The 10 Absolute Worst Hotels in the USA

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Apr 20

The following hotels have consistently ranked among the worst in the United States

Based on extensive analysis of TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and other review platforms, the following hotels have consistently ranked among the worst in the United States due to severe issues like filth, safety concerns, and poor management. These establishments have garnered significant negative feedback, with reviewers citing everything from bed bugs to hazardous conditions. These hotels represent the worst of the worst in American hospitality, with consistent complaints about cleanliness, safety, and service.

Travelers are advised to thoroughly research accommodations and consult review platforms like TripAdvisor and Booking.com before booking. While budget options can be tempting, the experiences shared by guests at these properties highlight the importance of prioritizing quality and safety. Below is a curated list of the 10 worst hotels, supported by direct quotes from travelers and sourced from reputable publications.

1. Civic Center Inn – San Francisco, CA

The Civic Center Inn is frequently cited for its deplorable conditions and unsafe environment. Despite its proximity to landmarks like Ghirardelli Square, reviewers describe it as a nightmare.

Quote: “This motel was the worst one I’ve been at period. Completely dirty, rude staff and very unprofessional. One seemed drunk or on something. The female was very unpleasant. The room was so disgusting and outdated I didn’t even stay 8 hours.” – Katie, TripAdvisor
Issues: Bed bugs, filthy rooms, and unprofessional staff.
Source: The Bulkhead Seat

2. OYO Hotel – Houston, TX

This two-star hotel has a dismal 3/10 rating on Booking.com, with guests reporting cockroaches, mold, and an overwhelming smell of cigarettes.

Quote: “A very strong smell of mold and the air filter was filthy.” – Ashley, January 2022, Booking.com
Issues: Mold, cockroaches, and poor maintenance.
Source: Daily Mail, FOX26 Houston

3. Boulevard Hotel Ocean Drive – Miami Beach, FL

Promising Art Deco charm, this hotel falls short with reports of dirty rooms and dangerous conditions, including glass shards in beds.

Quote: “DIRTY ROOMS, with GLASS in the actual bed, under the sheet. I was stabbed in the butt! Yes the left cheek of my buttocks [was stabbed] by a piece of GLASS that was in the bed.” – Thunlala, TripAdvisor
Issues: Dirty rooms, safety hazards, and poor housekeeping.
Source: DMARGE

4. Jack London Inn – Oakland, CA

Named after the famous writer, this hotel’s conditions evoke the harsh environments of Jack London’s stories, with mold and broken amenities.

Quote: “Had a thick layer of furry mold growing in it.” – Reviewer from Wellington, NZ, TripAdvisor
Issues: Mold, broken heaters, leaking toilets, and filthy conditions.
Source: Spy.com

5. Tropicana Resort Hotel – Virginia Beach, VA

Despite claims of recent renovations, this hotel is described as “gross” with pervasive dirt and mold.

Quote: “Horrible, gross, worst hotel ever! Dirt, funk, mold, and horrible smell! All of that after according to the website it had been newly renovated!” – TripAdvisor Reviewer
Issues: Mold, dirt, and false advertising.
Source: CBS News

6. Quest Inn Motel – Springfield, IL

This motel is notorious for unsanitary conditions, including marijuana stems in sheets and used tampons in drawers.

Quote: “Marijuana stems crushed into the sheets and — brace yourself for this one — used tampons hidden in dresser drawers.” – DMARGE Reviewer
Issues: Unsanitary bedding, poor housekeeping, and health hazards.
Source: DMARGE

7. Super 8 – Ruidoso, NM

Reviewers describe this Super 8 as a “hellhole” with a pervasive “funk” and inadequate amenities.

Quote: “There was a general funk that seemed to emanate from every corner of the room.” – Jean Campbell, Medium
Issues: Filthy rooms, poor maintenance, and unhygienic conditions.
Source: Medium

8. Heritage Marina Hotel – San Francisco, CA

This hotel is infamous for bed bugs and lost reservations, with reviewers comparing it unfavorably to low-budget accommodations worldwide.

Quote: “As soon as I got into the room and sat down on the bed I realized there were BED BUGS ALL OVER the beds, walls, everywhere!!! I was so disgusted I left and drove home.” – TripAdvisor Reviewer
Issues: Bed bugs, lost reservations, and rude staff.
Source: CBS News

9. Days Inn Eureka – Eureka, MO

This hotel is plagued by unbearable odors, cigarette ashes, and even a dirty diaper left in the room.

Quote: “The stench was so unbearable, it was difficult to breathe. The air was dense and everything smelled of stale cigarettes… there was a pile of cigarette ashes by the bed AND a DIRTY DIAPER on the rack of the ‘closet’.” – TripAdvisor Reviewer
Issues: Filth, cigarette odor, and neglected housekeeping.
Source: CBS News

10. Town House Motel – Tupelo, MS

Reviewers express regret over staying here, with many wishing they had slept in their cars due to the horrific conditions.

Quote: “The sheets had stains and blood on them, [and] your feet became black from walking across the floor.” – TripAdvisor Reviewer from Staunton, VA
Issues: Stained bedding, dirty floors, and overall neglect.
Source: Spy.com

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