I stayed at the Econolodge in Portland and I thought the night would never end. When we opened the door to our room, the smell of stale cigarette smoked was over-powering. There were cigarette burns in the carpet. I contacted the office and was told the request had not come in for non-smoking and they had nothing else available. I would never book anything other than a non-smoking room. I requested some air fresheners, Febreeze type product, and covered the carpets, curtain and bedspreads. We left the outside door open (even though it was raining). Before we went out for dinner, we sprayed everything again. The smell was so strong, nothing would lessen the stink.

When I pulled the bedspread down to crawl into bed, the sheets were so discoloured I couldn't determine if they were beige or white. Anyway, I slept in my clothes and used my own pillow. We kept waking up all night because of the smell and, at one point, I considered sleeping in my car. The next morning the stink was still strong and even the towels and face cloths smelled of stale smoke.

Other guests, two doors down were also given a smoking room and when they complained, they were told the exact same words as I had been told. The only good thing I can say is that the office staff was friendly.

I visit this area at least once a year and usually stay at another hotel up the street where smoking is strictly prohibited. I was unable to obtain a room there on my way home and managed to get a room at the Econolodge, which I will never do again.

stayed there the week of june 18th for three days. Room recently painted, linens clean-- no stains. Bed mattress firm-- no sags. Air conditioner wall unit, somewhat noisey but functioning well. TV , microwave, and refridgerator all working well. Minutes to Mall and several places to eat nearby. Had several rooms closed-- appeared to be remodeling. Seemed to be trying to improve the overall appearance of facility. Room I had had deadbolt, plus chain lock for security, also several security cameras present and moniotr in the office.



Molly

I am from the South Portland area and I wanted to stay somewhere close to my mom's house, but I didn't want to spend a lot of money. I actually stayed in this hotel when I was getting married 10 years ago, when it was called the Coastline Inn. It's really gone downhill since then.

The external facade is all faded and chipped. And in my room, although relatively comfortable, the lighting is dark (there was no light next to the bed for reading). The room looks as though there used to be things attached to the walls in places (sconces, perhaps?) but they've all been taken out. They promised a hair dryer but there wasn't one. The thing on the wall that would hold the hair dryer isn't securely attached. They did bring me a hair dryer when I asked, though, and right away.

Also, there are some nasty stains on the box spring...looks like blood but I don't want to make any guesses. Maybe coffee??? The wash cloths also have stains, although I know they are clean. But I would expect nothing but perfectly white wash cloths and towels in any hotel, even the economy ones.

The biggest thing I dislike is that the only lock on the door is the deadbolt, which can be opened by the cleaning staff. In other words, that extra lock that is usually on the door that can only be locked from the inside isn't there (looks like it used to be there, but no longer). I am staying alone, so that wasn't comforting.

At the same time, the staff are very friendly and there is a continental breakfast, although it consists of white powdered doughnuts, coffee, juice, some small muffins, and toast. Nothing fresh and special, but it's food if you're just interested in eating "anything" in the morning.

So, for the price, the room is okay. I am able to sleep and I'm still close to my family and the mall. But don't expect anything above and beyond the very basics. Next time I visit, I would likely pay a little extra and stay somewhere else.

The Econo Lodge in Portland, ME was disgusting. If you want a place to rest your head in CLEAN sheets then this is NOT the place. I was here in Nov. and noticed that when we entered the room that the rug had not been vacumed. We decided then to check the sheets and they were NOT clean, there was hair, paper, and other none identifable objects. The bathroom was still dirty with no clean towels. We then proceed to go down and talk to the lady at the desk who told us she could not refund our money. We told her that the Better Business Bureau would be called and she then called the manager and we got our money back. She pretended to call another place to see if there were any spots open and told us that no other hotels in the area where available. Which wasn't true. So, if you want a cheap and disgusting place to stay, then stay here if you don't try the Howard Johnston down the road they are CLEAN.