Colfax Inn in Iowa cited for serious health violations

A hotel in central Iowa has been cited for multiple health and safety violations. The Colfax Inn, located near Interstate 80, has a long history of issues. Recent inspections revealed problems such as rodents, cockroaches, human waste, and numerous fire-safety violations. On March 7, inspectors and Colfax city officials visited the hotel. They checked 47 of the 63 guest rooms and found strong odors in 11 rooms, which were described as unsanitary. These rooms were filled with trash, unwashed dishes, and had damaged bathrooms and carpets. Seven room locks were broken, and there were cracked windows in six rooms. The hotel’s pool and gym area were also in poor condition. Inspectors noted that this space was abandoned, cluttered with unusable equipment, and lacked secured access. Signs of pest infestations, including flies and mice, were reported in several rooms. This inspection was prompted by a non-illness complaint, but it revealed many ongoing issues that have been cited in earlier inspections from 2022 to 2024. Violations noted in the past included mold and the lack of smoke alarms in certain guest rooms. In April 2024, the hotel’s license was suspended due to these continuing problems. Despite its non-licensed status, the hotel allegedly continued to operate. The owners were taken to civil court for this, but the case was dropped after they claimed to be in compliance. The current management stated they are working to fix the issues. Officials from the city and relevant state agencies have said they are simply ensuring that the hotel meets safety standards. One council member highlighted the seriousness of the situation but declined to comment further.