Fairfield Inn Willmington/Newark Christiana Mall

I can't see how this hotel gets 3 star reviews. The room had been smoked out and the toilet was not working. We checked out about 15mins after we checked in. Sadly, we were charged the first night's stay because of the cancellation policy (read the small print and make sure you understand). Unfortunately we booked last minute and through a 3rd party. Won't do that again, valuable lesson learned and a hard price to pay.

PROS: The room was very clean; I felt just fine walking barefoot on the hardwood floor. Bed was comfortable and I did sleep well. CONS: Nonsmoking policy not at all enforced in public areas such as balconies and the doors and windows adjacent to lobby, breakfast area and elevator. One couple was smoking immediately outside the breakfast area for two straight hours, with the windows to the breakfast area wide open. Large AC floor unit in breakfast area was broken and pulled out, very unappetizing. Fixtures in room (toilet, lamp bases) very worn. SUMMARY: As noted, I did sleep well, but this is presently not the place for a family to just hang out if you've been sightseeing all day and want to relax.

We booked this room very last minute for Parents' Weekend at UD. We checked in fairly late (10pm) with no problems. The bed was clean, as were the towels. That's where the good review ends. The cleaning appears to have stopped at the linens - light switches, door knobs, etc are clearly not part of the cleaning process, and the greasy, salad dressing-like smear on the nightstand was something that may haunt me for the rest of my life. Given the price, I'm not going to pass judgement on our fellow guests. I never felt unsafe, but it was loud and our neighbors had some questionable "acquaintances" stop by throughout the night. But my bottom line for this review: the stink in the room was REALLY overwhelming - cigarette smoke and something I'd rather not identify - all despite the no smoking signs everywhere. I can handle "vintage" places but this was just gross. We left at 9:30 this morning and almost 12 hours later I am still washing/airing out every bit that came with us into our room. Sorry, guys, but I left feeling like I spent the night in an ashtray.