Building needs to be condemned
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 12/6/06
Although we are Knox County natives, it has been several years since we've known anything about the Vincennes area hotels. Our daughter was getting married in Westphalia and having a reception in Bicknell so (from memory) the Executive Inn seemed to be the most convenient option. We relied on the reputation this hotel boasted several years ago and brought three other couples to stay since we live approximately 100 miles away. Due to the timing of the wedding, we were not able to check in before 3pm (one couple asked to check in around 1pm and was told they would have to pay 1/2 day rate if they came early). On that note, we did not arrive at the hotel until around 1am on Sunday and was shocked to find a building in total disrepair and filthy! The other couples arrived before we did and were already settled in their rooms or we would have tried to find another place to stay. The trip to the room somewhat prepared us for the condition of our room but it was still totally disgusting and embarrassing. The elevator had holes punched in the walls, cups and waste on the floor and reeked of cigarette smoke. The hallways were not heated (and as we found out after three or four hours of sleeping - neither was our room). Our room had not been swept and the toilet had feces on the lid! The ceiling by the window was crumbling on the floor and the towels were stained and no better quality than shop rags! When we checked out early the next a.m., I asked to talk with the manager and, of course, she was not available and no adjustments to the $75 rate could be made without her approval. I gave a list of my complaints to the receptionist and said I would be calling. I also had all four rooms charged to my credit card because I was so embarrassed that I refused to have our friends pay for a stay at such a horrible facility. I called on Monday & was able to talk with the manager, however, she said she did not receive my complaint & was unaware of a problem. I told her everything & she asked why we didn't come to the desk right after we saw the room. I told her it was the wee hours of the morning, we were all exhausted (my husband has cancer & just needed to lay down) & felt we had no options. It was extremely cold outside & certainly did not want to load up all four vehicles & strike out looking for more acceptable accommodations. She said she would check it out & call me back. Well, I've not heard anything & I've left messages & feel pretty confident that I'm just stuck paying $300 for a night of horror. I can't believe the Vincennes Department of Tourism or Chamber of Commerce has not shut this place down...what a sad reflection on such a nice, historical town!!!!!