Howard Johnson Anaheim Room, pool and jacuzzi Review

[Kayla's Mom]

The foam that doesn't go away from a jaccuzi is from "proteins" (aka skin ) on the water's surface. Yes, I do have a jaccuzi at home so I know how to take care of it. Bubbles and foam are two entirely differently things. If the water is foamy, it's past time to take care of the issue.

I suddenly am not feeling so great about DH and I's visit to the Hojos jacuzzi on Saturday night.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

FWIW - I don't think the original review was harsh, just their experience. I personally would have probably brought it to someone's attention while I was there, because I think that's fair and it gives the hotel a chance to correct the issue.


The foam that doesn't go away from a jaccuzi is from "proteins" (aka skin ) on the water's surface. Yes, I do have a jaccuzi at home so I know how to take care of it. Bubbles and foam are two entirely differently things. If the water is foamy, it's past time to take care of the issue.

Thank Queenbillabong. I thought I had read and heard on the news years ago that one shouldn't be in a jacuzzi with a lot of foam in it.

My original intention was to bring the photos to the front desk and show it to them so they could correct the issues, but I totally forgot to do it on our last day and as I said, DH checked us out and he was oblivious. As long as he has a comfortable bed to sleep in in a safe hotel, he's fine with all the rest. Honestly, since there seems to be mainly only glowingly positive reviews of Hojo, I thought it would be refreshing, and a little dose of reality, to see one from a different perspective.

 

[MommyWithDreams]

I suddenly am not feeling so great about DH and I's visit to the Hojos jacuzzi on Saturday night.

I'm sure after this post is seen (if they haven't already) that jacuzzi will be perfectly clean come Saturday night.

I have never, and will never use a hotel Jacuzzi. I can't remember a time I've used a hotel pool either. Just gives me the heebie jeebies. I know a lot of people really look forward to the pool on vacations....living in California and having a pool always available to us....we spend all our time in the parks instead of the pools.

 

[Kayla's Mom]

I'm sure after this post is seen (if they haven't already) that jacuzzi will be perfectly clean come Saturday night.

I realized my post wasn't very clear -- DH and I were already in the jacuzzi this past Saturday, foam and all.

 

[Queenbillabong]

I realized my post wasn't very clear -- DH and I were already in the jacuzzi this past Saturday, foam and all.

Ewwwww

 

[MommyWithDreams]

I realized my post wasn't very clear -- DH and I were already in the jacuzzi this past Saturday, foam and all.

I just had a visual of the Nemo scene..."I inked"....but instead you'd say "I foamed"

 

[Kayla's Mom]

Ewwwww

I know! Not sure why it didn't even cross my mind that it wasn't normal! A long day in the parks I guess....

I just had a visual of the Nemo scene..."I inked"....but instead you'd say "I foamed"

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

The Internet thing bugs me too, but they told me that you can actually get a cord at the front desk so that you can use the desk rather than the bed - which I what I'm going to do next time I stay there

Queenbillabong, I forgot to tell you, on our previous stay at Hojo, we asked for and received a longer ethernet cable. The problem was that it still wasn't long enough to get from the bed to the desk thing that is now in the middle of the dresser drawers. So we ended up moving the dinette set in between the 2 beds (This was in the NQQ1 room in which the ethernet hook up is located between the 2 beds on the nightstand) and put the laptop on it there while we sat on the bed. It was better, but still not as comfortable as the old set up w/ the real desk and additional ethernet hookup. It worked though, and it's free so I can't complain too much. I just liked the old set up better...

 

[Queenbillabong]

Queenbillabong, I forgot to tell you, on our previous stay at Hojo, we asked for and received a longer ethernet cable. The problem was that it still wasn't long enough to get from the bed to the desk thing that is now in the middle of the dresser drawers. So we ended up moving the dinette set in between the 2 beds (This was in the NQQ1 room in which the ethernet hook up is located between the 2 beds on the nightstand) and put the laptop on it there while we sat on the bed. It was better, but still not as comfortable as the old set up w/ the real desk and additional ethernet hookup. It worked though, and it's free so I can't complain too much. I just liked the old set up better...

Oh, that's good to know! I bring work along when I travel, so I was hoping for something a bit better. Last time I stayed there, I about broke my neck working on the laptop on the bed I'll keep my fingers crossed that they have long enough cords - or I'll be doing some creative furniture arranging

 

[kiwitravel]

So now I'm curious. My parents own a jacuzzi and they were told that the chlorine or detergent (I can't remember which) on swimsuits makes that foam. They have separate swimsuits they only use for their jacuzzi and now no foam.

Does anyone know what causes the foam? Do I want to know?

The hotel should be changing the water in the hot tub of a hotel of that size at the very least once a week, preferably every couple of days, ideally every night...

A small amount of foam is ok and can be accepted as some people do not shower before hopping in but the state of that pool was outright dangerous and should have been reported...

Poorly maintained pools like that one are a breeding ground of bacteria....

 

[Sunset Cliffs]

Just my 2 cents about the room layout... We have stayed there twice in the last year and both times we had a room with 2 queen beds. In both situations, the closet was behind the door when you walked in. There was an area for the suitcase (like in your picture) but the counter was very long with 6 drawers underneath. Plenty of room for clothes for multiple people. There was a large space by the door that led out to the balcony. This is where we put a Pack 'N Play for our son to sleep in.

I remember the internet cord was in between the 2 beds by the nightstand. It was very short and you could only use the lap top on one of the beds.

 

[Casken]

We just came back from Disneyland and we loved the HOJO. I cannot believe how someone can nit pick a hotel so much. This review is not the only one I've read that has picked apart the HOJO (or other hotels for that matter). I think it's sad that a person posts pictures like that of someone's business when there is no reason really to complain. Think about it. Would you want someone pulling your fridge out and taking a picture of what's behind it? Unbelievable.

I'll stay at the HOJO again.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Just my 2 cents about the room layout... We have stayed there twice in the last year and both times we had a room with 2 queen beds. In both situations, the closet was behind the door when you walked in. There was an area for the suitcase (like in your picture) but the counter was very long with 6 drawers underneath. Plenty of room for clothes for multiple people. There was a large space by the door that led out to the balcony. This is where we put a Pack 'N Play for our son to sleep in.

I remember the internet cord was in between the 2 beds by the nightstand. It was very short and you could only use the lap top on one of the beds.

Yes, I mentioned that in several of my responses to this thread. The drawers are larger in the Queen room. I liked the size of both the Queen room and the King room.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

We just came back from Disneyland and we loved the HOJO. I cannot believe how someone can nit pick a hotel so much. This review is not the only one I've read that has picked apart the HOJO (or other hotels for that matter). I think it's sad that a person posts pictures like that of someone's business when there is no reason really to complain. Think about it. Would you want someone pulling your fridge out and taking a picture of what's behind it? Unbelievable.

I'll stay at the HOJO again.

Ummm, I didn't have to pull out anything to see the dust build up. It was in/on the bathroom vent right above the sink. All I had to do was look up. I was just surprised at the dust build up and the jacuzzi condition. Like I said in another post, I could understand them deferring maintenance on the tile/grout issue because that is probably a major refurb. I can't get over the dust build up in the bathroom vent and I won't get in a hot tub in that condition. I thought it would be helpful to others who are considering stayng there to post my honest review. I'm glad you liked Hojo. We like them too, and I will continue to stay there for the right price. I just think a little better maintenance and housekeeping is in order.

 

[Judy from Boise]

Hey, those are Keurig coffeemakers ! After a week stay at Universal Orlando in 2006, where they had them in the rooms, I have bought two for my house and one for work! They are great. Definately considered an upgrade.

 

[fairykin]

DisneySuiteFreak...I am so sorry that things at the hotel were not as You expected them to be. And I'm also sorry that You had a hard time in this post.

I see that You Love cameras and photography. It was only natural that You took photos to communicate what You saw.

I have never stayed at Hojos. But I did stay Concerige at the Grand Californian last weekend. I have been debating as to whether to write about the problems we had. I didn't want the battle of people thinking they had to defend the hotel.. I didn't want to rain on anyone's parade who is planning a trip. But reading Your post made me think......... Hey! I planned and saved to stay there, and I didn't have good service.

One night we took two glasses of wine back to our room. And the next morning my friend brought two plates of fruit and breakfast items back to the room as I didn't go to the lounge. Welllllllllllll... we leave the room... don't come back til 10 til 8.... and guess what we find...... YEP... the dirty breakfast plates with dirty napkins on them....right next to the two wine glasses... and one of the wine glass had less than a sip in it.

It was evident this was to be disposed of. So instead of going to the Conceirge Lounge and relaxing after a day in the park.. i answered the door to the evening housekeeper who dropped off mints and she nicely said she didn't do the dishes to call housekeeping.

Okay...So we say... what is up with that?! Next thing is a knock on the door.. it's from Housekeeping..she has brought her manager..the manager see's it and she tells us to call the main housekeeping manager. I just stand there.. shaking my head.. thinking... not only is this crummy service, it's conceirge. So my friend tells the manager about the dishes not cleaned up.
An hour and a 1/2 later..still not cleaned. We tell conceige..one of the ladies comes down with a tray and takes it away. When she does..she has the biggest attitude and talks back.

It left such a bad taste in my mouth. Also, I didn't even mention where my friends bed looked like someone had laid in it..and my bed didn't even have the foot coverlet on it..it was left laying on a chair. Just one thing after another.

I feel sad this happened to You..and Me.

It doesn't matter if it happened at Hojo's or the Grand Californian... we save and plan and pay good money for a lovely vacation. The things You mentioned and I mentioned are BASIC things. We go on these trips for rest and relaxation. Not to deal with problems like this.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Hey, those are Keurig coffeemakers ! After a week stay at Universal Orlando in 2006, where they had them in the rooms, I have bought two for my house and one for work! They are great. Definately considered an upgrade.

Is there any way to be able to use your own coffee in them though? Or do you have to buy the coffee they sell to go with those coffeemakers?

My DH said he thought the coffee was decent for 'hotel coffee' -- that's how he worded it. We're just used to bringing/making our own. When we stayed at FFI on a previous trip they had the cheapie 1 cup coffeemakers with regular coffee, so we bought a cheap 4 cup one from Walgreens. Had we known that Hojos changed the coffeemakers to this type, we probably would've brought it, but we didn't think to because we're used to them having the regular 4 cup coffeemakers in the rooms.

 

[DangerMouse]

DisneySuiteFreak...I am so sorry that things at the hotel were not as You expected them to be. And I'm also sorry that You had a hard time in this post.

I see that You Love cameras and photography. It was only natural that You took photos to communicate what You saw.

I have never stayed at Hojos. But I did stay Concerige at the Grand Californian last weekend. I have been debating as to whether to write about the problems we had. I didn't want the battle of people thinking they had to defend the hotel.. I didn't want to rain on anyone's parade who is planning a trip. But reading Your post made me think......... Hey! I planned and saved to stay there, and I didn't have good service.

One night we took two glasses of wine back to our room. And the next morning my friend brought two plates of fruit and breakfast items back to the room as I didn't go to the lounge. Welllllllllllll... we leave the room... don't come back til 10 til 8.... and guess what we find...... YEP... the dirty breakfast plates with dirty napkins on them....right next to the two wine glasses... and one of the wine glass had less than a sip in it.

It was evident this was to be disposed of. So instead of going to the Conceirge Lounge and relaxing after a day in the park.. i answered the door to the evening housekeeper who dropped off mints and she nicely said she didn't do the dishes to call housekeeping.

Okay...So we say... what is up with that?! Next thing is a knock on the door.. it's from Housekeeping..she has brought her manager..the manager see's it and she tells us to call the main housekeeping manager. I just stand there.. shaking my head.. thinking... not only is this crummy service, it's conceirge. So my friend tells the manager about the dishes not cleaned up.
An hour and a 1/2 later..still not cleaned. We tell conceige..one of the ladies comes down with a tray and takes it away. When she does..she has the biggest attitude and talks back.

It left such a bad taste in my mouth. Also, I didn't even mention where my friends bed looked like someone had laid in it..and my bed didn't even have the foot coverlet on it..it was left laying on a chair. Just one thing after another.

I feel sad this happened to You..and Me.

It doesn't matter if it happened at Hojo's or the Grand Californian... we save and plan and pay good money for a lovely vacation. The things You mentioned and I mentioned are BASIC things. We go on these trips for rest and relaxation. Not to deal with problems like this.

Dawn, I'm so sorry to hear about the crappy service you and Cheryl received at the GCH. This is about the third recent complaint I have read about their housekeeping department. I would encourage you to post this as a separate post for the whole board to see. Potential guests and especially concierge guests need to know what they are/are not getting for the insane price the GCH charges.

I hope your trip was magical otherwise.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

DisneySuiteFreak...I am so sorry that things at the hotel were not as You expected them to be. And I'm also sorry that You had a hard time in this post.
I see that You Love cameras and photography. It was only natural that You took photos to communicate what You saw.
I have never stayed at Hojos. But I did stay Concerige at the Grand Californian last weekend. I have been debating as to whether to write about the problems we had. I didn't want the battle of people thinking they had to defend the hotel.. I didn't want to rain on anyone's parade who is planning a trip. But reading Your post made me think......... Hey! I planned and saved to stay there, and I didn't have good service....
It left such a bad taste in my mouth. Also, I didn't even mention where my friends bed looked like someone had laid in it..and my bed didn't even have the foot coverlet on it..it was left laying on a chair. Just one thing after another.
I feel sad this happened to You..and Me.
It doesn't matter if it happened at Hojo's or the Grand Californian... we save and plan and pay good money for a lovely vacation. The things You mentioned and I mentioned are BASIC things. We go on these trips for rest and relaxation. Not to deal with problems like this.

Fairykin, thank you so much for your thoughtful and enlightened post. I really appreciate your posting to this thread. I absolutely agree with you 100%. I'm glad that people here love Hojos and Disney and GC. Obviously that's why we're all here participating on this board. I just don't understand how some people can get so riled up, and as you said feel like they have to defend the hotel. It is what it is. A picture speaks a 1,000 words, and well, there it is. It speaks. If I had simply written about it, probably no one would have believed me. So I documented with photos. I do tend to live my life looking through the lens and you're right, the first thing I do is reach for the camera.
I just felt compelled to write this review, even though I knew I would take knocks from some people, because it was the truth. I think that all businesses should strive to be consistent. Consistency is very important in any business. (DH & I own one so we kind of know a little about being in business and what customers expect.) Our clients want to know that they will have a consistently good product and good service. I felt that the ball was dropped in this instance. And I can't help but wonder how many other instances it was dropped and no one said a word for fear of backlash.
I know that there are others who have had disappointing experiences at all the hotels, and there are those that have had nothing but wonderful experiences. Why not just be honest about it? Not everyone will have the exact same experiences.
But again, that's where quality control, better training for back of the house personnel like housekeeping and maintenance, and guest service training needs to be exercised by the hotel management to help ensure a successful and consistent product.
I feel badly for you way more than me, because I know you must have paid a lot more than I did to stay at GC. They obviously need better training implemented...
We plan and look forward to our vacations for so long. We're on the boards daily, dreaming about the trip we will make, and it's just sad when these things go wrong. It's even worse for you because they gave you attitude about it. That's is horrible service and so unlike the Disney way of doing business.
Honestly, the only reasons I didn't say anything to my DH about the problems at the Jacuzzi and the room was because
1) He's not a Disney enthusiast like me. He tolerates taking me there because he knows it makes me happy.
2) It was our first time getting away as just a couple and we were celebrating our 20th anniversary trip. Our anniversary is actually in December but we decided to go when it was warmer this year.
3) I didn't want him to feel like I wasn't appreciative of him bringing me there.
So, I said nothing to him because I didn't want to ruin our trip/experience. That's why he didn't know to say anything upon check out... I held it in until I got home and started going through my photos of our trip. That got me to thinking that I should share our experience with the people of this board. If I wanted to be a jerk, I could post it all over the internet, on Tripadvisor.com, and all the other Disney boards I participate in. I chose this board because this is the board I participate in the most, thinking that I might be helping people or helping Hojos to see that they have some issues they could improve upon. Surprisingly, I've had no response to this thread from Lorealle even though she knows about it and supposedly took it to the GM, so I guess that means they don't care. I don't expect anything. I just hope that they clean up the jacuzzi, clean the vents in all the rooms, not the just premium ones, and when they get a chance fix the mildewed and cracked tiles. This is an opportunity for them to better train their personnel (at Hojos and GC). This is a teaching moment. In business and in life, complaints or criticism provide opportunities for correction. It's when people stop complaining and simply give up on you or your product, that you have to really be concerned.

 

[fairykin]

DangerMouse... ooohhh if You *OnLy* knew what else happened It's so bad I haven't even mentioned it on the boards. Let's just say.. that i feel i've lost the Disney Magic. And that makes me so sad.

Like DisneySuiteFreak said...We also own a small business..and if we don't take good care of the people who spend their money with us...they will spend their money with our competitors.

I can so understand how you felt..it was a special ocassion.. and you didn't want to ruin it by complaining. More so than you know as it was my birthday trip.

The only good thing was that I had my good friend with me. And so it got to the point.. where they would do something wrong..and we would just look at each other and laugh like...ooohhhKaY!