Hoho's- meh

[nana50]

I didn't realize that there were different size rooms and beds when I booked. I just figured they had kid's suites, king size beds and queen size beds. I should have asked.

The room was clean enough, just run down and over-priced for what you get. I would prefer to time my exit to catch the dedicated shuttle back to the hotel then walk all the way back in the dark and cold. That's just me though. As my grandma used to say, "good thing everyone doesn't like the same thing or everyone would be after grandpa".

 

[WestWind]

We really like HoJos and have stayed there many times in different rooms. I have nothing negative to say about it except the prices. I find the prices are getting beyond what we are willing to pay. This year's trip we are staying at a different place that we have not tried before... at a much lower price.

 

[jory29]

Hojo's has increased in price over the years, but with the 15% DISboards discount, (or better rates yet, they recently had a 25% off sale on rooms for certain dates, on facebook, quite a few dates at the time it was posted), a person would be hard pressed to find such clean hotel, (not motel) rooms, within walking distance (8 min. max.), with great restaurants along the way. There is a free in-room safe, REALLY comfy pillowtop beds, comfortable pillows, fridge and microwave in the room, etc. Hojo's is also very receptive to taking orders in from guests who order groceries from Von's. The convenience store on site is great, so is the garden pool and the Pirate's Cove splash area, hot tub to watch the fireworks from, etc.

The kids suite can not be beat IMO, with the 2 room suite, including 2 bathrooms. It's 538 square feet. Considering where the hotel is (walking distance to Disneyland) and when comparing to other 'suite' type rooms (need I say any more about the bed bug thread last year, in a widely used motel with a lot of 'suites', where management did not care to deal effectively with the well respected DISboard member - and where beds are not pillowtop, they are known to be flat and hard beds on tripadvisor, etc?) I think the cost is reasonable at Hojo's. Would I pay full price? No, we can't afford it ourselves. But with the 15% or more discount, it is something we do aim toward.

I can agree for families with young children, you may enjoy sharing a room with the entire family - why not, the kids crash early (what kid doesn't crash hard from a day at Disney? ) With us having a teen, it is SO nice for all of us for him to have his own room to himself in the Hojo's kids suites (he is on the autism spectrum, and has an anxiety disorder, and we find that he needs his own room for some down time) - while my spouse and I share the other side with our daughter; we get a cot to put on that side. The sound proofed doors are great in the kids suite, we don't hear the traffic.

Housekeeping has always been very meticulous. Same staff, year, upon year that we have been there for the past few years - that goes without saying, Hojo's is doing something right. As far as the room type goes, when you book, you will know if you have a Queen bed or not, etc. as it is clearly stated, as another poster pointed out. There are also two 37" TV's in those kids suites. Wifi (free) has always been good for us, no issues with streaming youtube vids, etc.

BEST of all - whenever anything minor has come up - (requesting decaff only coffee, for example), housekeeping is there at our door within minutes. Or, when our fridge was too cold during one stay, management was able to help us with that as well.

We take a lot of things into consideration when staying at Hojo's; cleanliness being one of the top priorities, and, staff members, and how they treat us. The staff at Hojo's is excellent, each person seems to take it upon themselves to personally 'take on' any comment, etc., to make sure that you, the guest, are satisfied.

I doubt they would have won the Trip Advisor award that they recently won, (2014 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Top 10 “Best for Families” in USA), and in 2013, they were awarded with the Howard Johnson “Hotel of the Year", if they didn't live up to those standards. They also are one of the few hotels in the area offering free parking. No resort fees.

I also have to add that Disneyland on the whole has gone up and up in price, in number of visitors, in popularity, etc. The Cars Land was an ingenious idea, but, in the years prior, attendance and prices kept going up and up. I don't like increased prices - but with the 15% DISboard member savings, the cost is pretty reasonable overall, and I for one will not be looking for a new place to hang my hat the next time we are in the area.

 

[jory29]

First off as I have said before it is old. It screams 1960's and not in a good way.

The grounds are kept up, but the façade, lobby, (tiny) and front desk area need some serious updating.


The beds were fine but small. 2 doubles in each room instead of queens.

There was music playing until 8:00 p.m. O.K. for most but not for 2 six year old boys dealing with time change. We were in building 4 facing the kids play area.

My daughter loved the pool but 3 of the grandkids got back too late to use it.

there is no room service, no shuttle, and no restaurant in the hotel.

For this I paid the same price as I would have paid to be pampered.

Nana50, I wrote my own opinion without specifically addressing yours, and I would like to add in my opinion here, at least on some of your points...

You are right, Hojo's is older, it is a historical part of Anaheim, actually. To me, I find they have done a great job at preserving Nostalgia, (much the same way Disneyland does) and I think it's great! I'm only 43, and didn't really remember that era that well. I think they captured it well, with clean, defining, bright lines in the lobby, etc.

The rooms each give an appropriate description of what type of beds you will receive, and while I agree that 2 doubles is pretty small for beds, your room type was pre-designated before you arrived. (I usually check and confirm before I arrive, and that helps with any miscommunication.)

I don't think music playing until 8 PM was excessive, but that's just how I feel.

The hours of the pool are posted, if your grandkids wanted to use the pool they could have arrived before the (is it 10 pm?) closure, in my opinion - I don't see a need for a hotel pool to be open later than that, but again, just my opinion, the same way you are entitled to voice your opinion.

The ART is the shuttle you can take, as well, cab fares are very reasonable for such a short distance if you so chose. ART is the shuttle that carries all hotels (except for about 3, who still have their own private shuttle, if I'm not mistaken.) I don't think most people require a shuttle since it is a 7-8 minute walk, but it is there if you need it.

True, no room service, but Mimi's does have take out, and is literally right across the street. Their menu is diverse, and the food is excellent. Also, reasonably priced. We tend to stop for McD's, or that new pizza place, as well, on harbor blvd. that used to be in the former Quiznos, to take food back to our room, after a day trip to Disneyland, and the convenience store has a lot of snacks to choose from. There are also a lot of places that will deliver food directly to your room, such as pizza, Chinese, etc.

We go into the experience hoping for, and always getting - a clean room - we don't specifically go to be pampered, but the modern decore of the rooms (kids suite rooms, pirate themed) are very relaxing, and, the beds are so comfortable it is not to be believed. It ends up feeling like we are so pampered.

Sorry you felt your experiences were not as pleasant as you had hoped, but I just wanted to voice my opinion here to let others know that others may hold different opinions. We have stayed at Hojo's around 8 times, for a week each time, in the past 10 years or so, and always, our experience is a great one.

Also: You can click on 'go advanced' in your first post in this thread to change the title to Hojo's instead of Hoho's.

 

[Gisele]

No, don't do that man! I love ho hos!

 

[lightweight]

I didn't realize that there were different size rooms and beds when I booked. I just figured they had kid's suites, king size beds and queen size beds. I should have asked.

The room was clean enough, just run down and over-priced for what you get. I would prefer to time my exit to catch the dedicated shuttle back to the hotel then walk all the way back in the dark and cold. That's just me though. As my grandma used to say, "good thing everyone doesn't like the same thing or everyone would be after grandpa".

I love your Grandma's quote lol

 

[jory29]

One more thing to add to this conversation, I do agree that the kids suites can be difficult to book, as one does usually have to get them a few months in advance especially if needing the room for a longer stay. One thing I found interesting, is that if you keep checking the dates, eventually some dates really do open up. I did this daily for one of our trips, and everything opened up as needed, eventually, before our trip. We have also stayed in the Premium and regular rooms in building 1 before, and really enjoyed our stay there as well. Those were Queen beds.

 

[kirstie101]

So we are heading out Sat. on our first trip to DLR and staying at the HOHO...errr...HOJO. Any room location recommendations? or other tips? We have 2 rooms and a 13,11 and 8 yr old.

Not trying to hijack the thread, but it seems we have some good expertise on the HOJO gathered here.

Thanks for any help.

I dont know what type of room you booked but I'll tell you our rooms and locations. We've stayed in Buildings 1, 4 and 6.

In building 1 we had a park view premium room with 2 queen beds.
In buildings 4 and 6 we had standard rooms with 2 double beds.

All of those rooms had a 2nd sink outside of the bathroom which I find very handy! Some of their rooms do not so you may want to request one that does.

Though we enjoyed the park view in building 1, we didn't spend enough time in the room to feel it was worth the extra price. But it was enjoyable! We were on the 6th floor. This was the one stay where the traffic noise bothered me.

During our stays in buildings 4 and 6 I have not been bothered by traffic noise. We've been on the 1st floor for all our stays in these buildings (as we requested) and I actually prefer this location to Building 1. We travel with strollers and its just so much easier to not have to deal with an elevator IMO. These two buildings are close to the parking lot which makes paking and unpacking the car easier. Building 4 is closer to the kiddie pool which we like but some might not. The only stay where we could hear noise from the pool area was when we had a room directly facing the pool area. The noise didn't bother us. I actually liked being able to look out at the pool area from our room as did the kids.

I hope you enjoy your stay! If you have any specific requests regarding your room give Hojo's a call and let them know. Every stay they have been able to meet our reqeusts which is nice!

 

[Midnightred]

Hi there! We have visited Anaheim twice in the past 3 years and have stayed in a Hojo's Kid's Suite both times. I think the Kid's Suite is the way to go. The room is so big, and I love how you can close it off if the kids want to go to bed early. It has tons of space for you to put all of your stuff, including closets, dressers, and more. From my husband's perspective, he likes the fact that there are two bathrooms, the beds are comfy, and also the gift shop. Hubby likes to by Cliff Bars, splits of Champagne, you name it. I agree with the previous posts that booking early is the key if you want one of the Kid's Suites. I called 13 months ahead of time last booking. My cousin stayed across the hall from our Kid's Suite with her mom, teenage son, and 12 yr old daughter. The room (a premium 2 queen) was a little small for them I thought. We did sit on their balconey and watch the fireworks though, and it was nice. I think booking at the Dis rate or Mousesavers rate, and then re-booking if you are lucky enough to get a 25% off rate, is best.
The only thing is now I am thinking I want to try the Grand Californian for proximity, and to try out a different type of Disney experience, so I am uncertain what we will do next time. I will stay loyal to Hojo's for off-site stays. Oh, forgot to mention how much the kids like the pool and water park!

Midnightred

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

I know I will get flamed for this but I tried this hotel for the second time. My daughter who has never stayed here was really insistent because of trip advisor reviews. Well I think she will stop trusting their recommendations.

First off as I have said before it is old. It screams 1960's and not in a good way. The grounds are kept up, but the façade, lobby, (tiny) and front desk area need some serious updating. It is kind of sprawling. People claim it is like a hotel because the buildings have interiors, I guess. To me it is a motel and an expensive one at that. For the same price as I would pay at the Sheraton Anaheim (the castle one), I got an old poorly maintained bedroom with an old dowdy bathroom. The place where you place the luggage was all faded, scratched and the varnish coming off. The bathroom floor was chipped and I mean pretty ugly. The rooms were connecting and both in the same condition.

The beds were fine but small. 2 doubles in each room instead of queens. There was music playing until 8:00 p.m. O.K. for most but not for 2 six year old boys dealing with time change. We were in building 4 facing the kids play area.

My daughter loved the pool but 3 of the grandkids got back too late to use it. there is no room service, no shuttle, and no restaurant in the hotel. For this I paid the same price as I would have paid to be pampered. I've tried it twice and don't get it. Seriously except for the kids play area it has nothing to recommend it. The Fairfield for $89.00 next door look a lot nicer.

Given that you've tried the HoJo (not "HoHo") twice, you obviously knew about several of the items you're complaining about--items which the HoJo communicates clearly on its website. There is no on-site restaurant, they partner with the restaurant across the street--and provide several suggestions and menus for in-room delivery from other local restaurants. There is no dedicated shuttle--which isn't really necessary since ART stops directly in front of the hotel. I would note there is no shuttle at all from the Fairfield Inn, and the Fairfield's setback from the street makes it almost as long a walk as the HoJo.

You got to choose your room. If you wanted a room with Queen beds, you could have booked a room with Queen beds. The HoJo website details all room categories and their amenities very clearly. I suppose "dowdy" is a matter personal opinion, but the hotel has been completely renovated in the past few years. The lobby in particular is completely updated and very pleasant--I really can't imagine what your standards are in this regard. The hotel campus is pleasant as well. Disliking it is fine, but it's far nicer than the grounds of most non-Disney hotels adjacent to DLR.

Overall it sounds like you wanted to have a very specific hotel experience. You knew exactly what you wanted--and you've stayed at HoJo before, so you knew you wouldn't find what you wanted there (though many of us do--it's a splendid local hotel). But you chose to stay there anyway, so why are you complaining that it wasn't the experience that you already knew it wouldn't be?

Before your trip, you complained about parking. Now you're complaining about the hotel. I hope in between those two you actually enjoyed some of the time you spent at DLR.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Given that you've tried the HoJo (not "HoHo") twice, you obviously knew about several of the items you're complaining about--items which the HoJo communicates clearly on its website. There is no on-site restaurant, they partner with the restaurant across the street--and provide several suggestions and menus for in-room delivery from other local restaurants. There is no dedicated shuttle--which isn't really necessary since ART stops directly in front of the hotel. I would note there is no shuttle at all from the Fairfield Inn, and the Fairfield's setback from the street makes it almost as long a walk as the HoJo. You got to choose your room. If you wanted a room with Queen beds, you could have booked a room with Queen beds. The HoJo website details all room categories and their amenities very clearly. I suppose "dowdy" is a matter personal opinion, but the hotel has been completely renovated in the past few years. The lobby in particular is completely updated and very pleasant--I really can't imagine what your standards are in this regard. The hotel campus is pleasant as well. Disliking it is fine, but it's far nicer than the grounds of most non-Disney hotels adjacent to DLR. Overall it sounds like you wanted to have a very specific hotel experience. You knew exactly what you wanted--and you've stayed at HoJo before, so you knew you wouldn't find what you wanted there (though many of us do--it's a splendid local hotel). But you chose to stay there anyway, so why are you complaining that it wasn't the experience that you already knew it wouldn't be? Before your trip, you complained about parking. Now you're complaining about the hotel. I hope in between those two you actually liked the time you spend at DLR.

I totally agree with this and what jory has said. If it's not your cup of tea, that's fine and a lot of us have agreed they seem overpriced now, but complaining about things you knew going in isn't really fair. It's not Hojo's fault you didn't read the room descriptions - as has been said, and from own are experience, are CLEARLY stated on the website.

It is not a Hilton or Sheraton, but they have NEVER claimed to be either. And if that's what you want, then stay at one of those. You give up the convenience of location then. Outside of staying onsite (and I know even then people would disagree), Hojo is the nicest place within walking distance.

 

[sherilaine]

I don't think anyone should flame the OP here - and even if you do I think she saw it coming.

I remember reading a few posts the OP made prior to her stay - I honestly think she knew before she ever arrived that she was going to regret staying there - and I have done the same thing before - we know our standards and when we compromise those standards, perhaps for the enjoyment of others, we can come away with a less than ideal experience.

Others are right, the Hojo is what it is - going in with eyes wide open is easily done - their rooms are outdated, all you have to do is look online. Were it not for the kids suites, they'd not see me back - but I'd not be staying at any of the other motels across from DLR on Harbour either for that matter. It is, in my opinion one of the better accommodations if you want a short hop, skip and a jump to the resort!

And I loved the OPs comment about what her grandma used to say - that was excellent!!

 

[mikedoyleblogger]

I don't think anyone should flame the OP here - and even if you do I think she saw it coming.

I remember reading a few posts the OP made prior to her stay - I honestly think she knew before she ever arrived that she was going to regret staying there - and I have done the same thing before - we know our standards and when we compromise those standards, perhaps for the enjoyment of others, we can come away with a less than ideal experience.

Others are right, the Hojo is what it is - going in with eyes wide open is easily done - their rooms are outdated, all you have to do is look online. Were it not for the kids suites, they'd not see me back - but I'd not be staying at any of the other motels across from DLR on Harbour either for that matter. It is, in my opinion one of the better accommodations if you want a short hop, skip and a jump to the resort!

And I loved the OPs comment about what her grandma used to say - that was excellent!!

No one is flaming anyone here. Flaming involves anger, name calling, a closed mind, and a lack of reasonableness. Disagreeing is not flaming. Jut because OP asked not to be flamed does not mean that anyone who disagrees with OP is flaming.

I think it's perfectly reasonable to use the boards to blow off steam about a DLR (or WDW) experience that didn't go the way you hoped it would. But I don't think it's reasonable--or fair--to demand that no one disagree with an OP. And I'd ask that we use the "flame" label a lot more sparingly around here.

 

[DarthMole]

No one is flaming anyone here. Flaming involves anger, name calling, a closed mind, and a lack of reasonableness. Disagreeing is not flaming. Jut because OP asked not to be flamed does not mean that anyone who disagrees with OP is flaming.

I think it's perfectly reasonable to use the boards to blow off steam about a DLR (or WDW) experience that didn't go the way you hoped it would. But I don't think it's reasonable--or fair--to demand that no one disagree with an OP. And I'd ask that we use the "flame" label a lot more sparingly around here.

AMEN!!!

The whole "I know I'll be flamed..." preemptive strike is very off putting. A discussion where people disagree is not flaming.

 

[oumagic]

I have tried to book a kids suite numerous times and never had luck. My potential trip is 5 months away and still no luck on that room. My comments are/were only based on the two queen room I have stayed in (premium facing Disney). I liked HoJo a lot when it is/was $30-50 per night LESS than the closer hotels with breakfast. I like other hotels better when HoJo is $30-50 per night MORE. Specifically, my 4 night total at HoJo is $869.79 and Candy Cane is $744.12. I have found other hotels even cheaper for my dates but have not decided, just using that as a specific example. If those were flipped, I would say the breakfast and dedicated shuttle MIGHT not be worth the price difference to me. However, with HoJo costing more, I just don't think it is as nice. As I said before, I really think they need to add something to justify the hefty increases. Whether that is a meal voucher, welcome basket, free shuttle, I just don't know. Of course, it is just my opinion and I am glad that there are many that do think it is worth the price. I also stayed at GCH for $300 or so and thought that was worth it but do not think current prices are. Everyone has their personal opinions and can express them civilly. Without people expressing opinions, these boards would not be as helpful as they are.

When I was raving to friends and family how great HoJo was it was because I stayed at $99/night; I felt it was better value than $99 but just not worth double to me now. I was there in 2011 at that rate so it is not like I am comparing the 2014 price to the 1990 price. Some of the things that the OP complains about I do not worry about at the 2011 price but definitely bother me at $200/night.

 

[sherilaine]

No one is flaming anyone here. Flaming involves anger, name calling, a closed mind, and a lack of reasonableness. Disagreeing is not flaming. Jut because OP asked not to be flamed does not mean that anyone who disagrees with OP is flaming.

I think it's perfectly reasonable to use the boards to blow off steam about a DLR (or WDW) experience that didn't go the way you hoped it would. But I don't think it's reasonable--or fair--to demand that no one disagree with an OP. And I'd ask that we use the "flame" label a lot more sparingly around here.

Where did I say anyone did flame the OP? I merely suggested I don't think anyone should - my post did not quote anyone - it was an isolated post. Not sure why you took offence.

 

[nannyz]

I am curious to know what makes the HoJo rooms outdated in some folks' opinion.

They give you a comfortable bed, a place to put your clothes, and table and chairs to sit at, a bathroom with clean linens, a TV, a telephone, a Keurig coffee maker, a hair dryer, etc etc etc.

What would HoJo have to do to "update" the rooms? Do the onsite hotels have something better?

Either way, HoJo will always be my choice.

And by the way, has anyone ever noticed the lovely magnolia tree on the grounds?

 

[luulu1999]

I have never stayed there but they were definitely out of my price range for a suite even if one was available and I like having breakfast so it is one less meal a day I have to pay for but I have decided Park Vue Inn is where we will be staying for our July trip.

 

[kirstie101]

As I said before, I really think they need to add something to justify the hefty increases. Whether that is a meal voucher, welcome basket, free shuttle, I just don't know. Of course, it is just my opinion and I am glad that there are many that do think it is worth the price. I also stayed at GCH for $300 or so and thought that was worth it but do not think current prices are. Everyone has their personal opinions and can express them civilly. Without people expressing opinions, these boards would not be as helpful as they are.

And for our family that something extra or something to justify the increase is the kid pool area. Its the best kid pool area I think you can find unless you're willing to pay the prices for the Disney hotels. I'm also willing to pay more to stay in a hotel rather than a motel.

Though I will add that I've never experienced the rates you are referring to. We are lucky enough to get the AP discount and I've never paid more than $130ish for a standard room.

 

[sweethannah]

I have never stayed there but they were definitely out of my price range for a suite even if one was available and I like having breakfast so it is one less meal a day I have to pay for but I have decided Park Vue Inn is where we will be staying for our July trip.

I've booked as a package so it's hard to figure out the per diem but imho the Hojo is pretty comparable to other, closer properties that are definitely more 'motel-like'.

Truth is, there aren't alot of premium properties off site. If the OP was looking for luxury and relatively close the choices are limited.