Sometimes you just want--no, need--to lay your head down. To rest. When that moment finally hits you when you realize what's important and what's not and you just want to stop all the labor and fight from the day, it's less about your surroundings and more about just letting go.
That's the attitude to take into Homestead. Because you really can't hope for the un-hopeable here. You can't expect the unexpectable (though perhaps the unexpected). You just have to go in with realistic expectations.
The room I had was reportedly non-smoking, but long ago someone had made their own rule. And by made their own rule, I mean removed the smoke detector and smoked in there. And the closet doors had been removed. Other than that, it was about what you'd expect. The room in pretty small, quite outdated, and the fridge is small. There's a two-burner stove. Two bar stools. And a small bathroom, shampoo not included.
For me, this was respite. It was affordable respite. I was able to let go. Forget about the surroundings, and just kinda be. Whatever happens, happens. Crazy neighbors, whatever. There's a time to worry about that, and if you're at the Homestead, that time is over.
Big ups to Alyx at the front desk for being on the ball. Young guy, but a pro.