Howard Johnson by Wyndham Sacramento Downtown

I never got to use the room. I only learned about the $100 deposit when I arrived, and they wouldn't let me stay. They also kept my $70 reservation payment. I feel like I was robbed, and the staff were rude. One person snickered while telling me to leave, then security was called when I asked for my money back. After going back and forth with Priceline and Howard Johnson, there still hasn't been a resolution. I just want my money returned. I don't care what the policy says, keeping it feels like stealing and against the law.

I was disappointed by the stay. The room had a broken main light, a fridge that didn't keep things cold, and bathroom outlets that didn't work. There was a hair dryer, but it was useless. We checked in at night and had to feel around for another light. Outside, there were unhoused people walking around, and I spent the night worrying about my car. Then I noticed an extra $40 on my bank statement. The hotel said it was for a towel with blood on it. My daughter and I kept the room clean and tidied up before leaving, and nobody was bleeding. Maybe it was my makeup or pink body wash. I'm waiting for pictures to see what they mean. I don't think it's worth returning or recommending. Next time I'll spend more for a nicer place where things work. I'm easy to please and pretty humble, so this made me sad. I hate leaving bad reviews, but I want to be honest about where I spent my money.

The staff are dedicated and irreplaceable, and the service feels five-star for a reasonable price. I only stay at this hotel in the Sacramento area. Breakfast is free with a decent selection, and there's a small gym and office. The rooms are cozy and dependable, while security does a good job keeping things calm. If you're lonely, there are plenty of stray cats around. Still, not every room is in good shape. I've run into a whole range of problems, though staff will move you to another room easily. The low price brings in people who don't care about the property. Wyndham should back this management with a full renovation, rather than a cheap La Quinta to HoJo rebrand. This 70s Wyndham property needs new water heaters, piping, coaxial cables, and some AC units. The spa is gross and has broken jets, the elevators feel sketchy, and the wall thermostats can leave you waking up hot or cold with no airflow. And somehow there are no bananas or waffle makers!

We usually choose expensive hotels, but this place surprised us. The room felt as nice as the ones we get at pricier hotels, and with everything looking new, maybe even better. It was very clean, and my daughter loved being able to sign into Netflix and other apps on the TV. The hotel has a pool, though we were there in winter. The parking seemed safe, with security making frequent rounds. There's a river and a walking and biking path just across the parking lot. I think Discovery Park is nearby too. The King's Arena was close, and an Uber there cost $8, less than driving and paying to park. The hotel had Ghost fans in town for the Golden One Center, high school cheerleaders, and construction workers, but it was surprisingly quiet in the neighboring rooms, above us, and in the halls. The bed frame squeaked when we got in or out. Wooden pedestal frames might help. Since the motel is right by the freeway, you can hear traffic. It wasn't a big problem for us, though there seemed to be a lot of loud vehicles with Flowmasters and motorcycles coming down the exit. I like Harleys and Flow Masters, but lighter sleepers might find it bothersome. There's a gas station across the street. The price is excellent. We'd forgotten to book earlier, and rooms around Sacramento were mostly sold out because so much was happening that weekend. I'm glad we found this place. My daughter and I are hotel snobs and usually stay at the Sheraton, Hilton, or Embassy Suites in Sacramento, but I'd definitely come back here and save some money.