Salem's Hidden Gem: Howard Johnson by Wyndham - Your Perfect Oregon Stay
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Howard Johnson by Wyndham in Salem, Oregon. Forget your perfectly polished travel blogs, this is the messy, honest, and utterly human review you actually need. Let's get into it, shall we?
Title: Salem's Hidden Gem? My Rollercoaster Ride at Howard Johnson by Wyndham - The Good, the Bad, and the Surprisingly Pool-View Sauna!
SEO Keywords: Howard Johnson Salem, Oregon Hotels, Accessible Hotels Salem, Wyndham Hotels Salem, Free Wi-Fi Salem, Pool Hotels Salem, Spa Hotels Salem, Clean Hotels Salem, Family-Friendly Hotels Oregon, Pet-Friendly Hotels Salem, Business Hotels Salem, Restaurant Salem, Meeting Room Salem, Accessible Restaurant Salem.
(Metadata: Title Tag: Salem's Howard Johnson Review: Accessibility, Spa, and Wi-Fi - The Honest Truth. Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Howard Johnson by Wyndham in Salem, Oregon! Accessibility, spa, free Wi-Fi, and more – the good, the bad, and the surprisingly delightful. Keywords: Howard Johnson Salem, Salem Oregon Hotel Review, Accessible Hotel, Spa Hotel, Free Wi-Fi, Family-Friendly, Clean Hotel, Pet-Friendly)
Okay, first impressions? My arrival was… well, let's just say it wasn't the red-carpet treatment. The exterior definitely screams "mid-range motel," but hey, I wasn’t expecting The Ritz. The important part is inside, right? Deep breaths. Let's explore this beast.
Accessibility (Because, you know, important):
Wheelchair Accessible: This is HUGE. The ramps, elevators, and wider doorways are a genuine relief. It’s not just “accessible,” it feels genuinely thoughtful. Points for that, Howard Johnson! My friend Sarah uses a wheelchair and she mentioned the ease of getting around repeatedly. Huge W.
Facilities for Disabled Guests: Yes, and well-maintained. The staff were also super helpful, which is always a crapshoot.
Elevator: Yes, and bless it.
Getting Around: This is where things get very convenient. They offer airport transfer, which I didn't use, but the option is there. Car park [free of charge] is a godsend. Seriously, parking is a nightmare in some places, so this is a huge win. Taxi service is easily available.
Cleanliness and Safety – The COVID-Era Reality Check:
Anti-viral cleaning products: Good. Gotta have 'em these days.
Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
Hand sanitizer: Plentiful.
Hygiene certification: Excellent.
Individually-wrapped food options: Yes, thank goodness. Buffet nightmares are over.
Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Mostly adhered to.
Professional-grade sanitizing services: Yep, good to see.
Room sanitization opt-out available: Okay, that's a nice touch for eco-conscious folks.
Rooms sanitized between stays: Absolutely essential.
Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Vital. Nobody wants to eat off dodgy dishes.
Staff trained in safety protocol: Thankfully.
Sterilizing equipment: Yep.
Okay, so far so good on the "not getting COVID" front. Feeling safer than I'd expected, honestly.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Adventure (or Avoiding the Chaos):
Restaurants: Yes, but more on that later. Options are good to have, even if they are basic.
Breakfast [buffet]: Okay, before you run for the hills, it's a modified buffet. The food was surprisingly decent!
Breakfast takeaway service: Handy if you're in a rush (or, you know, hungover).
Coffee shop: Essential.
Poolside bar: Yes, this is a total mood. Especially with that view.
Snack bar: Okay. Nothing to write home about.
Room service [24-hour]: Lifesaver. The menu is limited, but hey, pizza at 3 AM is always a win, right?
A la carte in restaurant: Yes, offering more variety as well.
Okay, the food. Listen, I'm not expecting Michelin-star cuisine here. But the breakfast buffet? Surprisingly good. Scrambled eggs, bacon, a waffle maker (always a win), and actual decent coffee. The restaurant, though, was a bit of a mixed bag. I tried the burger, which was…adequate. The fries were amazing, seriously, crispy, salty, perfect. The salad was fresh, if a bit underwhelming. The service was friendly, if a bit slow. Overall, it was a solid, comfortable meal.
(Emotional Reaction: Okay, I was hungry, and the fries were a revelation. I may have gone back for seconds. Maybe thirds. Don't judge me.)
Ways to Relax (The Good Stuff – The Bit I Was Really Interested In):
Fitness center: Yup. Didn’t use it. Judge me later.
Pool with view: Yes, and a glorious view. The best part!
Sauna: HELL YES. The sauna post-swim was sublime. Pure bliss.
Spa/sauna: Yes.
Swimming pool: Outdoor, and glorious.
(Anecdote: Okay, the pool. The main reason I booked this place. And it didn’t disappoint! The view from the pool is stunning. I spent hours out there, getting a tan and relaxing. The pool felt like a small oasis. It was the perfect getaway from the everyday. The pool also had a poolside bar. I ordered a few drinks. The bartender, bless her, was super friendly. I sat and watched the sunset, and felt peace. Pure, unadulterated peace. Actually, the best part of the entire stay.)
Services and Conveniences – The Nitty Gritty:
Air conditioning in public area: Thank God.
Business facilities: Decent.
Cash withdrawal: Useful if you're old school.
Concierge: Helpful, friendly.
Contactless check-in/out: Smooth and efficient.
Daily housekeeping: Essential.
Doorman: Nope.
Elevator: Yes, thank the heavens.
Facilities for disabled guests: Excellent.
Food delivery: Options available.
Gift/souvenir shop: Basic, but handy.
Invoice provided: Good for business travelers.
Laundry service: Essential.
Luggage storage: Always appreciated.
Meeting/banquet facilities: Available, if you need them.
Safety deposit boxes: Always a good idea.
For the Kids (If You're Traveling with the Tiny Humans):
Family/child friendly: Yes.
Kids meal: Possible.
Babysitting service: Available.
Available in All Rooms – The Essentials:
Air conditioning: Yes.
Free Wi-Fi: YES! And it actually works! The Internet access – wireless has been working like a dream too. Huge points for that.
Bathroom: Included in all rooms.
Blackout curtains: Crucial for sleep!
Coffee/tea maker: YES.
Daily housekeeping: Always a plus.
Hair dryer: Essential.
In-room safe box: Useful.
Refrigerator: Great for storing snacks.
Satellite/cable channels: Yes.
Shower: Yes.
Smoke detector: Good.
Wi-Fi [free]: Woohoo!
Rooms and Interior Chaos – The Details That Matter:
Non-smoking rooms: Available.
Soundproof rooms: Okay, this is important! Some hotels are like a symphony of slamming doors and noisy neighbors. The Howard Johnson was surprisingly quiet. Major win.
Additional toilet: Yes.
Alarm clock: Yep.
Desk: Yes. Ideal for any work if needed.
Extra long bed: Nice to have.
Laptop workspace: Yes.
Reading light: Helpful.
Seating area: Nice to have.
Telephone: Old school, but still there.
Towels: Plenty of them.
Wake-up service: Available.
Window that opens: Hooray for fresh air!
(Emotional Reaction: Okay, about the room. It wasn’t luxurious. Let's clarify. But it was clean, spacious enough, and the bed was comfortable. And the blackout curtains? A lifesaver after a long day. It wasn’t some fancy experience, but it was a good, functional place to just be.)
Getting Around
- Car park [free of charge]: AMAZING!
**The Downs
Escape to Luxury: Charlotte's SouthPark Retreat Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, Buttercup. We're going on a trip to Salem, OR, specifically the hallowed (or slightly less hallowed, we'll see) halls of the Howard Johnson. This isn't your perfectly polished travel blog; this is my brain on a caffeine drip, planning a trip. Prepare for the ride.
Howard Johnson Salem: Operation Getaway…Maybe? (A Messy Itinerary)
Pre-Trip Anxiety (aka, the "Where's My Passport?" Phase)
- Phase Zero: The Panic. Let's be honest, the real trip starts with the pre-trip panic. I swear, every single time, I'm convinced I've lost my ID, my credit cards, and possibly my sanity. Check triple. Okay, quadruple. And maybe a frantic call to my mom. "Mom, am I supposed to bring anything…besides my crippling self-doubt?" (She just sighs, she's used to it.)
- Booking Blunders: Okay, so I booked. Howard Johnson. Salem. Sounds…okay. But wait, did I accidentally pick the one next to a highway? Or, even worse, the one inside a truck stop? Research time! (Google Maps, here I come!)
- The Packing Purgatory: The eternal struggle. Do I REALLY need three pairs of jeans? No. Do I bring them anyway? Absolutely. Just in case one spontaneously combusts. And what about the "emergency chocolate stash"? Vital. Always vital.
Day 1: Arrival, A Touch of Disappointment and the Glorious Quest for Coffee
- 1:00 PM – ETA (Hopefully): We’re on the road! If all goes well, we’ll be pulling in to our humble abode, the HoJo in Salem. The anticipation! The sheer, unadulterated…mediocrity of roadside motels.
- 1:30 PM – The Check-In Saga Okay, here we go. The moment of truth. Hopefully, the person behind the desk isn't actively hating their life. Praying for a clean room, decent Wi-Fi, and a working TV remote. (Those are the holy trinity, right?)
- 2:00 PM – Room Reconnaissance & Immediate Disappointment: Alright, room inspection time. Is it clean? Is it…lived in? Do I sense a faint odor of… regret? (Okay, maybe I'm projecting.) Okay, let’s not kid ourselves, it probably smells vaguely of chlorine, despair, and whatever cleaning product they use. But hey, at least there's a bed.
- 2:15 PM – Coffee or Bust: Seriously, the room inspection is over. I need caffeine. NEED. It's a survival tactic at this point. Google Maps, search: "Nearest decent coffee." Wish me luck, because I'm betting on a bad chain coffee shop.
- 2:45 PM – Salem City Drive: The first Salem sights. Time to explore. And let’s face it, I’m probably going to get lost. It's almost a certainty. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? (Or a massive source of stress, depending on my mood.)
- 3:30 PM – Snack Stop and Emotional Breakdown A quick stop for snacks, hopefully some good ones. This is where you have to decide…do I go for the chips or the trail mix? Okay, chips. And a coke. Feeling a bit overwhelmed…the trip is just beginning.
- 4:00 PM – The Capitol Building… Maybe?: This is Salem, after all. The state capitol. Should I go? Probably. Will I? Perhaps. Definitely will take pictures, that’s for sure.
- 5:00 PM – Dinner Decision I'm starving. What is tonight's food destiny? Should I go for some good old-fashioned American, or something more exotic? Actually, I have to go to an Asian restaurant because I had a dream about eating sushi. Yes. Sushi it is.
- 7:00 PM - Back to the Room Back at the hotel, catching the news. Do some blogging, or whatever. Maybe watch TV until I fall asleep, or until I get bored.
- 9:00 PM - Sleep The best way to get over the mess, get a good night's sleep, and wake up again. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?
Day 2: History, Hysteria, and the Unspoken Horror of Motel Breakfast
- 8:00 AM – The Scariest Part of the Trip: Breakfast (or Lack Thereof): Okay, let's be real. Motel breakfasts are a gamble. Will it be stale bagels and lukewarm coffee? Or, if we’re lucky, a sad waffle maker and suspiciously processed fruit. Brace yourselves, people. I'm going in. Please say prayers for my stomach.
- 9:00 AM – Oregon State Capital.. Time to take some photos or not.
- 10:00 AM – The Art Gallery. A cultural break away from the hotel.
- 11:00 AM – The Shopping Need to buy a souvenir, and maybe get a bit lost.
- 12:00 PM – Lunch. Lunch time again, and I'm actually hungry. What's in store for me?
- 1:00 PM – The Journey Back. Time to return to the rooms, and relax.
- 2:00 PM – Pool Time? (If There Is One, and If It Doesn’t Look Gross): Okay, here’s the thing. Motel pools are another risky business. Is it clean? Is it crowded with screaming children? Is there a suspicious smell of, well, you know? The gamble is real. Risk assessment: high. Temptation: also high. We'll see.
- 3:00 PM – Relaxing in the Room Taking a break from the day, and watching some TV.
- 7:00 PM – Dinner. Dinner time again, what's on the menu?
- 9:00 PM - Sleep The most important part of the day.
Day 3: The Departure… Possibly in Tears
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast (Again, Pray for Me): Repeat of Day 2. Let’s hope my digestive system has built up some resilience.
- 9:00 AM – Last-Minute Panic Clean: Always the case, gotta check out, and leave a tip.
- 10:00 AM – The Grand Exit: Saying goodbye to the magnificent HoJo.
- 11:00 AM – Heading Home Time for the final drive.
Post-Trip Debrief (aka, "The Aftermath")
- The Review: Time to rate the HoJo. Did it live up to its reputation? Was it surprisingly decent? Did I contract some sort of mysterious illness? Stay tuned for the tell-all.
- The Laundry Avalanche: The mountain of dirty clothes, and the overwhelming feeling of "I need a vacation from my vacation.”
- The Photo Dump: Hours spent going through photos, reliving the questionable food choices, and the moments of pure, unadulterated joy.
And there you have it. A travel itinerary, written by yours truly: a gloriously flawed creature of habit, prone to both existential dread and spontaneous outbursts of joy. May your own travels be filled with similar chaos and unexpected delights!
**London's Hidden Gem: Courtyard Marriott Luxury Awaits!**
Salem's Hidden Gem: Howard Johnson by Wyndham - Your Perfect Oregon Stay (…or is it?)
Alright, buckle up buttercups. You’re thinking of Salem, OR. You’re thinking of Howard Johnson. And you’re probably thinking, "Is it *really* a hidden gem?" Well, let's dissect this whole delicious (or perhaps slightly stale) chocolate sundae of a hotel experience, shall we? I've stayed there. More than once. So, here we go… the real deal FAQ, straight from yours truly, your resident (and sometimes skeptical) Hopper.
1. Is this REALLY a "Hidden Gem?" Or just… Salem?
Okay fine, let's be honest. A *gem* is a strong word. It’s not the Ritz. It’s not even a particularly shiny pebble. Look, it's a Howard Johnson. And that's key. It’s *comforting* – like a warm blanket or a poorly-tuned AM radio station playing classic rock. It's… Salem. Expect practical, not palatial. Expect… well, Salem. If by "hidden gem" you mean "budget-friendly, conveniently located, and generally clean," then yes, maybe. But don’t go expecting a diamond. Think… polished… maybe a nice piece of sea glass. Or, you know, a slightly used paper clip. Honestly, the best part is the feeling of *relief* that you found SOMETHING decent. I once stayed in a place that had questionable stains on the carpet, and I swear the bed was tilted. So, yeah, HoJo's is elevated above that, so I'm happy about that.
2. What's the *location* like? Because, you know, Salem…
Location, location, location! This is a plus. It's on... well, you'll see. It's close-ish to key things. I'd rate it solid... B+. The best part is easy access to the highway makes it a convenient launching pad for exploring the Willamette Valley. I've been on wine tours, visited the Oregon State Capitol (it's interesting, I guess!), and even drove to the coast in a day from there, and it was an okay location. It's not smack-dab downtown (which is a bit of a walk, maybe a short Uber ride), nor is it directly on the interstate, which means… some peace and quiet. Mostly. You’re surrounded by the typical chain restaurants, which is its own charm, or lack thereof. But, you know, after a long day, sometimes all you want is the comforting embrace of a Denny's.
3. What about the *Rooms*? Are we talking… retro? Or just… dated?
Okay, the rooms. This is where things get interesting. "Retro" is probably the *polite* way to put it. "Dated" is likely more accurate. Think… early 2000s, maybe even late 90s. But! And this is a big but… they're typically CLEAN. And, honestly, that goes a long way. The beds? Decent. The pillows? …Okay? Not cloud-like, but not concrete. The TV? Might be a decent-sized flat screen now… I'm not sure. I'm getting old. But generally… the rooms have what you need. What *really* made me laugh was the artwork. Let me put it this way: you'll find yourself contemplating the meaning of the abstract landscapes while you brush your teeth. It can be a fun pastime. Oh yeah, and the bathrooms. They exist. They function. I've never had a *horrible* bathroom experience there. Which, again, is saying something!
4. Is there a *Pool*? Because… Oregon.
Yes! There's a pool! And here's the thing: it's indoors. Which is crucial for Oregon. Because it rains. A lot. Now, don't expect a sparkling, Olympic-sized aquatic paradise. It's usually… adequately clean. Maybe a little chlorine-y. The last time i went, there were a few kids in the pool, which meant splashing and squealing. If you're after serene laps, this ain't it. But on a rainy day, it's a lifesaver. Imagine it: you, tired from a long day of… well, whatever Salem-y things you do… and you get to soak in the pool. It gives me the best feeling. After, I would feel the best sleep.
5. What about *Breakfast*? Is it free? And if so… does it *look* free?
Okay. Breakfast. The often-overlooked, sometimes-dreaded breakfast. Yes, it *is* included. And yes… it looks free. Think… continental. Think… packaged. Think… waffles. The waffle machine is a key player here. It's the shining star. It's probably the highlight. I've spent a good 15 minutes just making perfect waffles. The rest is pretty standard fare: cereal, bread for toast, maybe some sad-looking fruit. But hey! It's free! And it'll fill you up! And sometimes, I will make myself a waffle sandwich. I won't judge you if you do the same. Honestly, the free breakfast is a major plus. It sets you up for the day which is great!
6. Is it *Pet-Friendly*? Because my Chihuahua is basically royalty.
This. This is awesome. YES. They are pet-friendly. That’s a huge selling point. I have not brought a pet with me, but from what I understand, it’s easy. Which is great! It does mean, though, that you *might* encounter some… furry friends. Consider yourself warned. Make sure your royal Chihuahua is on their best behavior. And if you are not friendly to the other pets… remember, it's all about the unspoken rules of the hotel. Don't be *that* guest.
7. Any *Unexpected Perks*? Like… did they have a secret ice cream parlor?
Secret ice cream parlor? No. Sadly. My hopes are high every time I visit. I'm always checking! But no. The Howard Johnson doesn't exactly excel at the unexpected. However, I HAVE found a few things that stand out! Like, the staff. The staff are generally nice. Like, actually nice. Ready to answer your questions which is much appreciated. And sometimes… *sometimes*… they have cookies at the front desk. That's a win. Also, the parking is usually easy and free and its important!
8. So, *should* I stay at Howard Johnson by Wyndham in Salem? The verdict, please!
Post a Comment for "Salem's Hidden Gem: Howard Johnson by Wyndham - Your Perfect Oregon Stay"