The hotel in it's current form is an embarrassment. The lack of reviews can only be because the type of people staying there are not knowledgeable about trip advisor. I would also question the authenticity of Ray B's 5 star review. Granted that the place is renovating, but ownership has their work cut out for them.

I was stuck there by Continental Airlines after my flight was canceled. I would never stay there on my own. This place would be good for the young and poor tourist who can't afford better.

First the positives-
When I arrived, there were hundreds of teenagers swamping the lobby and hotel in general. The staff was very understanding and sympathetic that I was staying there due to a canceled flight. They went out of their way to get me a quiet room and do what they could to make me comfortable. Because of this, I will definitely check out the hotel again after renovations.
Clean.
Location is very convenient since you don't need to deal with downtown one way streets and numerous traffic lights.

Now to long list of negatives-
Tiny room.
BROKEN: 2 out 3 elevators worked slowly and with a couple of hundred teenagers it took 45 minutes to get up to room.
"Restaurant" completely understaffed (as in 1 bar tender and 1 waiter).
BROKEN: Heat, when I first got in the room it was fairly chilly. I thought the AC was on, but it was actually the heat. I don't mind a cold room so I didn't complain.
BROKEN: Tissue box cracked and easy to get cut on, Pay per view, Sink faucet didn't stay attached (seriously, wtf?) and could not shut off tap. Toilet tank cover cracked and toilet ran the entire time I was there.
BROKEN:Bathroom mirror was not attached to wall at the bottom, parking lot ticket machine.
BROKEN: Headboard was propped up against the wall. Look liked it was taken from a larger bed and just put there.

NOISE: The toilet, sink and some pipe to the heater ran all night long and made a ton of noise. I always bring ear plugs with me. Beware.
Trains: no, the hotel can't help the trains, but the could replace the single paned drafty, moldy windows with something from the modern era. This would eliminate train noise and road noise. I've lived most of my life near freight lines and it never bothered me before, but this is like being outside.

Stairs are actually outside (and filthy).

Bottom line: for small budget travelers (if you can get good rate). Place is a mess. Staff doing the best they can with what they have.

Good luck to owners, I hope they can turn it around, I will certainly consider staying again if the renovations are done well.

the first thing when we walked into the room was the odor was awful (this was a non smoking room). The toilet was leaking so the bathroom floor was soaked. All night the door across the hall that was marked employees only was open and slammed all night so there was no sleeping. The front desk told me the door was never opened or shut so it was like i was called a liar. then a little after 7am they had construction going on in the hotel so they started drilling and it sounded like the walls were falling down.

We stayed here for a convention located in the hotel. The room itself was clean, large and comfortable. Soft beds, fluffy pillows, adequate bathroom. Some noise from the train across the river, but the hotel cannot help that. The check in was quick and clean, as was check out. The elevators were a constant issue - rumors were that only one of the three was working at one point. It took a long time for them to come, and there were strange noises coming from them (clicking and rattling) at all times. Some of the common areas, as well as the elevators to the parking garage, could use some serious upgrading and TLC. The breakfast buffet was nice, and decently priced for a hotel buffet - which is nice, as there was very little nearby in terms of food, especially later in the evening.

being a experinanced former manager of a #1 tripadvisor.com motel/resort i tend to notice all the little things it takes to have that ranking and this place has it. it may be old but is going to be totally renovated. location is great for walking to live music great food onsite as well as close by. when you walk out front door and you are right on the river where you can take a leisurely stroll.
AND the SERVICE is fantastic. Everyone there from housekeeping to manager was friendly outgoing and accommodating. I have stayed 9 times the last 3weeks on business and will be staying here a lot more. only complaint bathrooms are small but sure they are changing that
you should too. And make sure you tell chris in bar hi
he cool