Howard Johnson OR Ramada Maingate

[SharkBait05]

I have reservations for mid September at the Ramada Maingate, but I've been thinking that the Howard Johnson may be a better choice. Any suggestions?

Background info:
3 nights
2 adults in their 30s
no children, no pets

Priorities:
Cost (both are about the same with AAA disc)
Clean
Close to Park entrance, we will walk
Free Parking (both have)

Should I switch to Howard Johnson? Is it a nicer hotel?

Thanks to all that offer their opinions.

 

[IASWAM]

We have never stayed at the Ramada, but we stayed at HoJo in June and we really enjoyed it. We stayed in the big building in the back (building 2) in a room overlooking the pool. The room was very clean, average size, and really quiet. Before we left I had requested a room away from the freeway, because the revues I had read said those rooms could be quite noisy. The staff was always very friendly and willing to help any way they could. Really the only complaint I would have is the distance to the park. It is just far enough to be kind of a pain (but certainly doable - about 10 minutes to the park), but too close to wait for the shuttle (nice option at the end of the day if you are too tired to walk back, although HoJo is the last stop, so it take about 15 - 20 minutes to get back). They also have a nicely equipped souvenir shop with things like cereal, milk, wine, beer cheese, crackers, etc. All in all, we would certainly stay there again.

 

[SunDevilDaddy]

I've heard excellent things about the HOJOs and from what I understand you can use the entertainment book rate and get your room for $69 a night!

We went to DLR in June and stayed at the Ramada Anaheim Convention Center and I can tell you I was more than disappointed with the hotel. It was old, dirty, poorly maintained and in dire need of a full restoration. They were renovating some of the rooms while we were there which added to the noise, lack of operable amenities, etc.

The Ramada Main Gate is a separate hotel altogether, and hopefully in much better condition, but after my stay down the street I don't think I will ever book a Ramada again.

 

[Barbday62]

We Went with HOJOs a couple weeks ago based on recomendations here and our room was mosquito filled. At 1am we insisted we get moved to a new room and we was. We didnt know about the mosquitoes until we got back form the park after midnight. We arrived at 7PM and dropped off suit case and hurried to the park never even opening a suitcase.

My observaton: The staff was wonderful about the move and even sent a security guard to help us move. They said they exterminate once a month, hope they dont rebook until thats done!! We had at least 30 or 40 in that room. The new room was great. One thing I noted was it was warm outside and the bad room was in Building 2. ANd the hallways were very humid. I wonder if someone before us opened up the windows and the mosquitoes came in? I just cant see how so many got in one room at the same time.

We have stayed in Ramada. Do not count their breakfast as anything because it is nothing! I dont remember much about that stay as its been a couple years but was a room and thats about it.

I put both these hotels in the same catagory in my mind. Ramada seemed closer to walk. Hojos had nice staff at desk. I prefer Best Western Park Place most of the time but it cost more too.

 

[staley7580]

I agree with everyone else!! We stayed at the Hojos in June, and it was AWESOME!!! We had a park View room for $69. a night. It was very peaceful at the end of the day to sit out on the deck, and watch the fireworks while the kids are in their beds going to sleep. Plus the pool was great, VERY nice with 2 little ones!

 

[SharkBait05]

Okay, I'm convinced that I'm going to cancel Ramada and go with HOJO.

I agree with everyone else!! We stayed at the Hojos in June, and it was AWESOME!!! We had a park View room for $69. a night. It was very peaceful at the end of the day to sit out on the deck, and watch the fireworks while the kids are in their beds going to sleep. Plus the pool was great, VERY nice with 2 little ones!

How on earth did you get a $69 rate? Best I could find right now is $92. My dates are 9/16-9/19.

 

[kiwitravel]

Think you are making the right choice, heard mostly good things about Hojos mostly bad about Radisson

 

[staley7580]

Okay, I'm convinced that I'm going to cancel Ramada and go with HOJO.




How on earth did you get a $69 rate? Best I could find right now is $92. My dates are 9/16-9/19.

I got the Entertainment Discount. Call and ask for in house reservations, then ask if they have the rate for your dates.. If they do, then it is a great deal! All you have to do is buy the book, which is INSANELY cheap right now. Entertainment.com, I think... The standard room runs $54. and the park view room is $69.

 

[SharkBait05]

Thank you all again. I think we will be happy with the switch to HOJO. I don't why I even booked the Ramada in the first place. And...I called and got the $54 Entertainment rate. Awesome! More money to spend on ourselves in the parks.

For those who have booked over the phone: Do they send a booking confirmation in the mail or do I just hang onto the confirmation number like my life depends on it?

 

[bumbershoot]

What number did you call?

 

[SharkBait05]

What number did you call?

I called the hotel directly at 714-776-6120 and asked for In House Reservations.

 

[bumbershoot]

I think I called at the wrong time, as I did the same, but was shunted to their 800# people.

 

[staley7580]

Thank you all again. I think we will be happy with the switch to HOJO. I don't why I even booked the Ramada in the first place. And...I called and got the $54 Entertainment rate. Awesome! More money to spend on ourselves in the parks.

For those who have booked over the phone: Do they send a booking confirmation in the mail or do I just hang onto the confirmation number like my life depends on it?

Hang on the that confirmation number! I had to call back and request them to mail the info out to me.

 

[staley7580]

I think I called at the wrong time, as I did the same, but was shunted to their 800# people.

You have to call between 8 and 5 on a weekday..

 

[bumbershoot]

When I posted I had *just* called, but I just think I caught the in house people on lunch (or when all of you guys were taking up the phone lines!)...it rang several times, then went silent, then I heard an ad with some golfer talking about how great HoJo's is, then the phone was answered. And once I figured out she had NO idea what I was talking about, I asked and she said she wasn't in-house.