Connie H.
1/5
I waited a week to write this review to ensure I could provide an objective account of my experience. My stay at the Papago Hotel in Phoenix was disappointing and concerning on many levels.
Booking Experience
I booked this hotel through Hotels.com, as I often do, and was shocked to learn after the free cancellation period had passed that I was required to provide the following:
A copy of my driverโs license (front and back)
A selfie
My car license plate information
A $200 hold on my credit card (twice)
A $30 cleaning fee
These requirements were not disclosed prior to booking. Had they been, I would NEVER have chosen this property. As a woman traveling alone, I was particularly uneasy about providing such sensitive information, especially without a clear privacy policy outlining how it would be stored or protected. This is so distrubing and raised serious concerns about data security and potential identity theft and potential human trafficking.
When I contacted Hotels.com to cancel, I was informed that the cancellation policy was 100% of the booking cost, as the free cancellation window had closed six days prior to my stay. This left me with no viable option but to comply, even though I was uncomfortable with their demands.
Arrival and Parking
Upon arrival, I was informed of an additional $10 per day parking fee for an unsecured, open lot adjacent to the street. A quick online search revealed free parking was available just steps away in an alley. This lack of transparency felt deceptive. Additionally, the parking lot offered no security, further amplifying my concerns about safety.
Room Conditions
The first room assigned to me was in poor condition. The bed had no sheets, and the bathroom smelled strongly of mildew. The noise from the street was excessive, making it difficult to rest. The hotel itself is an old motel that has been minimally upgraded with inexpensive furniture and flooring, which further detracted from the experience.
After contacting customer service via text, I was moved to a cleaner, quieter room on the other side of the property. While I appreciated the effort, the new room came with its own issues, such as being located next to a dumpster.
Safety Concerns
During my second morning, I was startled awake at 5:30 a.m. by someone running across the balcony. This incident, combined with the lack of on-site staff, left me feeling unsafe throughout my stay.
Pricing Issues
Due to an unexpected schedule change, I had to extend my stay by one night. The additional night was charged at a rate 50% higher than my original booking. While they waived a $25 cleaning fee for the extra night, it felt like a small concession given the overall experience. Plus they charge $30 for parking which was not disclosed in advance.
Missing Personal Belongings
On my final day, I noticed that my wedding ring, a gold band with two heart shaped opals and small diamonds, was missing from the room. With no visible staff on-site, I had no way to file a complaint or investigate further. This was a deeply upsetting end to an already troubling experience. I am grateful to get out of there alive with no bed bugs.
Data Privacy and Transparency Concerns
This hotelโs data collection practices are alarming, particularly the lack of a posted privacy policy. The storage and handling of sensitive personal information, including copies of IDs and selfies, may violate Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) ยง 18-552 regarding data protection and transparency. Additionally, the deceptive booking and cancellation policies could potentially violate the Federal Trade Commission Act (prohibiting unfair or deceptive practices).
If you are considering staying here, I urge you to read reviews carefully, verify all policies in advance, and weigh the potential risks. I am filing complaints with the State of Arizona, the City of Phoenix, the Consumer Protection Agency, and the Federal Trade Commission regarding these practices.