We recently had an unpleasant stay on New Year’s Eve at the Ventura, CA Country Inns and Suites property.  Having stayed at San Diego North (’09) and San Bernadino/Redlands on Christmas night (’10), I had recently signed up for Goldpoints, knowing that this was a hotel that couldn’t go wrong.  I should be careful what I assume.

Upon check in, I was about 5 minutes until away from the end of Happy Hour.  After having driven for 5 hours from San Diego that day, I could have used a glass of wine, and it was New Year’s Eve.  The lady in front of me took forever to checkout, and by the time I was done getting my room keys, it was “over.”  My family got into the elevator and were appalled at the smell of smoke.! Our room was on the 3rd floor and while walking down the hall, you’d think there were dozens of smokers hanging around with their cigarettes lit.  How is this possible?  There were fans on down the hallway, but the air was dank and stale.  Our room was not fresh, though the sheets and bedding did not smell, so we decided to check out the other floors to see if it was just this one.  All hallways were the same with such a strong odor.  My husband noticed the non-smoking signs on our section of the hallways, where the other end (other side of the elevator) had none, though my kids and I could smell the smoke all throughout the hotel.

We were exhausted and had no desire to leave and pay for another stay somewhere else.  We were in bed by 9:30pm and checked out after 9:30 in the morning.  On the way out, the only fresh scent was from the open doors of the rooms that were being cleaned by the housekeeping staff, but in the morning that smell was still there. Aside from odor, the shower curtains in our room were stained and dotted with marks.  When I showered I was disgusted. Plus had I known we were so close to train tracks and our 3rd floor room shook each time the train went by, we’d never have stayed!

I had to remind myself that my other 2 experiences with Country Inns and Suites were stellar, because I couldn’t believe I was in the same chain, and paid $130/night.
Country Inns and Suites, San Diego North
Country Inns and Suites, San Bernardino/Redlands, CA 

The plus side, we had a good breakfast before we checked out with cooked eggs and bacon, cereals, danish, and breads and juice for the kids.
This review is our honest, tried and true experience, we paid full price to stay at this hotel.