Rodeway Inn

Author: Kalicia Bateman

Hotel Type: Economy

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The Good

• Fresh, clean rooms
• Locations

In 2007, Rodeway Inn was named the fastest growing chain in the hotel industry by Lodging Magazine (May 2008 issue). This was due to its new brand strategy and pricing model that greatly improved franchise sales. Rodeway Inn promises one objective: a fresh, clean room for a good night's sleep. Combined with:

• a nice, hot shower to wake you up
• a good cup of coffee to keep you going
• affordable rooms that take guest's budget into consideration, so they can focus on the experience and not on their wallet.

Rodeway Inn hotels offer one promise: the travel basics with the reliability and security of a trusted national brand. The main thing people like about the hotel is its location, typically in the heart of main areas, walking distance from eateries and shopping areas.

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The Bad

• Franchises
• Unstandardized accommodations
• Pets

Although Rodeway Inn promises guests the security of a trusted national brand, each Rodeway Inn is individually owned and operated by the hotel owner or management company (franchisee), so there appears to be no central customer service or accountability in the event that a guest has an unsatisfactory experience at one of their franchised hotels. This being said, accommodations are relatively unstandardized, leaving guests with unfulfilled promises and poor accommodations such as:

• Hot water not working
• Heater not turned on in winter
• TV not working and after endless delay
• Failed refrigerator

A downside to being conveniently located is the noise. Guests on the lower level floors had trouble sleeping with both foot and vehicle traffic right below their windows. Although some hotels offer pet-friendly accommodations, there is a pet fee of 15.00 per night and per pet and a limit of 2 pets per room.

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The Bottom Line

Overall, Rodeway Inn sounds a lot better in theory than in person. More than half of guests were unsatisfied and disgruntled by their hotel experience. At best, it delivers on provided bare travel basics but not on being a brand that is trusted. Its best feature seems to be its convenient location in walking distance from main attractions, eateries and shopping areas.