A reservation at this hotel is a perfect example of how your travel experience can go wrong. I reserved a 4-night stay at the Star Choice Hotel at the Merchandise Mart, which I discovered was in an extremely unsavory area of Charlotte, N.C.

The hotel is old, filled with mold and mildew, and smells like the inside of an old trunk kept in a dusty attic. The irony is guests who attempt to be proactive and make advanced reservation are confined to the 7th floor where rooms appear as though they are rented by the hour. I inquired about other floors, but the desk clerk warned me that I would not be satisfied because it might be somewhat unsafe.

The elevator seemed to have a thick layer of active mold growth and dirt that appeared untouched for years. The rooms on the 7th floor have no microwave as advertised, contain furniture that is old, and in my room the carpet was sticky. I thought the room appeared as though someone had attempted to clean it, until I looked behind the curtains and discovered an empty six-pack carton and other trash.

I checked out within 20 minutes of checking in, and 10 minutes of that time was spent on my cell phone with my credit card company disputing the charge for the 4-night stay. The desk clerk seemed totally unprepared to handle my complaint, and the manager called several times after being notified of my displeasure, only to have the desk clerk inform me that I would be charged for not cancelling in advance. This is a horrible hotel and should not be listed on any travel website. The owner should face legal charges for misleading the public.

After leaving this "dump" I was forced to drive around Charlotte for hours trying to find another hotel. The rooms were booked solid because of the races occurring that weekend. I drove around until 6:00 a.m., where I finally found a wonderful hotel with friendly, knowledgeable staff in Rock Hill, S.C. This trip was definitely an experience I intend not to repeat.

All I can say is when it was "Best Western", it was a nice hotel/
I came to Charlotte on Business in the Ballantyne area.
I was so tired from driving, I decided to stay at the "Star Choice"

Yikes! I have seen better dives than this place. The person at the front desk told me she wish she didn't need to work, but she hated working there.

People in and out all hours , in and out......and not for lodging. I went out to my car to get my laptop and when I got there, there were people selling and DOING drugs....I was so mortified I hurried back to my room,

The room smelled of stale urine, and when I turned on the A/C because of the stifiling heat, it was like turning on the heat. And the smell that came from there was nausiating/

The elevators had cigarette butts all in it.. I decided tired or not, I was leaving.

I went down to the front desk and complained and asked for a refund, the girl at the front desk had such an attitude and refused to conquer.
So, I told her, keep it and hire a cleanup crew..

I would not stay there if I was without sleep for days, my car would have been better.

Ahhhh, and last but not least...when I was returning to my car, there were three cruisers, Charlotte's finest in the garage.

I walked over and asked why they were there, and they said they had complaints about drug activity .

Well, I then knew I had made the right decision.

Hint: Keep driving by..you won't regret losing a few winks.

This hotel was once good. Now it has fallen into severe disrepair under private ownership of one "Mr Lee". The Air conditiong does not work anywhere in the building. Constant 80-85 degree temperature. I did not discover this for first two days since the outside temperature was very low. When I did find out and asked for a refund the manager refused. The staff is rude mean and unhelpful. They will not supply towels or toilet paper unless demanded. There is constant Criminal and drug activity in the parking garage. It is dangerous to go outside at night. The pool (the only good thing) is actually owned and maintained by the hotel next door. The building smells from mold due to high temperature.Exercise room is closed because all equipment is broken.