Hotel satisfaction survey question

I recently flew from Minneapolis to O'hare and then drove to Milwaukee. The flight had some major problems, so it was about 2am by the time I got to the hotel. I'd gone with the cheapest place I could find, which was the Econolodge off of College (right by the Milwaukee airport...don't ask:-)). Anyway, it was a terrible, terrible place. There was ash almost completely covering the comforter on the bed in my non smoking room, and there were opened personal care items in the bathroom when I got there. Also, the bathroom counter was slimy and wet. It was as though the previous guest had smoked a couple cigars, washed up, and JUST left before I got there. The kid at the front desk was absolutely no help. No new room, no housekeeping, no discount. Also, he had a big attitude and no computer skills. I'm terrified to think that he may have been the night auditor in addition to sitting at the desk.

I am a Choice Hotels rewards member, and they usually send satisfaction surveys after stays. I got the satisfaction survey in my email yesterday. I indicated that there was a problem with the the "staff's lack of courtesy or knowledge." I need to indicate whether the staff's lack of courtesy "exceeded my expectations" or "failed to meet my expectations."
I honestly have no idea how to answer that question. What do y'all think is the right answer to that question?

I voted "failed to meet my expectations" because with such surveys a negative answer, or a low number, is always bad. If forced to explain the answer, I would say the expectations were on the level of courtesy, not the lack of courtesy.

I'll also make a mental note to avoid Econolodge in the future.

FWIW I've never had a bad experience at all at any of the affiliated Choice hotels (Quality, Sleep, Clarion, Comfort Suites, Cambria Inn, et al). That's why I picked Econolodge in the first place. Now I don't know what to think.

Quote: poll

lack of courtesy exceeded my expectations

lack of courtesy failed to meet my expectations

It's bad wording.

Substitute "Level" for "Lack" and the answer is obvious.

I'd send an email detailing what happened, mentioning the hours you were there so they could pinpoint the employee with the attitude, and specifically say that you are a Choice Hotels Rewards member and that this may cause you to complain further up the line.

Personally I would consider disputing the charge to my credit card.