User Reviews for Howard Johnson Express Inn-New York City

Research User Reviews for Howard Johnson Express Inn-New York City (1-20 of 53)

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Aug 25, 2008 by Tonia from Lakeside, CA
Overall Rating: 6
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[10] • Location:[7]

• Extremely clean and in a great location.
• The room was small but that is to be expected in NYC.

“Perfect for a couple on a short vacation.”

Aug 24, 2008 by Richard from Elkridge, MD
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[7] • Location:[9]

• The location was great, and the room was adequate for one person and always clean.
• There were no "extras" food service, lobby, etc. and even the vending machine didn't work.

“If you're on your own or with one traveling companion, and don't want to pay too much for a place to stay, the Gem is in a great location and makes for a comfortable place to return to at the end of a busy day exploring New York. Although there was a bit of confusion checking in (apparently the cleaning service hadn't yet finished the rooms), the folks at the desk were apologetic and friendly, offering me extra time for checkout my last day there. And they were all very knowledgeable about where to find groceries and good places to dine. The location is great. You're not stuck in touristy midtown, and you can walk to and through many great neighborhoods. Soho, the Lower East Side, Greenwich Village--as well as the lower Manhattan landmarks, like the Brooklyn Bridge and Ground Zero.”

Aug 13, 2008 by Kristine from Lamar, CO
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[10] • Location:[8]

• Hotel staff was very friendly, and very accommodating.
• Rooms were too small.

“It was very clean, but just not enough room to move around in.”

Aug 8, 2008 by Ron from Taneytown, MD
Overall Rating: 7
Cleanliness:[6] • Staff:[6] • Location:[8]

• The room was very clean and comfortable.
• The entry way to the hotel was dirty, it needed to be mopped.

“The hotel was in a great location for our needs. It was in close proximity to restaurants and our daughter's apartment. The room was quite clean and comfortable. There was a view of a nearby park from our room unlike the majority of hotel rooms in New York.”

Jul 21, 2008 by Brad from Montreal, QC CA
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[7] • Location:[9]

• Nice TV, new beds/furniture, new bathroom, it appeared to be new or newly refurbished.
• Very small lobby, safe did not work, they didn't fix it when we asked.

“For us it was a great location, near SOHO-it is billed as being in SOHO but that was kind of stretch if you ask me, near East Village, near Chinatown-a 20-minute stroll down Houston to Greenwich Village. The room was that of a small but classy boutique hotel - very clean. The staff was well trained. Perfect for youngish professionals on a biz trip who also want to do a little shopping and sight seeing. We really loved the whole foods shop/market/coffee shop which was one block away and went there almost every day. I would go back. Hotels in Manhattan are outrageously priced. Only $30 in cab from LaGuardia.”

Jul 11, 2008 by Ryan from Keizer, OR
Overall Rating: 4
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[2] • Location:[4]

• Very nicely appointed with flat screen TV and very clean!
• Small rooms with one bed and no room for a rollaway. Location is not the nice part of SoHo.

“My friend and I went and I had to sleep on the floor in a three foot wide space on the floor. They had no double bed rooms and no room for a rollaway whatsoever. The rooms are clean and nicely appointed, but the area, despite its "SoHo" location is more like the East Village. I didn't feel unsafe, just uncomfortable. Some of the best pizza in NYC is right there at Ray's! The biggest problem with my visit is the incompetence of some of the staff.”

Mar 26, 2008 by Eddie from Mississauga, ON CA
Overall Rating: 1
Cleanliness:[1] • Location:[1]

• Everything.

“The worst exp I have ever had.”

Mar 13, 2008 by Adam from Turner, ME
Overall Rating: 7
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[7] • Location:[5]

• Comfort of bed.
• Under construction no lobby.

“Under construction no lobby they used a room as the front desk very cramped, room key stopped working a lot. Clean room nice for money.”

Jan 26, 2008 by Rory from Detroit, MI
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[8] • Location:[9]

• Close to subway lines; near good, affordable restaurants.
• Limited cable service; no movies.

“The Howard Johnson Express on East Houston was like a dorm room, except perfectly clean. The location couldn't have been better for my purposes, close to subway and bus lines; in walking distance of Greenwich Village. The front desk staff was helpful and cheerful and refused a tip for leaving a suitcase after checkout for later pickup. I'd stay there again--at the same price.”

Jan 1, 2008 by Juluis from Tampa, FL
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[8] • Location:[8]

• Staff was excellent.
• The rooms were small.

“It was nice only if I had more space.”

Dec 19, 2007 by David from East Greenbush, NY
Overall Rating: 2
Cleanliness:[1] • Staff:[2] • Location:[7]

• The location was convenient to where I was traveling.
• The service was poor and we were put into a situation that we should not have been.

“After arriving in our room and unpacking we discovered the remote control to the TV was not fully functional. When I tried to call the front desk to get another one I discovered the phone did not work either. I walked down to get another remote and the one person working there that night offered me another room. I explained that I just needed a new remote. She explained that she did not have one but gave me a universal to her own TV and demonstrated how to program it. I took the remote back and after programming it I realized it was not the remote but the TV that was not working. (That explained why she offered me another room immediately instead of offering me the remote.) At this point I was too tired to watch TV anyway so I just went to sleep. The next morning when getting into the shower I found it was dirty around the inside of the tub. I should have taken the room she offered, I thought. She also new the phone line was down I found out while checking out the next morning. Overall it was a pretty poor experience.”

Dec 12, 2007 by Kristen from Alexandria, VA
Overall Rating: 2
Cleanliness:[5] • Staff:[1] • Location:[9]

• Location.
• Room size and inappropriate staff.

“Very uncomfortable. Also, when I politely asked the desk staff if there was anything they could do, the clerk responded "you can all spoon, and I can come watch." very inappropriate and made myself and my guests very uncomfortable. Would not stay at a Howard Johnson/express again.”

Nov 15, 2007 by Robin I. from Glastonbury, CT
Overall Rating: 1
Cleanliness:[1] • Staff:[3] • Location:[3]

• Nothing. The hotel room was dirty stains on the bedspread.
• Cigarette burns in the blanket and the lampshade, carpet stained and dirty.

“I feel I am entitled to a refund. The room was dirty. The fire doors to the stairwells would not latch and were open. It made me feel unsafe. I have never stayed in a hotel where I was so uncomfortable.”

Oct 30, 2007 by Ingrid from San Francisco, CA
Overall Rating: 4
Cleanliness:[4] • Staff:[8] • Location:[5]

• It was within walking distance of some major attractions.
• The room was tiny and over priced.

“The hotel was low maintenance and the room was small. However, as a business traveler it worked out for my needs this time.”

Oct 24, 2007 by Rita from Rochester, NY
Overall Rating: 10
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[9] • Location:[10]

• Clean, great location in new York city, helpful staff.
• I liked everything.

“I liked my stay at the Howard john sons because it was everything I expected. The room was clean, a decent size (by Manhattan standards) in an excellent location. I highly recommend it for everyone who wants a clean, modern room in Manhattan without paying a fortune.”

Oct 16, 2007 by Sherman from Dayton, OH
Overall Rating: 5
Cleanliness:[5] • Staff:[7] • Location:[7]

• They were accommodating.
• Rooms smelled like smoke.

“Rooms smell like smoke, TVs didn't work, and there was a leak in the bathroom of my first room. The staff was helpful and friendly, but the hotel didn't have a very beautiful look to it.”

Oct 10, 2007 by Nicole from San Francisco, CA
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[10] • Location:[9]

• Very quaint and great location, the staff was helpful as well.
• The room was very small and smelled moldy, but was still clean.

“Great value! The 1-star hotel was nicer than some 2 stars Ive stayed in. The room was very small and a bit stuffy/smelly, but once the AC was turned on it was ok. Overall, pretty clean and great customer service. I would stay there again.”

Sep 6, 2007 by N from Ashland, MA
Overall Rating: 3
Cleanliness:[1] • Staff:[1] • Location:[6]

• Location was good. Near public transportation and surrounded by restaurants.
• Rooms were filthily and smelled of urine. Had to switch rooms 3 times.

“Accessible and untidy.”

Aug 20, 2007 by Patty from Los Altos, CA
Overall Rating: 4
Cleanliness:[4] • Staff:[3] • Location:[4]

• Price.
• Room, price, location, and size of room.

“We got a better rate from the hotel direct for our 2nd night.”

Aug 18, 2007 by Louis from Dyer, NV
Overall Rating: 7
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[7] • Location:[7]

• Clean, convenient; friendly and efficient.
• Breakfast - tray of snacks in the lobby.

“Fine for what it is - economical, clean, friendly; good location.”

Jul 15, 2007 by Andrea from Cornwall, PA
Overall Rating: 10
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[10] • Location:[10]

• It was very quiet despite access to a busy street.
• I have no complaints.

“I would stay here again. The staff was very helpful when I needed directions.”

Jul 15, 2007 by Ram from Ocala, FL
Overall Rating: 4
Cleanliness:[6] • Staff:[8] • Location:[8]

• Probably location.

“I would not recommend this hotel, but for the location. A word of comment for the friendly front desk staff.”

Jul 9, 2007 by Kelly from Pittsford, NY
Overall Rating: 7
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[10] • Location:[10]

• Staff.
• The air conditioner in my room was leaking water and the floor was dirty.

“It was an affordable, convenient way to plan my business trip even if it was not spectacular. The staff was very accommodating.”

Jun 30, 2007 by Stephen P. from Wantagh, NY
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[10] • Location:[9]

• The staff was helpful, polite, and well-spoken.
• Underground room; air conditioning temp could not be altered.

“Having only seen the lobby, elevator and one room, I'm not qualified to review the entire hotel. The staff members I met were personable, helpful and well-spoken. That the air-conditioning temp in the subterranean room was unalterable was only an inconvenience the first night; Nature having complied more than the hotel. The bathroom was immaculate, but the dislocated curtains, beyond my reach, remained, despite a daily tip, unprepared allowing unwelcome light and giving passersby an almost uninsured view into my room.”

Jun 18, 2007 by Susan from Arlington, VA
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[10] • Location:[5]

• Bath tub was a working, quality spa/whirl pool w/ several jets!
• The neighborhood seemed a bit unsafe, and coffee dispenser was not working.

“You get the most bangs for your buck at this hobo. Spacious (by NY city standards) rooms with a great view, a whirl pool bath tub, just blocks from the subway, a bus stop directly in front of hotel, friendly service, walking distance from little Italy - I'll definitely go again!”

Jun 4, 2007 by Miranda from Portland, OR
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[7] • Location:[9]

• Air conditioning and location were outstanding.
• Small and that smoking were allowed in the rooms.

“It was a great place for someone who wanted a budget room in a good location. There were some great places to eat and an artsy movie theater nearby or next door. It was easy to get on the subway from also. The hotel had TV and air conditioning that let us relax and sleep well.”

May 27, 2007 by Anthony from New York, NY
Overall Rating: 1
Cleanliness:[2] • Staff:[1] • Location:[7]

• Location is in Manhattan.

“Lobby and hallways dirty and dated. The kids in charge were irresponsible.”

May 1, 2007 by Dorothy from Waxhaw, NC
Overall Rating: 7
Cleanliness:[6] • Staff:[8] • Location:[6]

• The staff members were very friendly, helpful with providing information regarding transportation, safety issues and the hotel was comfort .
• There was no restaurants inside hotel and the lobby area was too small; need better internet connect service for guest during there stay.

“My overall experience stay at Howard Johnson express was good. Thank you.”

Apr 18, 2007 by William from Worcester, MA
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[8] • Location:[9]

• The location and the ease of going to and from the guest room is very good.
• The toilet did not flush in the first room that I was given. I was moved to another room.

“The Howard Johnson Express Inn is an excellent choice of hotel while visiting a fascinating neighborhood of Manhattan.”

Jan 17, 2007 by Phyllis from Washington, DC
Overall Rating: 10
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[10] • Location:[10]

• I loved its location in a lively, interesting part of the city. Size, decor, cleanliness of room were perfect.
• Came to pick up my bag and no one was at front desk. Was worried for 10 minutes.

“Perhaps not for everyone, but perfect for me. I love the lower east side neighborhood. I enjoyed the small, European sized room (who needs two queen-sized beds in one room?) And the intimate size of the hotel itself. Desk staff was young and friendly although not the most efficient (see #14). Easy access to subway, cabs, and good neighborhood eating places.”

Dec 28, 2006 by David from Yuma, AZ
Overall Rating: 3
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[10] • Location:[7]

• The hotel had nice amenities.
• Room was ridiculously small, had room only to walk around bed!

“First impression was terrible. The lobby had only enough room for a couple of people to stand there with there luggage while checking in or out! The room we stayed in was like being in a closet! There literally was only enough room to walk around the bed! We had no room for our three pieces of luggage! The hallways were so narrow you bump the walls walking down them! Walking to our room we had to maneuver around big piles of towels and bedding to get to our room! Other than that the factures i.e.; wallpaper, woodwork, bathroom facilities were very nice.”

Nov 6, 2006 by Paul from Chicago, IL
Overall Rating: 7
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[9] • Location:[7]

• Very clean, very friendly.
• A little cramped; could use another lamp.

“Convenient to lower east side landmarks, clean, dependable, friendly staff”

Nov 3, 2006 by Douglas from Keystone Heights, FL
Overall Rating: 1
Cleanliness:[4] • Staff:[4] • Location:[2]

• Almost nothing. The room rather clean and the linen were clean. No closest. Hardly any space.
• Tiny wardrobe, no closet. Hardly any space between bed and wall. Expected double beds.

“The location is handy to almost nothing. The help is rather unfamiliar with restaurant info. Had to find our own breakfast spot. Would NOT recommend to tourists who are interested in anything midtown or uptown. ”

Nov 1, 2006 by Ken from Fairfax, VA
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[8] • Location:[8]

• Location!
• No parking.

“We were pleasantly surprised at the quality and cleanliness of the hojo soho. We would definitely recommend and would certainly stay here again. Small room - but what do you expect in nice!!?? Great location close to Chinatown and little Italy. Close to the subway. A great find for our weekend trip to nice!”

Oct 27, 2006 by B from Brampton, ON CA
Overall Rating: 7
Cleanliness:[6] • Staff:[6] • Location:[7]

• Convenient location.
• Noisy.

“Conveniently located in a safe area close to Little Italy and China Town. Small rooms but relatively clean and comfortable.”

Oct 25, 2006 by Joel from Stoughton, MA
Overall Rating: 1
Cleanliness:[1] • Staff:[1] • Location:[1]

• Location.
• My briefcase was stolen in the lobby while checking out! It contains valuables.

“My briefcase was stolen in the lobby while checking out! It contains valuables - over a thousand dollars worth. So, while I got economy rates, I paid a King's ransom.”

Oct 24, 2006 by Frank from Watauga, TX
Overall Rating: 4
Cleanliness:[3] • Staff:[5] • Location:[8]

• It was close to where I had to go.
• For the price the room was too small no twin beds available.

“You don¿t want my review!”

Sep 11, 2006 by Bill from Charlotte, NC
Overall Rating: 7
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[7] • Location:[4]

• Location and price.
• I had to change rooms because of an odor. Second room just fine.

“I was concerned when I first arrived because area is a little rough and I was hoping to walk to certain destinations. As the day turned to night more and more people were out and my safety concerns diminished. The first "nonsmoking" room smelled like smoke and hard liquor. I called the front desk and they moved me down the hall to another room that was just fine. Rooms were very small but suitable for my needs.”

Aug 16, 2006 by Tom from Mount Airy, MD
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[8] • Location:[9]

• Great location, fairly cheap, clean.
• Would not recommend it for families.

“Not luxurious, but a good value in a great location for partying in lower Manhattan. Close to the Bowery Ballroom, Katz's Deli, lots of clubs and restaurants, Little Italy and Chinatown. Easy to get to from the Holland Tunnel. Families would probably not appreciated the late night partying and lack of amenities, but if you're a single or a young couple and want a place to crash after a night of living it up in lower Manhattan, this is a fine place.”

Jul 28, 2006 by Rona from Owego, NY
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[7] • Location:[9]

• Excellent location for an excellent price.
• Lobby very small and apt to be crowded. Find your own parking.

“We enjoyed our stay and plan to return with our children for future forays into the City. subway stops near and there is a park with playground next door. Parking places were not difficult to find on a summer weekend!”

Jul 23, 2006 by Glenn from Feeding Hills, MA
Overall Rating: 7
Cleanliness:[5] • Staff:[4] • Location:[8]

• Nothing special by any means - fairly clean.
• Basement room - musty/moldy smell.

“Although you can't beat the price for the room in other NY hotels... You get what you pay for, unfriendly front desk staff, basement room, musty smell, not able to adjust AC... Worth the money for convenience.”

May 22, 2006 by Jane from Kansas City, MO
Overall Rating: 1
Cleanliness:[2] • Staff:[4] • Location:[5]

• Location.
• Room reeked of cigarette smoke; crappy towels, decor, amenities.

“Even for a 1-star hotel, it was a dump. It would've been nice to have a non-smoking room option, windows that could be opened, better towels, etc. And I'm sure for the money spent, there had to have been much nicer hotels available. ”

May 15, 2006 by Al from Sammamish, WA
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[10] • Location:[9]

• Location and staff were great.
• Small rooms.

“The hotel's proximity to NYU, Katz deli, East River Park and attractions, the easy access to cabs and subway, the price quite reasonable for NY counterbalances the size of room which is adequate for a couple who is looking for a clean and safe room with shower, TV, quiet room, and a wired Internet connection. Their staff is wonderful and accommodating.”

May 15, 2006 by Dorothy from Kent, WA
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[10] • Location:[8]

• The staff was very helpful.
• Entering w/baggage is an experience.

“The room was clean and adequate for an overnighter and the TV was fine, the bathroom was fine. Small room so that you had to go out in the hall to change your mind. That's New York...”

Apr 30, 2006 by Danielle from Odenton, MD
Overall Rating: 7
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[4] • Location:[8]

• The location and cleanliness.
• The evening clerk girl was not there. She left twice for no reason but to get smokes 3 people waiting to check in.

“Great location. Not to fair from where we wanted to be. Price was reasonable but the night time check out girl sucked. The morning girl was great. She allowed us to keep our bags in another room while we walked around after we had checked out.”

Apr 18, 2006 by Kelly from Mayfield, OH
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[5] • Staff:[8] • Location:[3]

• Cheap hotel. I knew exactly what I was getting for my money.
• My room hadn't been cleaned behind the end table.

“Affordable for its location. subway one block. very friendly staff.”

Mar 22, 2006 by Jonathan from Upper Darby, PA
Overall Rating: 0
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[7] • Location:[10]

• The location was great, near Chinatown, Little Italy and the Village, perfect!
• The walls are thin.

“No comments aside from above.”

Feb 27, 2006 by Ken from San Marcos, CA
Overall Rating: 5
Cleanliness:[4] • Staff:[5] • Location:[7]

• Close to SoHo and Tribeca.
• Not as clean as it used to be.

“Fairly good value for the money, but only by virtue of the vastly overpriced New York City market.”

Dec 27, 2005 by Danielle from Harrisburg, PA
Overall Rating: 7
Cleanliness:[6] • Staff:[5] • Location:[7]

• It was close to the show we were seeing that night.
• Room smelled of smoke and it was non smoking.

“Hotel was fairly inexpensive considering that we were staying there so close to Christmas The room was very tiny, but we were only there to sleep so it didn't really matter. It wasn't anything fantastic, but great for a sleepover in New York City.”

Nov 18, 2005 by Barbara from Swansea, MA
Overall Rating: 5
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[9] • Location:[4]

• Staff was nice, room was clean.
• Stunk of cigarette smoke, semi scary neighborhood.

“The only real plus was cleanliness. Very few towels. Smoke infested room.”