Howard Johnson Express Inn Huntington Beach

The staff were welcoming and pleasant, and the room was clean. That was about all I liked. My sheets had holes the first night, the sink was clogged, and the room felt small, dark, and depressing, with just one lamp. Everything seemed decades old, from the bedspreads and curtains to the TV and furniture. I had to stay two nights because the Best Western Regency was full for the weekend, and surfers kept making noise until the early hours. Breakfast was weak coffee, a dried-out sweet roll, white toast, and an apple or orange. I was glad to get back to Best Western Regency, which is so much better there’s no comparison.

Two hours after check-in time, we were still waiting to get into our room, which was a smoking room even though we’d requested non-smoking. The front desk had lied about when it would be ready, and offered no discount. Once we finally got in, the TV was broken too. There’s no manager available until 10pm, and apparently none at all tomorrow, Saturday. When I asked about a discount, they said I’d have to speak to a manager. If the stay isn’t comped or they don’t pay for us to stay somewhere else, I’ll be outraged. Why charge for a service you don’t provide? Never returning. I’ll tell everyone I know to avoid the chain, post reviews everywhere, blog about it, and even pay for ads to spread the word about how unsuitable this hotel is. What a start to a vacation.

If all you need is a nice room, this is a fine place to stay. The lobby service could be better, though. At breakfast the PA played the same song over and over, which was incredibly irritating and unnecessary. The clerk also couldn’t give a clear answer about local transportation, and coffee isn’t available in the lobby outside breakfast. If you’re looking for frills that wow you, look elsewhere.

The sink in my room sprang a leak, but the staff and management were friendly and accommodating. They refunded my first night and moved me into a much larger suite for the same price. The facilities were good for what you’d expect to pay in this area. I recommend this HoJo if you want an economical stay within a 10-minute drive of the beach.