Red Roof Inn & Suites Knoxville East

This hotel is widely recognized for its pet-friendly policy, allowing guests to travel with their animals often without additional fees, a significant draw for pet owners and road trippers. Its convenient location near major interstates and local amenities also makes it a practical choice for budget travelers and families seeking an affordable overnight stay. While many guests appreciate the overall value, feedback on cleanliness and the general condition of the property is notably mixed. Hallways are frequently reported to have strong, unpleasant odors, ranging from pet-related smells to marijuana or chemicals. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a first-floor room if you have heavy luggage or mobility concerns, as the hotel lacks an elevator. Be prepared for potential strong odors in common areas upon arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of basic amenities, though some are met with mixed reviews. A notable absence is an elevator, which many guests find inconvenient, especially when navigating multiple floors with luggage. An indoor pool is available and appreciated by many, though some guests report it can be cold or have cleanliness issues like floating hair. Rooms are generally equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker, which are highly valued for convenience. Guests also note the presence of vending machines for snacks and drinks, an ice machine, and a computer corner in the lobby. While free Wi-Fi is available and generally works well, some guests report issues with the air conditioning units being loud or ineffective, and hair dryers are frequently missing from rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is highly varied. While some rooms are described as clean and spotless, many reviews highlight significant issues, including dirty sheets with stains or hair, stained towels, and hair in the tub or sink. Reports of roaches and dirty floors are also present. The beds are a frequent point of contention, often described as uncomfortable, hard, or having thin mattresses, with pillows also receiving negative comments for being too flat or thin. Noise levels are mixed, with some guests experiencing quiet stays, while others report disturbances from barking dogs, loud neighbors, or the air conditioning unit. Many appreciate the laminate flooring in rooms, finding it cleaner than carpet, especially given the pet-friendly nature of the hotel.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel does not offer a comprehensive dining experience. A recurring point of disappointment for many guests is the absence of breakfast, despite some expectations or previous advertisements. While coffee is sometimes available in the lobby, there is no room service or dedicated restaurant on-site. Guests typically rely on the numerous fast food and other restaurants located conveniently nearby for their meal needs. This lack of on-site food options means guests should plan accordingly for their breakfast and dining arrangements during their stay.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently praised as a major advantage, offering easy access to the interstate and being conveniently situated near various restaurants and local attractions. Guests find it ideal for quick overnight stops during road trips or for visiting specific areas like downtown or the university. The parking lot is generally described as plentiful and well-lit, contributing to a sense of security. While the immediate surrounding area is often considered safe and quiet, some reviews mention concerns about the appearance of the neighborhood or the presence of suspicious individuals. The hotel also offers shuttle services for specific events, such as local football games.

Staff & Service
The staff receives mixed, but generally positive, feedback. Many guests commend the front desk team for being friendly, helpful, professional, and accommodating, particularly during check-in or when resolving issues. However, some reviews describe staff as inattentive, slow to respond, or appearing inconvenienced by guest requests. Check-in experiences vary, with some reporting quick processes and others enduring long waits due to unattended desks. Housekeeping and room cleaning services are a significant area of concern, with numerous complaints about rooms not being cleaned during multi-night stays, a lack of fresh towels, or guests having to retrieve items themselves. Problem resolution is inconsistent, with some issues addressed promptly, while others are reportedly ignored.

Additional Information
A key aspect of this hotel is its highly emphasized pet-friendly policy, which allows guests to bring their animals, often with no additional fees. The property provides green spaces and poop stations for convenience. A significant structural detail is the lack of an elevator, which can be a considerable inconvenience for guests with luggage or mobility challenges, especially those assigned to upper floors. The hotel is frequently described as older and in need of upgrades or maintenance, with some guests noting torn screens, unkempt exteriors, or general disarray in common areas. While rooms are generally non-smoking, some guests report persistent smoke smells in hallways. Some reviews also suggest the presence of long-term residents, which can impact the overall atmosphere.