Howard Johnson by Wyndham Buena Park

This was a no-frills stay, with the basics not always covered. There were three of us, but we could only get two washcloths and three towels, with no hand towels. I had to use a microfiber towel from my car to wash. The continental breakfast had dry cereal, toast, and juice, but no fruit. The waffle maker was the best part. The place feels like it’s being kept open with the bare minimum. The exterior could use a power wash, and I wasn’t sure the ice machine had ever been cleaned, so I worried about using the ice. Small improvements could make a difference.

The courtyard has a charming feel, and they had everything we needed, right down to the waffle maker at breakfast. Our stay was cozy and comfortable, with clean, fresh hotel-quality bedding. The furniture was worn and a little ratty, but the place itself was clean, and I didn’t see any cockroaches. For this price, it’s hard to find anything better. I’d definitely stay here again.

The hotel’s on the main road, and I really appreciated the overnight front desk guy, though I’m sorry I can’t remember his name. Our room had no Wi-Fi, and he asked us to wait, but we were impatient. He let us use the internet in the lobby for a while. Later that night, the connection in our room started working, just as he’d said it would. He tried to move us, but there weren’t any rooms closer to the connection. He did everything he could to help and was incredibly accommodating. Thanks to the overnight desk guy for being so helpful.

The bathroom was the worst part of our one-night stay for a tournament. There was mold and cobwebs, a spider in the shower, and the body wash dispenser was empty. At breakfast, we waited more than ten minutes and still couldn’t get to the waffle maker. The cereal milk was warm, too. Check-in felt unwelcoming, and the property seemed poorly maintained. Our room was large, but the walls had unpatched spots and the AC was loud. The manager or owner that morning was rude and condescending to the woman at the counter. I’m not even sure I heard him greet guests as they walked past. I wouldn’t stay again unless there were no other options.