Red Lion Inn & Suites Olympia, Governor Hotel

Our stay at the Red Lion Inn& Suites, Governor Hotel, 621 Capitol Way S, Olympia, WA 98501,was hands down one of the worst hotel experiences we’ve ever had.The front desk receptionist, Manny—who is just a standard hotel receptionist employee,not a manager—was particularly condescending, rude, arrogant, and unprofessional. He directed this attitude not only toward us, but also toward our underage son, who was staying with us and had a few friends briefly stop by to wish him a happy birthday. After checking in, we stepped out for a short time to handle some business. While we were gone, our son received a visit from a few friends—something we had clearly disclosed at check-in. It was not a party. Despite that, Manny began harassing our son, repeatedly calling the room instead of contacting us directly. He even came up to the room and knocked multiple times, making everyone feel uncomfortable,unwelcome and attempted to lure them out of the room and force them for their IDs.His behavior was completely out of line and unnecessary. On top of that, there were major safety concerns throughout the property: visible drug activity, a strong and unpleasant odor in the halls, dirty, locks on other rooms, many visible damages to our room, and even a bullet hole in one of the windows. The hotel looks nothing like the images advertised online—it’s a completely different reality once you arrive. Manny also falsely accused us of giving away our room keys—both of which we returned at checkout exactly as issued. He continued to escalate the situation and claimed his manager, who was clearly not on site, ordered him to kick us out. What’s worse, we’re left questioning whether the targeting and harassment our son and his guests experienced had anything to do with the color of their skin or their identities. The way they were treated was not just inappropriate—it was not only embarrassing ,but very disappointing for our son Ultimately, we were told we would get a full refund within two days—but we don’t know if that will even happen. Do not trust the images, the staff, or the management. This hotel is unsafe, misrepresented, and run by people who have no understanding of hospitality or basic human decency. Stay away. This place should be held accountable.

First room I was checked into was STUNNINGLY hot, and the tub spout was running and loud. Tried to turn it off, but the handle just turned around and around, making no difference. Plus the tub was icky. I asked for a different room, one that wasn't a magnifying glass for the sunshine, and it was better (the staff person who helped me was very nice). The second room was still quite warm (late afternoon check in) and the 1950’s A/C on full blast all night was more noisy than helpful. Lucky I brought a little USB fan with me. I slept with just a sheet on. The tub spout in this one was also a little drippy, but quietly so. Everything is very worn and old, but that wouldn't particularly bother me due to the ＜ cost.

This hotel as a whole it tired, tatty and falling apart where it’s not broken already. The room was not particularly clean including the dirty sock left from a previous guest. The bath was peeling and there was mould on the walls. The bath tap dripped the entire stay. The glass lamp was broken and the room so cold that we had to get a heater from reception. Breakfast consisted of coffee/tea, fruit juice, apples, cereal, milk, bread and bagels. Nothing hot unless you used a very slow toaster. The dining room was cold and unwelcoming with several bulbs missing from the lights. The staff were helpful and mainly smiley but are limited as to what they can do in the circumstances.

This is not a review of the hotel as I am still trying to make reservations. This is a review of their communication with Trip Advisor and their website. I am unable to use their coupon codes as I do not see a place to enter them on their website. I talked to the GM at the hotel, Sonesta and Trip Advisor and I am very frustrated. I am hoping it will be updated soon after speaking to customer service at Trip Advisor. They are going to reach out to Sonesta and let them know. Wish me luck! And Sonesta, please reach out to me if you can.

DO NOT STAY HERE! Our room had no heat, was given a space heater to lug up to our room. Other rooms had uncontrollable heat and had sliding doors to the outside open at 35 degrees. Rooms are run down and filthy. Paint chipping and peeling. Garbage in the lobby, garbage everywhere on the property. Breakfast is the worst I've ever seen at a hotel, by far. If there was an option for zero stars I would choose that. This part of the town around the Capital building is over run by drug use and all that comes with it. Do yourself a favor and stay somewhere a couple miles away.

Photos made this hotel look similar to the chain hotels in town, but on arrival it was clear this place is in poor repair. Funky smells in hallways, first room had broken toilet. Walls are trashed, damaged furniture, and A/C filter is filthy.