Name: Best Western Gardendale
Address: 842 Thompson Street, Gardendale, 35071, US

10/10

Exceptional

30 Jul 2026

Tina

Neat clean and spacious

8/10

Excellent

30 Jul 2026

Howard

Good location, pool water was green and closed

8/10

Excellent

29 Jul 2026

Natasha

Pleasant staff and clean room!
Would have loved to have been able to
use the pool, but it was not accessible.

8/10

Excellent

25 Jul 2026

Nigel

The rooms were spacious and the beds comfortable. The room and bathroom were clean and tidy. The breakfast was very good. The only downside was the awful wi-fi which kept tripping out. This was quite annoying.

4/10

Poor

25 Jul 2026

Jeffrey Robinson

Our room had black mold in the bathroom and the in the room above the sink. Went to the front desk to address it and was told to ask for a refund at check out. When we asked for the refund we were told we have to talk to Expedia because that is who we booked through. Appliances were clean, sink was cracked, there were multiple areas in the hallway and common areas that were leaking and about to cave in. Pool was closer which was understandable because it was DISGUSTING.

Breakfast was ok. My kid and husband ate waffles and I had a bagel. Coffee was good.

Plenty of parking but only a few handicap spots which stunk because we had a child in a wheelchair.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jul 2026

Ira J

Everything was perfect!

2/10

Poor

21 Jul 2026

Harrison

Mold covered the ceiling of my room , the sprinkler system nozzles in the room were RUSTED, but the room had what appeared to be brand new furnishings, which made it such a weird experience why anyone would put brand new furnishings into a completely moldy room that is beyond mediation, but probably the facility needs to be condemned it’s just beyond me. The young man at the Motel desk looked well put together and was calm demeanor as if he was totally unaware of the situation behind the door, just steps away from his desk. When I asked for a new room, he said that they were full and he turned the computer screen to show me that the motel was full. Despite the fact that the parking lot was relatively empty. The whole experience was weird. How can a facility that should bd condemned because of the magnitude of the mold problem manage to get a license to operate as a motel is beyond my comprehension.

Family

2/10

Poor

20 Jul 2026

Judy

Their AC system was on the fritz so carpets were damp, they had buckets under the vents in the lobby and after sleeping there, our clothes were damp and smelled musty. They wouldn't give us a refund. Very disappointed.

Partner

2/10

Poor

15 Jul 2026

Matthew

When walking in I noticed there were buckets catching water from the ceiling, and I could see mold on the walls and ceiling where the buckets were.
The room was clean, but the smell from the moisture in the hallway permeated the room, and it set off my allergies (thank God for meds!).

Self

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jul 2026

Carl

We arrived late and the staff was courteous and prompt. The room was clean and comfortable. Breakfast was welcome and tasted great. A nice start to our early departure.

Family

4/10

Poor

12 Jul 2026

Jade

Our first room smelled like straight cigarettes even though there are signs everywhere that state no smoking. The staff had no problem moving us but I’m sure the people who cleaned the room smelled it and still decided it was good enough to stay in. One of our cards only worked to get in the building but not open the door which is crazy. Then we only had 2 sets of towels for a 4 person stay. Beds were very uncomfortable and felt more like full size beds instead of queens. 10/10 would not recommend. It showed 8+ stars under the reviews and that definitely was not 8+ stars worthy.

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

12 Jul 2026

Klista

The hotel was clean for the most part, but it was not what I was expecting. The floor was wet from the air conditioning leaking, the shower was just warm, and the sink was stopped up. If we were staying more than one night I would have complained.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

10 Jul 2026

Pamela

Room was clean. Breakfast was good. Hotel a little dated. Location was spooky. It looked like it was carved in a mountain.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

28 Jun 2026

Clayton

The hotel room was clean and the staff was friendly. The big disappointment was the pool, it was one of the reasons i booked this hotel as I wanted to lounge by the pool on my day of arrival which is why I paid the early check in fee. Only to find that the pool was GREEN. It was disgusting, so I couldnt swim in it. :(

Friends

8/10

Excellent

26 Jun 2026

Patrick

This was good spot right off the interstate near everything I needed to be at during my stay.

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

24 Jun 2026

Ashley

Pool was green. There was a bucket outside of our room catching a drip and it wasn’t the only one on the hallway. Our beds felt damp the entire time.

Family_with_children

2/10

Poor

22 Jun 2026

Joseph

Don't waste your money and go here. It was straight up disgusting!!! I'd give no stars if possible

6/10

Pleasant

22 Jun 2026

Philip

It was quiet being off by itself away from highway with plenty of parking. Staff was friendly. Things werent maintained terribly well, sink was cracked and glued together ,tub had brown stain in it, towels had black spots. Unfortunately there was a strong, perfumey cleaner being used and water was dripping into trash cans in hall. It was a difficult stay because I am mold and chemically sensitive.
Breakfast was great with a good selection of food. Overall stay was okay but probably not an option in the future.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

21 Jun 2026

Gloria

Parking was okay, and so was breakfast and bed, but housekeeping needs to do better. There were dirty rings around the tub and used soap up on top of the shower. Good thing I travel with my own cleaning supplies. Will I stay again, maybe one night again

Self

8/10

Excellent

16 Jun 2026

Carla

Nice place, but parking was very crowded and pool had no water, which is strange for the middle of June.

Business

2/10

Poor

16 Jun 2026

Amy

The only reason to stay here was the pool for our 6 year old grandson and it wasn’t up and going. He was so disappointed.

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

15 Jun 2026

Crystal

We got in late and we're taken care of promptly. Clean enough. Older bathrooms

Partner

4/10

Poor

14 Jun 2026

Steven

The water was lukewarm at best. The air struggled to work. The pool was no operable. The hotel was leaky and just seemed poorly maintained. Definitely won’t be back

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

13 Jun 2026

John

Clean room, nice breakfast

8/10

Excellent

12 Jun 2026

Sandra

Clean room, great stay for a one night stay over , tucked away and a pleasant surprise would definitely stay again and breakfast was great

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

12 Jun 2026

Jason

Breakfast

Self

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jun 2026

anna

Pool was out of service. Otherwise all was well.

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

12 Jun 2026

Bryan

Everything was as described. It was tucked up on a hill and very quiet. We enjoyed it and would stay there again.

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

08 Jun 2026

Thomas

the breakfast was one of the best I've had at a hotel at this cost level.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

08 Jun 2026

Rachel

There was only 1 elevator for the entire hotel. The room was fairly clean, but the sink leaked. When the faucet was turned on, I could feel some water spraying down on my feet.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jun 2026

Howard C

Clean and a very nice place. Would stay there again. Somewhat remote location up a steep hill.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

04 Jun 2026

Cote

I have stayed in worse hotels. There was several issues

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jun 2026

Layda

Clean room .. friendly staff

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 May 2026

Eric

It was great got there from Georgia and going to Mobile Alabama me and my lady friend we love it wit the hot tub in the room was great 👍 everything was perfect for that stay

Friends

8/10

Excellent

20 May 2026

Judy

Easy parking

8/10

Excellent

20 May 2026

Judy

The first room they put us in smelled like dog and we complained, so they moved us to another room. The breakfast was great and the overseer was very helpful.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 May 2026

Brittany

Hidden area but it was nice overall.,

Partner

8/10

Excellent

14 May 2026

Andrew

Decent Breakfast. Clean Room

Self

10/10

Exceptional

08 May 2026

Rebecca

This was the best hotel I have stayed at. The rooms was very clean, the staff was amazing . Was able to park a full size trailer in lot with no problem. Breakfast was very good food was hot and fresh.

Partner

2/10

Poor

04 May 2026

Jean-Francois

Title: Completely Unacceptable Stay – Avoid at All Costs

Disappointing doesn’t even begin to describe this experience.

I arrived at 5:00 PM — a full two hours after the stated 3:00 PM check-in time — only to be told my room wasn’t ready and to “give them 20 minutes.” After driving 11 hours, that’s not just inconvenient, it’s unacceptable.

Trying to make the best of it, I went to check out the pool — a mistake. The water looked like something out of a disaster zone: green, murky, and frankly unsafe. Completely unusable.

When I returned, the front desk was nowhere to be found. No staff, no presence, nothing.

Then came the elevator — loud, unsettling, and sounding like it belonged in a horror movie. Not exactly reassuring when you’re already questioning the condition of the property.

The room itself? Exactly what you’d expect at this point: bare minimum, poorly maintained, and not remotely welcoming. The TV was so complicated and dysfunctional I gave up trying to use it entirely.

Bottom line: I genuinely don’t understand how this hotel was full. The only explanation is that people don’t know better and fall into the trap.

This was not just disappointing — it was a failure across the board: operations, cleanliness, maintenance, and guest experience.

I would not stay here again under any circumstances.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

28 Apr 2026

Sondra

Nice clean quite comfortable hotel. Hotel is in a quiet spot by itself but across the overpass anything you could possibly want to eat, shop etc., would definitely stay here again!

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

25 Apr 2026

Max

Finally a best western with USB ports for charging! Nice enough room/bed

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2026

Sharon

We always stay here on our way South. The rooms are clean, the bed comfortable, the breakfast great and the staff exceptional.

Friends

8/10

Excellent

21 Apr 2026

tamara

Hard to find -Sits behind a row of trees - could use some well lit signage

Self

6/10

Pleasant

17 Apr 2026

Christopher

X

Friends

8/10

Excellent

17 Apr 2026

Teresa

Good location. Clean, friendly

10/10

Exceptional

16 Apr 2026

Shalonda

Staff

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Apr 2026

Shalonda

Clean room

Friends_and_family Friends

6/10

Pleasant

13 Apr 2026

Amy

Staff was there but not so courteous. Couldn't find my reservation for several minutes, even with ID

Self

8/10

Excellent

12 Apr 2026

Penny M

Food was standard hotel food, very small dining area. Seemed like an older building, but was clean. The outdoor pool was not open even though their website says it is open April 1. It was full of nasty black water. Staff were nice. Hotel is kind of hidden in some trees so you don’t get the noise from traffic.

Friends

8/10

Excellent

12 Apr 2026

Summer

They always had fresh coffee in the lobby. The yogurt machine at breakfast was great. It’s older and needs some upgrades, but overall it was okay to rest your head.

Family

8/10

Excellent

11 Apr 2026

Beth

Clean rooms and nice breakfast

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

09 Apr 2026

Janet

None

2/10

Poor

04 Apr 2026

Summayyab

Old sundowner motel. Staff is rude and disrespectful. They give you late checkout then try to rush you out before the late check out time and charge you for being a minute late. I travel a lot to this area and I will never stay at this nasty place again with these rude people.

Business Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

31 Mar 2026

Mike

Kind of back off of the main road. Building a little dated but room was very clean , breakfast was hot and very good with lots of choices. The elevator makes a screeching noise when opening or closing , needs some maintenance badly. Would stay there again.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

31 Mar 2026

Brandy

Clean room, very friendly and professional staff, breakfast fresh and hot, parking was very easy. Very safe feeling due to having to come and go through the lobby. Definitely will stay again when back in that area. The only thing I wouldn’t give 5 stars for is the shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion. Very strong coconut smell. That’s just me, though. I’m not a fan of coconut scented things but forgot my conditioner lol other than that little thing, it was great! 😊😊

Family

8/10

Excellent

29 Mar 2026

Joyce

Overall the hotel was nice. I wasn't expecting that, but it was nice. However, i had several issues that were taken care of, but my biggest issue was bugs. To be clear, bed bugs and stink bugs. 1. I went to shower and found there was no soap (bodywash) and pieces of hair that wasn't mines; and the faucet wouldn't stop dripping. I called the front desk and the night attendant brought some up. Then, I saw the first of 5 sink bugs and killed it. Then, when I pulled the sheets back, I found the second sink bug and bed bug laying there. I pulled the sleeper sofa out and found a bed bug there. I took pics, went down stairs, made a complaint and got fresh linens. I was told the morning manager would handle would a full or partial refund. After making the bed and settling in, the 3rd stink bug showed up and was killed. The next morning, while scrolling thru my phone, the 4th stink bug landed on my shoulder. I went downstairs to speak with the manger who told me since I went thru a 3rd party payer, the 3rd party would have to contact the hotel for refund details. When H.com called, the manger downplayed everything saying I must have left my door open and the bugs may have come thru the A/C vents. He offered to credit me $25.00 of my total price, (which did not happen). Later that evening, while watching tv, the 5th stink bug showed up. Needless to say, my stay was not the best.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

29 Mar 2026

John

Everything was great

Family

10/10

Exceptional

28 Mar 2026

Amy

Clean, modern room. Nice breakfast with protein options.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Mar 2026

Scott

Good location Very friendly. Good breakfast

Family

8/10

Excellent

25 Mar 2026

Crystal

Seems to be an older hotel that has been partially updated. In our room, the walls/paint and furniture were nice but the sink and bathroom areas were worn. Buckets in the hallways to catch drips (heat/cooling system?). Clean overall and good breakfast. Decent one-night stay for the price.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Mar 2026

Alla

Clean a bit outdated room. Breakfast good.Staff helpful.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

23 Mar 2026

Jeffery

Bad smell in room

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Mar 2026

Gail

As above

Family

2/10

Poor

17 Mar 2026

Shelley

We checked in via a text we got from the hotel the day before our hotel stay. We get to the hotel to check in and was told the reservation was missing a virtual credit card from the third party. We showed our receipt showing the room was paid for through Hotels.com. We had to call a rep from Hotels.com to help get us checked in. It took close to an hour to resolve. Secondly, our room had several issues. Our room was right across from the elevator. The door was not properly sized for the frame leaving an open gap at the top of the door. All noise from elevator came straight into our room. Our bedsheets had a hair and were stained. We had to go to front desk to retrieve new linens. The closet smelled like urine. We kept our clothes in the suitcase. The toilet had hairs and black dots of something on the seat. I had to use my Clorox wipes to clean the toilet. The towel bars were rusted. Finally, the morning breakfast was mediocre. Not much variety. We will not be staying at this hotel again and do not recommend it.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Mar 2026

Oscar

The room was clean and comfortable.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Mar 2026

Karen

No road noise. By elevator and it is noisy but we didn’t hear it in the room. Beds were comfortable. Room was clean. Breakfast was normal with waffles, eggs etc. Pleasant stay.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

06 Mar 2026

Kim

Clean room didn't use anything else

Partner

8/10

Excellent

06 Mar 2026

Linda

Hotel was very clean with exception of the area rug in front lobby in front of check in counter. It was very soiled and stained. The room was very clean, as well as all other areas. The staff were friendly and seemed happy to work there which isn't always the case. Breakfast was hot, plenty of options, very nice dining area. The bed was very comfortable. I would stay again, but please shampoo that rug!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Mar 2026

Douglas

Staff was great, room was clean and kept. Breakfast good. Hotel had a musty odor, but all seemed clean

Self

10/10

Exceptional

04 Mar 2026

Darla

Clean room and facilities, solid breakfast, helpful staff.

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

02 Mar 2026

Leo D

Our experience at this property was exceptional in all aspects. No complaints whatsoever! It was quiet, clean, well furnished, comfortable, all TV channels available, fridge, microwave, convenient power outlets and USB ports, hair dryer, ironing board and iron, coffee maker and more. Friendly and helpful staff, but one of the most impressive benefits, other than reasonable cost, was the exceptional included breakfast! Mary provided a variety and quality of choices such as we have never seen before! Kudos to all.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

01 Mar 2026

Amanda

We had no hot water in the showers and the pillows were horrible. Breakfast was nice and coffee/tea was available all the time. The pool was completely green and disgusting.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2026

Janice

The staff was amazing

Self

8/10

Excellent

22 Feb 2026

Timothy H

Very convenient right off the interstate and quiet.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Feb 2026

Charles Susie

Yes

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Feb 2026

Nancy

Friendly, helpful staff. Comfortable room. Enjoyed the breakfast and the coffee conveniently located outside the breakfast area.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

14 Feb 2026

Karen

Heat wasn’t working in our room. Bed pillows aren’t suitable for sleeping, way too small

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

14 Feb 2026

Tadarius

I killed 2 roach when I entered the room fir the first time

8/10

Excellent

11 Feb 2026

Cheryl

Room was clean, bed comfortable, room spacious. Fridge & microwave a plus. Had toilet issue & night staff person did a temporary fix. Price a bit high for the area & limited amenities. Breakfast was adequate but nothing special.

10/10

Exceptional

11 Feb 2026

Thomas

Very clean, friendly staff, hot fresh breakfast food

6/10

Pleasant

05 Feb 2026

Steve

Elevator makes loud screeching sound every time the door opens--and our room was directly across from the elevator. Also had two men talking quite loudly in the hallway for a half hour around 3:00A. Breakfast quite modest

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Jan 2026

Susan

Rooms were big and clean. Breakfast was good. Cleaning staff was awesome. So friendly.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jan 2026

Saffron

The room was clean, spotless and well maintained. Breakfast was hot, fresh and the area was well maintained

Self

8/10

Excellent

18 Jan 2026

Christian

Good location

6/10

Pleasant

03 Jan 2026

Paul

Could have more amenities

Partner

4/10

Poor

02 Jan 2026

Awnuar

Dirty

8/10

Excellent

01 Jan 2026

Lisa

Clean room and nice breakfast

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

23 Dec 2025

Jo

We didn't eat breakfast

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Dec 2025

Shalonda

Room was clean

Self

8/10

Excellent

14 Dec 2025

Princess

Staff was nice and room was clean

Business Self

4/10

Poor

14 Dec 2025

Josh

The staff was okay. Our room, however, was awful. The first night we got zero sleep due to the refrigerator making awfully loud noises all night. It was nearly impossible to reach the plug but we managed to unplug it the next day. We also couldn't use the bathroom because our toilet was stopped up and the lobby bathroom was broken as well. I was given a nasty plunger to attempt fixing our own toilet but to no avail. We had to leave every time we needed to use the bathroom. Terrible experience!

10/10

Exceptional

06 Dec 2025

Shalonda

Clean

Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 Dec 2025

Shalonda

The staff, clean room I’m never disappointed with my stay

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

29 Nov 2025

Paula

Everything was great.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

06 Nov 2025

Melissa

Person at check in was very nice but had not been trained. He had to call someone and ask for help many times. I made reservations for two but the bathroom only had one wash rag and one coffee cup. Sink had a large crack, otherwise room was clean. Hotel sat in a wooded area so was very quiet. Probably won’t book it again.

10/10

Exceptional

03 Nov 2025

Tommy

The room had mam

6/10

Pleasant

03 Nov 2025

Hulda

Room condition was subpar, the staff was very nice. There were stains on the shower curtain. Towels were not completely white and you can tell they've been used. The TV didn't work other than your regular channels but they said they're in the process of changing out the TV's and so not everything was set up. They cleaned the room in everyday as far as I know so someone is cleaning the room, so I'm not sure about the stains. I probably wouldn't stay here again as I didn't feel super comfortable after seeing the stains but it's close to Walmart and some food places and 20 minutes from the Birmingham botanical garden

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

02 Nov 2025

Mellany

This is a no-frills kind of place, but it has everything you need for a comfortable stay. The location is super convenient, right off the freeway with free parking. My room was clean, the shower had great water pressure, and the hot breakfast, while simple, was a nice way to start the day. The staff were courteous and helpful, and I appreciated that they had good disposable toothbrushes available when I forgot mine. I would definitely stay here again if I am in the area.

Business_and_leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

29 Oct 2025

Teresa

Oder in the room and hall. They were completely out of soap. This is the second time I’ve been here. I won’t be back.

Leisure Self