Howard Johnson's, A good value .
Written: Nov 22 '04 (Updated May 27 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Well situated off the Maine Turnpike. Nice indoor pool.
Cons: Hot and cold in cleanliness
The Bottom Line: You had better give the rooms a real good inspection before staying in it.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Howard Johnson Hotel Portland |
We were visiting a school near Portland Maine where my daughter would like to go for the next four years. We didn't make reservations ahead of time. I did look through Expedia, Hotels.com, and number of other places before leaving, however I didn't see anything I had to jump at ahead of time. This was especially true now that high season in Maine is over.
What we do is look for the free booklets at rest stops in most of the New England states. You can find some good deals with coupons and we did.
We were four adults, me, my wife and two daughters 17 and 15. The coupon offered a room 2-4 adults at $54.99. When we arrived they still had rooms available. I called when we were a few hours away and was assured there would be no problem. Please do note that this is an off season price. We recently stayed here again. Expect prices about $85. Still a good value.
The Lobby
A large comfortable and homey looking lobby greeted us along with a very friendly and helpful woman at the desk.
The lobby is divided by a large working fireplace that is viewable from two sides. A comfortable lounge with a TV was on the far side of the lobby away from the front desk action.
We wanted a non-smoking room for four. After looking at her computer screen we were told that they didn't have any non smoking regular rooms so they would upgrade us to their " Home-Office" rooms. These are said to be a bit larger than the other rooms and have an additional desk and work station with a portable phone and Internet service. These rooms also offered a bottle of water for all and a snack. They have microwavable popcorn for you. These upgrade rooms give you a fridge and microwave too. We were happy to take the room that has two doubles. They did have a room that had a queen and a pull-out couch that would have served us fine, however it was only available for one night of our two night stay.
The Room
The room was a nice size with full drapes that opened up to a small deck that had a view of interstate 95 in the distance. The sounds of the highway were not noticeable when the sliding door is closed and the drapes closed. With those drapes closed, be sure to have a wakeup call. You would not know when the sun comes up.
The room was nicely papered with one full wall done in a pleasing design with a matching border. The carpeting was clean to the initial eye but looking closely you could see it was not vacuumed well and completely. Some popcorn kernels stayed with us for three days. One lamp in a corner had a glass shelf that was so dusty I was able to leave a message in it. This was room 302. Write back if you get the same room.
Update August, 2005
We stayed here again. Knowing that there may have been just one employee that was not working up to the hotels standards we gave this place another chance. This time the rooms were cleaned well. No problems. I did want to note that because most other aspects of service and amenities at this chain hotel were quite good. End Update
The beds were comfortable. A table with two chairs matched the desk and chair on the other end of the room. The open closet area housed a iron and board, adequate hangers and a safe.
The Safe
We didn't have any need for the safe but they do charge you $1.00 per day usage fee. They go as far as making you sign a form for its use. I never had that kind of charge or paperwork anywhere I ever went! The worse part is that instead of a quick check out, I had to go down to the front desk and have them refund my two dollars. Now sometimes I would not be bothered about $2.00 but this did bug me.
The Bath
The bathroom was OK in size with small but enough towels for four. I liked that they had two sinks, one inside and one outside with huge mirrors. Th bathroom had a few countertop amenities like Shampoo, Rinse and Mouthwash. A small sewing kit was also included in the HJ brand items.
The tub/shower had good pressure and was easy to regulate. There is a heat lamp and a hair dryer in the room too. Be careful not to get frightened when you flush their toilets. They have some kind of pressure system that is sure to get your attention. The room is very well lighted.
Restaurants
We had breakfast one morning in the Friendly's that is attached to the hotel. They also have another restaurant that is noted for its fish selection that is also part of the complex that caters to convention groups.
Pool and Exercise
They had a small 10 piece or so mirrored room that house the exercise equipment. The pool next door is very attractive and clean. It had an attendant when I was there.
I liked the idea that the elevator took you directly to the pool. You would not have to walk through many halls to get to it. The one elevator seemed quick enough but I wonder how long one might have to wait during the high season in this three story building.
Cleanliness
I mentioned having to go down to the desk to check out and get my two dollars taken off the charge. I mentioned to the woman at that time about our popcorn kernels, (we never popped ours), and the glass message board. As I was leaving I heard the woman tell another person to check out the room.
As I noted in an update above a second stay at the hotel showed that the management was keeping their eye on what was happening in the rooms. Our room was clean and I intend to stay at this hotel in the future as we make trips up to see my daughter in school nearby.
In Closing
I usually do not read nor comment on other peoples reviews before and when writing my own. At the time of this writing there was just one "Show" review and I did read it. In the short confines of that kind of review the writer thought it important to note how difficult it is driving out of the parking lot of the hotel. As we were leaving the hotel my wifes words were, "I don't like pulling out of this place, it's dangerous". Please do note that it is. Being close to the interstate entrance/exit has its positives and negatives.
We did get a good deal at this place with the coupon at $54.99. My best on line prices were $64.99 and $69.99. The rooms are comfortable and the amenities for the price very good. The location is perfect for an overnight while traveling and it took us just ten minutes to get to the downtown Portland area from the hotel. I'll also add that this is a convenient on/off hotel from the inter-state if traveling further distances.
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Recommended:
Yes
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