Pulling into the property, the hotel is right next to an off-brand gas station where people are hanging around. No worries, I thought, seeing several patrolling police cars, and proceeded to walk in.
The pool, one of the amenities advertised, and one of the deciding factors in selecting the hotel, is down for construction and no attempt is made to make up for it besides a printed apology on the door.
After reassuring the night receptionist that the credit card I was leaving on file was not backed by monopoly money, I received my card to check in and made my way to my room for the night. On the way I receive a call from the receptionist wondering if he gave me my key card, I let him know I did. This will come into play later.
Between the hours of 3:30 AM and 4 AM, the plastic cover for the bathroom mirror lights falls off and slams into the counter below. On inspection it looks like one of the bulbs was half-installed, so I align the ends, push it in, twist, and properly re-install the cover. I am unable to sleep.
The following night I make my way in around 4 AM after being out and about. I scan the card at the door to no avail. In an attempt to save a few cents, the additional card from earlier must have been placed in the checkout bin for re-use and I have been marked as having departed. The receptionist creates a new card for me. It's the last thing one wants to experience that early in the morning; exhausted and just looking forward to a few good hours of sleep.