Clarion Pointe Bloomington-Normal Near I-55 and University

Don’t be misled by the filtered photos & reviews. This is truly not anyone’s choice of a hotel. I have stayed at many different Choice hotels but my stay here definitely did not reflect what I have come to expect from this brand of hotels. From the time that I entered the establishment I knew that I made a mistake booking a room here, but due to it being homecoming weekend at the university I knew there would be no other rooms available. To begin with the hotel front desk attendant that stated that she was the manager was the definition of rude and unprofessional. Upon my arrival, I was not welcomed at all with a warm greeting, but instead by her SCREAMING ️ at the top of her lungs across the lobby to a man who appeared to possibly be working there. I had already seen a few reviews related to this type of behavior AFTER I booked my non-refundable reservation when I looked on other sites. So I had already somewhat prepared for an experience that was slightly less enjoyable than my previous choice hotel stays, but nothing could have prepared me for the way that she made absolutely no effort to demonstrate any understanding of the concept of customer service or satisfaction. In addition, she not only immediately claimed that I did not have a reservation because according to her, I “did not book through the hotel but instead did so with choice hotels which is a third party site not affiliated with the hotel”. (Note: The next morning I took a picture of a sign near the front desk that clearly states the hotel is run under CHOICE HOTELS). After I calmly told her that I paid for my reservation weeks ago, she stated I did NOT have a room paid for in advance (despite me showing her my email reservation that I booked over a month ago) but what took me aback most was her extremely aggressive demeanor. Once she FINALLY took a few moments to look into the system, she indeed FOUND MY RESERVATION but then instantly told me “BUT YOURE FREE TO LEAVE AND DONT HAVE TO STAY HERE” because the “look” on my face seemed like I had a problem. When I had to tell this woman that I had been driving for over two hours only to be greeted by extremely disturbing yelling and her being aggressive towards me when all I wanted to do was go to my room. Honestly if there were other hotels available and I knew that I could get a refund, I would have taken her advice and left IMMEDIATELY but instead I stayed there. And this encounter upset me so much that I didn’t even feel comfortable while there and ended up waking up at 2am that Saturday because I felt like I could not relax there. Rather than arguing with her as I’m sure she expected, I just called corporate Friday night as soon as I could to file a complaint and I WILL follow through. This is because I did NOT deserve that nor does any other PAYING customer. Not to mention on Sunday she showed me that she charged my account and then tried to show me the correction, but I should have NEVER been charged because

This motel was under construction and should have shut down till completed. Our room was freezing, most of the lights were not working, the towel bars were removed, the shower was in terrible condition. The drawers and lamp shades were damaged. Workers were laying floor tile directly in front of the check-in counter while we were trying to check in. We had to freshen up for a meeting that we would have went elsewhere.

Room was fine and generally clean. Electronics worked fine. Breakfast was limited, but did have a waffle maker which made some tasty waffles. Be aware that there may be no pool and no working elevator. Security was somewhat lacking.