Extended Stay America TPA Air, Tampa

I should have known something was wrong when the elevator button for the third floor was broken, making me to carry my luggage up the stairs. When I got to the room, the floor wasn't vacuumed, the toilet was dirty, it smelled like an ashtray, and the refrigerator made noise all night. I could live with all that for a short stay, I've traveled around the world and been in some cheap hotels--though never one this bad in North America. What has left a lasting distaste for the chain though was the staffing. I had a morning flight and when I tried to check out at 6:00 a.m. to leave for the airport, no one was at the desk. I used the phone in the entry to call the night staff who did not understand enough English to know what "check out" meant (nor was her language one of the six I speak). When I finally conveyed the idea to her, I was told she could not do that and no one would be there until 7:00 a.m. to help me. I ended up leaving a note and my key at the desk with her so I could catch my flight. I could live with the dirt, but not at this price level. I cannot condone their lack of staffing. I would have been better off staying at Motel 6 ... or anywhere else, really.