Travelodge or Howard Johnson? Which is the lesser of 2 evils among these chains?
#1
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Travelodge or Howard Johnson? Which is the lesser of 2 evils among these chains?
I am debating between these 2 chains, and since I haven't stayed at either one yet, I want to know what experiences people have had. I have seen mixed reviews on both, but heard more bad about HoJo. Anyone can help?
#2
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Your question is too general.
These chains are extremely variable from one city to the next (and that's one reason they get criticized...no predictable level of quality chain-wide).
It's like asking whether or not crime is bad in the USA.
Where in particular?
These chains are extremely variable from one city to the next (and that's one reason they get criticized...no predictable level of quality chain-wide).
It's like asking whether or not crime is bad in the USA.
Where in particular?
#4
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It is good you got specific, NYCBabe, because it seems like your choice should be based more on location than hotel chain. Hollywood Beach is much smaller, quieter town than Ft. Lauderdale Beach. HB has a nice "boardwalk" and a significant population of French-Canadians (ATMs in HB give you a choice of French v English rather than the normal Spanish v English). Other than some small bars, there is almost no nightlife within walking distance, and although there are a few good restaurants, the choice is limited. Fort Lauderdale beach, on the other hand, is bigger, busier, and has much more nightlife, shopping, and restaurants within a walking distance. So you should make your decision based more on which area seems more what you are looking for in a vacation, rather than a hotel chain. But I have had some employees stay at the HoJos in Hollywood Beach, and I neither heard rave reviews or complaints, for what that is worth.
#5
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One thing I can tell you is that if you choose Howard Johnson's, call the hotel directly rather than using their toll-free national reservations number OR their Web site. The Web site didn't function properly when I tried it in late June, so I called their reservations number. The representative acknowledged that they'd been having trouble with the Web site and had had many complaints about it, but she was very courteous and handled our reservation in no time.
Well, when we reached our destination, we were greeted by a young woman who was very sweet but didn't strike either of us as having a whole lot going for her in the IQ department. When we gave her our names, she checked on the computer and informed us that she had no record of a reservation. (This was July 4th weekend in New York State, and we were afraid we wouldn't be able to find another room anywhere.) I told her I'd used the national reservations line, and she said, I swear to God, "Oh, you should have called here; we don't hardly ever get the reservations booked through the 800 number." You won't be surprised to learn that she was unable to explain what good it does to have a central reservations system if your destination hotel doesn't receive the reservations.
We then had to wait for 15-20 minutes while she tried to see if they had a room for us. This involved not only checking the computer (which she didn't seem to know how to do very well) and trying in vain to check with an older, obviously more knowledgeable woman who was trying to help other guests who were checking in. Until that other woman was able to pay attention to that situation, we had no hope of checking in. We were exhausted and in no mood for this nonsense.
Ultimately, we got one of their last available rooms, and we were very fortunate that it was a non-smoking room (which I'd requested through the reservation center) and that they honored the rate I'd been quoted. But believe me, I would never stay at a HoJo again unless I had absolutely no other choice. I'd suggest to anyone on this site that you recommend them at all costs; the aggravation is just not worth it.
Well, when we reached our destination, we were greeted by a young woman who was very sweet but didn't strike either of us as having a whole lot going for her in the IQ department. When we gave her our names, she checked on the computer and informed us that she had no record of a reservation. (This was July 4th weekend in New York State, and we were afraid we wouldn't be able to find another room anywhere.) I told her I'd used the national reservations line, and she said, I swear to God, "Oh, you should have called here; we don't hardly ever get the reservations booked through the 800 number." You won't be surprised to learn that she was unable to explain what good it does to have a central reservations system if your destination hotel doesn't receive the reservations.
We then had to wait for 15-20 minutes while she tried to see if they had a room for us. This involved not only checking the computer (which she didn't seem to know how to do very well) and trying in vain to check with an older, obviously more knowledgeable woman who was trying to help other guests who were checking in. Until that other woman was able to pay attention to that situation, we had no hope of checking in. We were exhausted and in no mood for this nonsense.
Ultimately, we got one of their last available rooms, and we were very fortunate that it was a non-smoking room (which I'd requested through the reservation center) and that they honored the rate I'd been quoted. But believe me, I would never stay at a HoJo again unless I had absolutely no other choice. I'd suggest to anyone on this site that you recommend them at all costs; the aggravation is just not worth it.
#7
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Thanks to all for your replies. I decided on the Travelodge. Aside of the fact that they have a great deal going on (Got my room for $44.10 the 1st night and $22.05 the 2nd with the Honey of a Deal they have going) they also have Continental Breakfast, microwave and refrigerators in the room (Which HoJo does not). Their amenities were numerous, and they're on the beach, so I will report back when I come home on Monday how it went. PS My entire weekend from NY to FLL was booked last minute (within the last week) and with air, hotel and car this is only costing me $300. So for those who want deals, always check the company websites on top of the travel sites for specials!