Don't be fooled by the line on the motel website that says "Completely remodeled". If stained carpeting, nasty furniture, torn sheets, blankets with holes, flimsy towels, ripped windowshades, a sketchy clientele, and the overpowering smell of cheap air freshener over stale cigarette smoke is your idea of remodeling, then you'll be right at home. Otherwise, stay as far away from this dump as possible.

We found the motel on the city of Bayonne website and also on Cruise Critic. Its location was perfect for spending the night before our cruise out of Cape Liberty--just 5 minutes away. The hotel was even willing to keep our car at a charge of $6 per night--much less than the cost of parking at the port itself. It sounded ideal.

We knew we were in trouble when check-in involved a woman behind bullet-proof glass with all necessary paperwork slid under a small opening. That was minor culture shock compared to the horror of opening the door to our room. We... more