could not find a seat so took our food back to our room. The hotel lobby served as the breakfast area so many sat at tables to read the newspaper and visit which left no room for those wanting to sit and eat. I usually am more trusting of Trip Advisor reviews but the selection was minimal in this area and we book on short notice.

We arrived at 2:20, 40 min. shy of check in time and could not check in because our room was not clean. They did manage to get us in before 3:00.

The good: The location is nice. It's easy to find. It's in an area with restaurants and a gas station. It's also a quick trip up the freeway to downtown St. Paul. The mattresses were fine and the pillows were newer. The beds were queen size. Everything in our room functioned properly. Our room was clean. The staff was friendly. Our room came with a fridge and micro. We paid $79 a night, which is a decent rate for the Twin Cities. The pool and the hottub are a nice size. Breakfast was more extensive than the usual continental.

The so-so: There's not enough seating for breakfast. We had to eat on couches in the lobby. The lobby furniture is worn. The pool was ice cold. I couldn't even get used to the temp once I was in. My husband also thought it was too cold, which is unusual for him. In contrast, the hottub was really, really, hot. Also, there's no bathroom or drinking fountain in the pool area. We had to keep taking the kids out of the pool area to meet their needs, which means two adults really need to be present if you have more than one kid. It was also cold going across the lobby to use the restroom when you've just gotten out of the pool.

All in all, I'd probably stay there again if I could get the same rate.

We booked a airline-hotel package deal to St. Paul October 1-3, 2004, because we wanted to see the Campbell's Invitational Figure Skating Competition. The hotel that came up as part of the package was the AmericInn in Inver Heights. They aren't found in our part of the country and so we took a chance it would be OK. It was a nice drive to the Hotel from the airport and although we overshot it and ended up about twelve miles down the road, it was our fault for not paying more attention. The hotel room was comfortable for our two night stay and the indoor swimming pool was especially inviting. They have a lovely fireplace in the lobby and the desk personnel and maid service were very friendly. The Complimentary Enhanced Breakfast was very good the one morning we tried it. The location near Minneapolis and St. Paul was convenient and we visited the Mall of the Americas and Mystic River Casino while we were there, both nice drives from the hotel. It was also very easy to find the Xcel Center where the skating was held. Across the steet from where we were located were two very fine restaurants, Damons Grill and Mrs. Rich's Bakery. and we even had two meals at the Restaurant-Bakery. Our trip was short, because my wife was still teaching school, but now that she is retired we have already booked a five day trip for this October, 2005, once again around the Campbell's Invitational. My wife demanded that we use this hotel once more, even though a few came up less expensive in the package deal. That shows she feels the facility has a lot to offer, in both comfort and convenience. We are looking forward to our return.