Howard Johnson Resort & Spa Escobar

The outdoor pool put me off because of the dirt on the bottom, though the indoor one was okay and just needed some care. The spa towels were fine, but I couldn't use the steam room because it smelled so bad when I opened the door. It seems not to have been cleaned in months. The breakfast area was also a problem: flies sat on the food every day, with no covers, and the kitchen windows were open because the fly screen was damaged. The food selection was poor, with nothing hot. I got a bad stomach during the stay and blamed the food, so I stopped eating those items. The rooms and service were in rough shape too. Our group had several rooms, all tired and worn. There was mould, curtains coming off the rails, threadbare towels, ripped sheets, and toilet seats that needed replacing. Housekeeping didn't come every day, and when they did, they didn't really clean. A dead fly sat on my sink for five days before anyone removed it. Any repairs that had been done looked like bodges. The hotel needs a major investment from the owners. It looks like the photos, but as if 20 years have passed without upkeep. I wish I'd taken pictures of how far it had declined since those photos were made.

The steak and chicken were tender and juicy, and I liked the chicken nuggets. The burger and empanadas didn't do much for me. We came for an office day out, arriving around 4:30 on Sunday, and they served us food right away. Seems fine for a one-time hangout. I'd give it about 3 out of 5. Thanks, enjoy your stay.

The wine service was a big mistake. The wine came at room temperature, which was far too warm in a winter room with air conditioning. The pool also opens at 10 a.m., late for anyone used to starting work early. The neighborhood isn't very welcoming, though the hotel is close to Temaiken, and you may need to have lunch at the hotel. Its menu is good, with prices that work well if paying in Blue dollars, but it feels expensive at the legal dollar rate. Maybe it's fine for two nights, but not longer. Overrated.

The rooms were comfortable and the service decent, but breakfast let me down. It was mostly carbs and sugar, with no eggs or other protein options and no vegetables.