I returned home with my family for a funeral, and since I had fond memories of the former Marriott Hotel, I chose the Radisson in hopes to relive fond moments in the midst of our bereavement. I last stayed there some 20 years ago for a friend’s wedding, and previously our Charlestown class of ‘81 had our 20th reunion there. On those occasions, the property was nice, and well kept. I enjoyed swimming in the clean pool, and enjoyed craft beers and appetizers in the pub. The rooms were clean and sanitary. But I knew I’d made a mistake upon pulling up to the Radisson Louisville North on July 15th, 2025, in choosing this hotel over many other fine hotels in Kentuckiana. Cigarette butts littered the grounds, and a broken brown bottle lay on the sidewalk. As I crossed the entry, a strong chlorine stench filled the air. It was no doubt coming from the pool below, accessible from the open lobby. Construction tape blocked off the in renovation restaurant, and no attempt was made to mask the unsightly mess therein. I addressed the desk captain, and he was courteous, and addressed our need for adjoining rooms. I now wish he’d not been so accommodating, because our room was in an obviously blocked off or blacked out section of the property. As we passed through the dingy and dirty hallways, we prepared ourselves for a letdown as to the conditions of the rooms. We’d reserved the Executive Suite to spoil ourselves a bit as we faced the funeral of our father the next day. Yuck.