Clarion Hotels in Triangle

The area this hotel is located in seems safe enough and is near Interstate 40, and the building and grounds are well kept. The hotel itself and our room was very clean. We were greeted by a friendly front desk person. We did notice right away that the lobby and adjoining common room was kept dark. The breakfast room is small and was very crowded and hard to navigate with so many people there. Food was okay but not up to par compared to other Comfort Inns or hotels in general. At check in we were told there was a $100.00 hold put on our credit card for incidentals that would be released at check out. I questioned this as I have never encountered this before. It appeared to be charged to our account but I was assured it was just authorizing the amount and only the room rate would be charged and the $100.00 released. At checkout the next morning we were told it would take 3 business days, starting on Monday, we checked out on Saturday, to have the $100.00 go back on our account. So they did charge the account and issue a credit. After getting checked in and changing into more comfortable clothes we went to the general area where the t.v. and tables are to eat a sandwich and watch the news. We found a child in the room watching t.v. so we sat and ate quietly. Later in the evening we returned to the room to play cards to pass the time. There was not a table and chairs in our room to use, which is usual. The rooms were dark, the child was still there watching t.v. and there was a couple sitting in the darkened breakfast room watching us. We believe they are the owners. This was very creepy. We found a light switch and played cards. Instead of feeling welcomed we felt like intruders. We later learned that this child belonged to the front desk clerk. He was allowed to monopolize the common area that should be for paying guests while his mother worked. Upon returning to our room we had a chance to really look around and discovered the pole lamp is missing a lamp shade and the smoke detector is disconnected. This was disconcerting. The bathtub had a Large chip out of the bottom and the imprint of a bathmat showed prominently on the bottom of the tub. These things show lack of concern on the owners part. The beds were comfortable but not pillow top like some hotels. We did sleep well. If you are looking for a clean place to sleep but nothing more then this should suit just fine. The price is about $10.00 cheaper than a better Comfort Inn we had stayed in, also in Durham. However, I would opt for the more expensive hotel just for the safer feeling and better care of the premises. We also have decided that we will never agree to this ”hold” of money again.