I wouldn’t say “common place”. That is a pretty extreme looking case there. That seems to happen from time to time on lower end properties (like Econolodge) usually when they are on the verge of being kicked out of the brand. There are plenty of decent Econolodges out there though (not fancy but at least clean).

The way I look at it is that I can safely book pretty much any Marriott or Hilton sub-brand, or Holiday Inn Express without even thinking twice and know I will get a pretty nice and clean hotel with consistent standards.

Choice and Wyndham I always read reviews first. Same with IHG if it’s a non-express Holiday Inn or a Crowne Plaza because they have some duds. There are some good and some not so good but the reviewers will always lead you in the right path. For lower end Choice/Wyndham (Econolodge, Rodeway, Travelodge, Howard Johnson, Super 8) I read reviews and check the neighborhood on street view. Same goes for a Motel 6. I’m not often looking at stuff that cheap but there are some good hotels out there that are better than their brand would lead you to believe. Or sometimes the low end is the only option in the town I need to go to.

For Comfort Inn and Quality Inn I’ve had some great ones and some ok ones but always check reviews.