Howard Johnson Anaheim Room, pool and jacuzzi Review

[bumbershoot]

Obviously Lorealle is the coolest person ever. Nice solution! Of course...you'll be hearing from people who stay in rooms before the perfect room team gets to them...

It was a very honest hotel review. I think it is silly how people feel the need to defend a hotel.

People haven't defended the hotel; the main complaint I've seen here and that I have had from the beginning is that they needed to take this complaint to the hotel immediately. If not immediately, upon checkout. If not at checkout, as soon as they got home. Directly.

Even if they posted it here while also sending it to hojo, that's fine.

People on the WDW boards ALWAYS have complaints about the hotels...whether it's POP or OKW or...OK, I don't know that I've seen complaints about the actual rooms at Poly...but still, when something goes wrong you have to bring it to their attention *while you're there*. Once you're gone, the gap widens. Their ability to make it totally right is gone...

I've stayed in many other rooms at Hojos (all premium DL view rooms of course) and none of them were ever in this condition.

Is it too much to expect that when you stay in a hotel the room will be clean --including the air vents? Is it too much to expect that the jacuzzi would be clean?

I have a business and if I fall down on the job or provide substandard service or work, the people who are my clients will take their business elsewhere. That is a fact of life. They most likely won't say a word to us about it. They'd just go straight to our competition. And they will very probably tell everyone they know in the industry why they are no longer coming to us.

ETA: That vent was more than overlooked. It looked like it hadn't been attended to in at least 10 years.

Then you knew it was a strange occurrence. You know it wasn't normal. You knew they'd hate to know there was such a problem.

Last time at PPH the AC vent was rattling like crazy. I knew it would be bad. We were only there for one night, we didn't want to waste time, but I wouldn't be able to sleep. I called maintenance, waited around, jumped in the shower (giving DS firm instructions to just tell anyone who knocked I'd be right out), and of course a minute before I was done with the shower, they knocked. And of course DS told them I was in the shower.

I dressed superfast, they came in, they found that the vent was loose, they tightened it up, they were done in under 5 minutes. (and then I turned on the tv and found out that MJ was dead, sigh) So easy, and no complaints from me!

I once stayed at a scary little hotel in NC, it was disgusting...I complained, because I too have asthma and allergies (though actually I only had exercise induced asthma, not all the time asthma, back then) and they were worse back then, but there was nothing they could do, their whole hotel was like that. Gag. But at least I knew.

My mom and stepdad stayed at some random place, and the room was so bad my mom's dormant for years asthma flared up, and I think my stepdad ended up dismantling something in the room, b/c the hotel didn't care...it was just a matter of making it throgh the night...I think he dismantled the AC b/c there was no "off" switch and it was the vent that was sickening...

You have to complain directly to the company/hotel, you just have to. It's not right or fair to not complain if you have a complaint.

And as a small business owner, do you *like* it when people don't complain and just leave? If you don't like it, then BE the change you want in the world...don't act like the customers you lose who don't complain; give them a chance.

And give them a chance directly. That's all I'm saying.

With hotel cleanliness, if I see something gross, I figure that room is next on the deep clean list, and I either mention it or not. If I don't mention it, *it doesn't bug me that much*.

As for jacuzzis...they're all nasty, LOL. But if I felt like getting in, I'd probably just figure that the next day was their day for deep-cleaning.


The hotel has undergone large renovations. That sort of thing can mess up a vent fast. Goodness gracious you should see our intake thingie...big time construction going on in the streets outside, and the dust here is incredible.

As for stuff in the tub...eh. There's almost always stuff in apartment tubs, no matter how hard I clean it...it's clean, but the stuff is there. I never feel it has anything to do with actual cleanliness. Then again, since we don't own a place and have no authority to be making big changes...maybe that's why I accept it. I wouldn't know the first thing to do about it.

 

[DangerMouse]

Why shouldn't I have expected to get a response from Lorealle?

Because unlike most of us ultra obsessive compulsive Disney planning fanatics, Lorealle doesn't live here on the Disboards. I know she checks in from time to time, but she isn't going to catch everything.

And give them a chance directly. That's all I'm saying.

Which was my point as well.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

when something goes wrong you have to bring it to their attention *while you're there*. Once you're gone, the gap widens. Their ability to make it totally right is gone...

It should have been totally right before we ever stepped foot in the hotel.

Then you knew it was a strange occurrence. You know it wasn't normal. You knew they'd hate to know there was such a problem.

No, I didn't know that it was an anomoly. I had never stayed in the King rooms before, and I have read many complaints about the King rooms in the past which is why I originally hesitated to book the King rooms. I posted before our trip, questions about the King rooms, and no one responded. I didn't know if it was an anomoly or if it was the norm for the King rooms facing the freeway. When I booked, I assumed all the complaints were from whiners who couldn't stand the freeway noise. The noise doesn't bother me due to the white noise from the A/C so that wasn't an issue. I didn't know what to expect going into the King room. I hoped it would be just as nice/clean as the NQQ1 rooms.

<snip>I dressed superfast, they came in, they found that the vent was loose, they tightened it up, they were done in under 5 minutes. (and then I turned on the tv and found out that MJ was dead, sigh) So easy, and no complaints from me!

I'm glad that worked out for you. I couldn't have done what you did because I didn't want my DH to know that I was disappointed in the condition of the room. Additionally, even if I called up the front desk, seeing the condition of the vent, can we agree that it would have been much longer than 5 minutes to clean something that filthy?

My mom and stepdad stayed at some random place, and the room was so bad my mom's dormant for years asthma flared up, and I think my stepdad ended up dismantling something in the room, b/c the hotel didn't care...it was just a matter of making it throgh the night...I think he dismantled the AC b/c there was no "off" switch and it was the vent that was sickening... .

If hojos was that bad I wouldn't have been able to stand it and I would have complained while there.

You have to complain directly to the company/hotel, you just have to. It's not right or fair to not complain if you have a complaint.
And as a small business owner, do you *like* it when people don't complain and just leave? If you don't like it, then BE the change you want in the world...don't act like the customers you lose who don't complain; give them a chance. And give them a chance directly. That's all I'm saying.

In the last 20 years of being in business we haven't lost one customer yet due to our negligence. If we've lost them, it's because they went out of business. We are in a specialized field and we deliver good service and a high quality product for our customers because we place extremely high expectations on ourselves and the people who work for us to get it right the first time, no excuses.

With hotel cleanliness, if I see something gross, I figure that room is next on the deep clean list, and I either mention it or not. If I don't mention it, *it doesn't bug me that much*.
As for jacuzzis...they're all nasty, LOL. But if I felt like getting in, I'd probably just figure that the next day was their day for deep-cleaning.

Based on Lorealle's response, I don't know if they had a 'deep clean list until they realized there was a problem when they saw my post and they created the team.

The hotel has undergone large renovations. That sort of thing can mess up a vent fast. Goodness gracious you should see our intake thingie...big time construction going on in the streets outside, and the dust here is incredible.

Not that fast. They were still doing renovations on our floor when we got there. I saw them moving in furniture and a big roll of what I thought was carpeting. That vent wasn't cleaned in years and it's very obvious. You don't have to make excuses for them. Lorealle has already stated that the condition of the vent is inexcusable.

As for stuff in the tub...eh. There's almost always stuff in apartment tubs, no matter how hard I clean it...it's clean, but the stuff is there. I never feel it has anything to do with actual cleanliness. Then again, since we don't own a place and have no authority to be making big changes...maybe that's why I accept it. I wouldn't know the first thing to do about it.

Well, it is a time consuming thing. The old grout/silicon sealer has to be removed and new one put in. There is no way to remove the mildew once it goes into the grout or silicon sealer other than to remove it and replace it. It's actually simple, just time consuming because you have to dig out the grout. If it's silicon then it could be cut out or shaved off with a tool they make just for stripping this kind of stuff. The cracked tile would be the bigger problem because that whole piece has to be removed and a new one put in. They'd have to find matching tiles, which I don't know if they exist anymore since the property is older. That's why I said I can understand that it's more of a major refurb, and not something the maid would handle, and so it's a little more understandable that they would let something like this go for a while before repairing it.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Because unlike most of us ultra obsessive compulsive Disney planning fanatics, Lorealle doesn't live here on the Disboards. I know she checks in from time to time, but she isn't going to catch everything.

Which is what I figured was the case until she posted on another thread several days ago that she saw this thread. Then it started to irk me, and made me wonder about their level of customer service. At any rate it's all resolved now.

 

[Amy&Dan]

DisneySuiteFreak: I am so glad you posted the review, that Lorealle came on and supplied you and the rest of us with assurances that they are handling this and that in spite of some bumps with your room, you had a wonderful trip for your anniversary!

While I can see that its always best to bring up issues like this to the hotel while you are there, I can so see why you didn't. Somehow, I think if I had been in your shoes, I would have probably done the same. But the good news is that unlike most other hotels, the Hojo staff actually find ways to achieve customer service beyond a face to face complaint.

That vent was so gross, I am so glad you took a picture, and I am betting its pristine now!

In any case, thanks again for posting and hanging in there with the thread and thanks to the Hojo for coming through as they always do on the disboards.

I guess it all worked out and that's a happy ending!

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

DisneySuiteFreak: I am so glad you posted the review, that Lorealle came on and supplied you and the rest of us with assurances that they are handling this and that in spite of some bumps with your room, you had a wonderful trip for your anniversary!

While I can see that its always best to bring up issues like this to the hotel while you are there, I can so see why you didn't. Somehow, I think if I had been in your shoes, I would have probably done the same. But the good news is that unlike most other hotels, the Hojo staff actually find ways to achieve customer service beyond a face to face complaint.

That vent was so gross, I am so glad you took a picture, and I am betting its pristine now!
In any case, thanks again for posting and hanging in there with the thread and thanks to the Hojo for coming through as they always do on the disboards.
I guess it all worked out and that's a happy ending!

Thank you Amy&Dan! I appreciate your input on this thread and yes, I am so happy that Lorealle and the Hojo Staff are working to resolve the problems at the hotel. And it is a happy ending!

 

[fairykin]

I'm Impressed that Hojo's stepped forward and not only listened but implemented a plan to create a better service for their clients.

Well Done!

 

[pigletforever]

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. Definitely considered an upgrade.

I love my Keurig at home. My DH loved it so much I had to get one for his office as well. It would definitely be a perk to have that in a hotel room. Best coffee system I have EVER owned.

Haven't stayed at HOJO but have heard awesome things about the hotel and their family friendliness. We are staying at Sheraton in a couple weeks but talking about HOJO in January.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I love my Keurig at home. My DH loved it so much I had to get one for his office as well. It would definitely be a perk to have that in a hotel room. Best coffee system I have EVER owned.

Haven't stayed at HOJO but have heard awesome things about the hotel and their family friendliness. We are staying at Sheraton in a couple weeks but talking about HOJO in January.

I guess I should have tried it then...DH is a coffee freak so for him to say it's pretty decent means it was probably pretty good for most people.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I'm Impressed that Hojo's stepped forward and not only listened but implemented a plan to create a better service for their clients.

Well Done!

Yep, that's the Hojos that we know and love. They are very impressive when it comes to their customer service.

 

[rune_74]

Why shouldn't I have expected to get a response from Lorealle? She has always responded in the past when others have posted problems/issues with their stay at Hojo. And...I haven't spent days monitoring this thread DM, I only responded when others posted to the thread. It's not like I was bumping it up every few hours for attention. This public forum exists to exchange information about DLR, the surrounding properties and planning info. That's what I did. I didn't post it to get a response from her. I posted to share the information and hoped she would see it and correct the problems. In fact, I assumed she didn't see the thread and I was fine with that until she mentioned on another thread that she did indeed see it. Then it irked me. At any rate, she is working with her team to fix the problems so hopefully it will improve the property overall for the better.

I don't get why you would not have contacted the hotel directly to get the issues looked at, but instead chose to make it a very public thread. Kudos to HOJO for addressing it, and being very political about it.

 

[jory29]

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...

A person can also use a pocket wireless router, but be sure to set security on it for yourself through your home pc first. http://www.mobiletechreview.com/tips/D-Link-Pocket-Router-AP.htm
This means wireless devices will be able to have access to the net, too.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I don't get why you would not have contacted the hotel directly to get the issues looked at, but instead chose to make it a very public thread. Kudos to HOJO for addressing it, and being very political about it.

I already stated why I didn't say anything while I was there. Why did I post the review for everyone to see? Because I think people should know what they are paying for. Also because when I asked about the King rooms on this site I got zero response. I think if people are going to be in business and sell a product, they should know that they have to stand by that product be it good or bad. Unfortunately my review was not a great review. There are lots of positive reviews on this site, including many I have posted myself in the past.
It was a fair, unbiased, honest review of the conditions of my stay there. I don't want anything from them, nor do I expect a refund, or anything like that. There are a ton of biased people who would complain because they expect something in return. I don't expect or want anything. I just wanted a clean room, clean facilities, parking and a safe place to stay. I got 2 out of 4, that's why I posted the review.
I am sure that after this review, they will work very hard to not let something like the conditions we experienced happen again. Everyone criticizing the review should be thanking me, because the next time you stay there, your room and the jacuzzi will very probably be much cleaner.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

A person can also use a pocket wireless router, but be sure to set security on it for yourself through your home pc first. http://www.mobiletechreview.com/tips/D-Link-Pocket-Router-AP.htm
This means wireless devices will be able to have access to the net, too.

Thanks that's good to know about.

 

[rune_74]

I already stated why I didn't say anything while I was there. Why did I post the review for everyone to see? Because I think people should know what they are paying for. Also because when I asked about the King rooms on this site I got zero response. I think if people are going to be in business and sell a product, they should know that they have to stand by that product be it good or bad. Unfortunately my review was not a great review. There are lots of positive reviews on this site, including many I have posted myself in the past.
It was a fair, unbiased, honest review of the conditions of my stay there. I don't want anything from them, nor do I expect a refund, or anything like that. There are a ton of biased people who would complain because they expect something in return. I don't expect or want anything. I just wanted a clean room, clean facilities, parking and a safe place to stay. I got 2 out of 4, that's why I posted the review.
I am sure that after this review, they will work very hard to not let something like the conditions we experienced happen again. Everyone criticizing the review should be thanking me, because the next time you stay there, your room and the jacuzzi will very probably be much cleaner.

I still don't get why didn't you contact them after you left?

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I still don't get why didn't you contact them after you left?

Re-read my previous post. I didn't post it for them (Hojos). I posted it to share and exchange information about my room and the conditions I experienced while there with the people on this board because when I asked for info on the King Room no one responded. In addition to that, I knew they would see it here sooner or later and that when they did, they would probably fix the things that were wrong with the room.

 

[marvel]

I have read this thread with interest as we just came back from HOJO's and I agree with alot that has been said. HOJO's is good value, but there are issues. We stayed in the king room and after much much research about the likely noise issue, we found the noise to be much louder than we expected. ANd the air condition is like a jet engine.

Now, we have no-one to blame, we still had a good time, it didn't bother the kids. But there is no-way that I would ever stay on the freeway side again. I don't think anyone truly indicated how loud the noise is, to the level that the windows shake quite often when large trucks pass.

Also, i agree the bathrooms are a bit below the cleanliness of the rest of the rooms. and how anyone can go in that jacuzzi is beyond me. That foam is there much of the time, and when I saw kids in there thinking its bubbles and putting it all over their face, it made me ill. But it apparently doesn't bother others.

I agree that for the entertainment rate or discounted rate it is good, the gift shop and services for families is excellent. I just wish someone had mentioned the level of noise, no door or window on earth could block that sound out.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I have read this thread with interest as we just came back from HOJO's and I agree with alot that has been said. HOJO's is good value, but there are issues. We stayed in the king room and after much much research about the likely noise issue, we found the noise to be much louder than we expected. ANd the air condition is like a jet engine.

Now, we have no-one to blame, we still had a good time, it didn't bother the kids. But there is no-way that I would ever stay on the freeway side again. I don't think anyone truly indicated how loud the noise is, to the level that the windows shake quite often when large trucks pass.

Also, i agree the bathrooms are a bit below the cleanliness of the rest of the rooms. and how anyone can go in that jacuzzi is beyond me. That foam is there much of the time, and when I saw kids in there thinking its bubbles and putting it all over their face, it made me ill. But it apparently doesn't bother others.

I agree that for the entertainment rate or discounted rate it is good, the gift shop and services for families is excellent. I just wish someone had mentioned the level of noise, no door or window on earth could block that sound out.

Thank you for posting your thoughts Marvel. I kind of had a feeling that I couldn't possibly be the only one in the whole world who has experienced these conditions.
I guess I'm used to white noise because I have loud HEPA filters at home and I'm so used to it that when it's too quiet, I can't sleep. For people who are used to quiet at night, I could see where there would be a problem.

 

[ozdisfan]

FACT: Lorealle is an angel sent from heaven to deliver outstanding customer service.

 

[Hojoanaheim]

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.

Aren't they wonderful?! We love them too!

Lorealle