I don't know where that thread is - but those are my two favorite hotels and I can give you my take. I could be wrong but I don't think there is a huge difference in distance between either hotel and the esplanade. But PPH is definitely closer to DCA - using the GCH entrance.
I do prefer the walk from PPH, you can either walk sort of behind the hotel towards DLH and go into DTD - or go out the front of the hotel cross the street and cut thru the GCH. Cutting thru the GCH is shorter than going the other way. You can go thru the GCH either into DCA - or into DTD about 1/2 way up.
The walk from PPH is clean, very scenic, and relaxing. The walk from HoJo is along very busy Harbor Blvd, completely different experience.
If you can get PPH for a rate close to HoJo - I would stay there. If not - if it's $150 more a night I would stay at HoJo.
Staying at PPH I really felt "on vacation" the whole time. It's nice to be able to get food or room service in the hotel too if you want/need too. The pool is on the third floor roof area, the slide is fun and you can see the fireworks really well from the pool deck if you walk to the end of the building.
HoJo is great too - we really like it. It's clean, the grounds are really nice. The garden pool and pirate pool area are both great. You can see the fireworks okay from the HoJo pool area too - not as good since you aren't high. If you get one of the rooms facing the park on the higher floors you can see them from there.
I really don't think you can wrong with either one. I would choose based on your budget and whether or not you want to have food available in the hotel. Mimi's is just accross from HoJo - but in PPH you have the PCH Grill and the sort of coffeeshop in the lobby - name escapes me at the moment.
