Caroline, New York hotel rooms at the Independent

"The only thing in the lobby was water. In the past there has been coffee or tea and even hot cider (packet). There was nno cocoa in the room (as in the past) and even though it was early May, the weather was chilly."

"This was a disappointing stay, even by $72 per night standards. I had just stayed at a $60 per night room that was better. The hallways look as if they haven't been cleaned or vacuumed in weeks. The lighting in my room, especially the bathroom, was entirely unacceptable! It was so bad, I had to resort to using my cell phone flashlight to turn the heat on. Having to open a cabinet door, to get to the referigerator door is a dumb set-up, and annoying in the middle of the night. I never actually interacted with, or met any of the staff, but they were accommodating over the phone, so I gave them 3 stars. At least they got the most important thing right, the bed, and spares them a failing grade. Final grade is a 'D'. "

"Weird vibe"

"The property was convenient for what my trip was for, other than the shower having no hot water…had to leave very early in the morning and there was no one a available to help"

"There was not much choice"

"Front desk staff was very helpful and friendly. The room had a very strong smell of whatever air freshener they use to cover odors. The windows don’t open, so I couldn’t even air it out. Shampoo, conditioner, and soap in the shower were almost completely empty. I guess they didn’t check any of them. Parking is a bit of a headache and inconvenience. You have to have your ticket validated every time you leave. Coffee machine in lobby was broken. That was the biggest downfall for me. Walking distance to everything. There were pros and cons. But I wouldn’t stay here again. I’ve stayed at other hotels in the area that I would rather choose again."

"DO NOT GO if you don't like bugs in your hotel room! So many bugs in my 2 day stay inside the hotel room. Beetles, stink bugs (which are quite large) and carpenter ants. I was absolutely disgusted. The lady who runs the place is very unprofessional regarding the condition of the room, claiming that a dirty room with bugs is to be expected in upstate, but I have travelled quite a lot upstate and this is the first such interaction to this extent. Had to call the maintenance guys 3 times to get rid of the bugs. Also, stained bedroom ceiling, could not tell if it was mold. Luckily was only staying 2 nights and got out quickly. Very misleading about the "continental breakfast" included.. it was a choice of toast, bagel, muffin, cereal and juice. If you wanted eggs, it was around $17-19. Went to a local diner for breakfast, even though my hotel reservation was supposed to include breakfast. The waterfall in the pictures on the website are also misleading. The photos make it seem like the hotel is right next to the waterfall, when in fact it is a 1 mile walk to the falls, not right next to the hotel. Would not stay again, would not recommend others to stay unless you want the true camping experience of bugs, dirt, and lack of food."

"Half of the rooms face the indoor pool. They have clouded out the windows so you can't see, but not enough to block the bright light. The drapes have huge gaps at the ceiling and walls, so tons of light comes in all night long. The pool is closed but they keep the pool lights on like high-noon. But then, in the morning you can't see any daylight because it's a window facing inside the building. It's like sleeping in a cell. Can't turn off the light, but also can't see daylight. It's a nightmare and impossible to get a good night's sleep. I asked to be moved but the front desk lady said she couldn't move me because it was prepaid. Well, if I'd known I'd be sleeping casket, I wouldn't have booked this hotel. I find it ridiculous that they don't warn you this hotel will throw off your circadian rhythm with these stupid windows. Also, the fridge ran all night, constant loud buzzing. It was awful and between the light and the buzzing, it was sensory overload while I'm trying to sleep. I would have been better off sleeping in my car!"

"Apparently we were assigned the handicapped access room (not requested) it was at the very end of a long hallway which is used by the staff as the laundry room (always full of carts of clean and dirty laundry, to the point it is difficult to walk; certainly would be inaccessible if you were in a wheel chair). Breakfast marginal, most foods are in wall mounted dispensers, no variety or change from day to day. Lots of parking though."