Just back from 5 nights at Howard Johnson's Maingate East

[eeyore0062]

Spent 5 nights at Howard Johnson's Maingate East last week. It was "OK", but I really wish we had spent the few dollars more and stayed at the All Stars on property.

We had a ground floor, and although it was clean and very large, it smelled of mildew, no matter whether it had just been cleaned, or not. Also, we had terrible TV connections. Yes, we were back in the room in the evenings, and would have liked to have watched TV. The maintainance guy came and tried to fix it... was very prompt and courteous, but we never did have adequate reception.

Also, they advertise $49 per night on Dreams Unlimited, but when you get there, you find out that they also tack on an extra $2 per night for "services"... whatever that is, since there are tip envelopes in the rooms for the maids (we left tips, as we are sure that the "service" charge was not meant for her).

Also, beware of the lady in the main lobby at the back booth. She is pedaling timeshares and is very pushy... doesn't like to take no for an answer... we kept telling her that we weren't interested, that we didn't have time for the free breakfast, weren't going to Universal, and already had AP's for both Disney and Busch Gardens/ Seaworld, and she just kept on. Finally, I told her we were moving to the area and had no reason to buy a timeshare. Then she finally let us go!

I guess I have learned my lesson. I am staying onsite, or at least in the Disney Village from now on!

 

[olena]

I can tell you why the TV reception was bad. Cheaper hotels are bad about this. They splice their cable reception from one line. You hear how stealing cable ruins the recption for others on your street? That's what happens at these hotels. The guy could've tinkered all night, but it wouldn't have helped.

 

[eeyore0062]

Thanks, that explains it, because when I called guest services to complain she said that the reception in the lobby was just fine. I am glad to hear it, because it was abismal in our room. Well, I have learned a lesson... no more than one night in an offsite hotel... only onsite or Disney Village for me!

 

[bscs]

We stayed at HJMGE for 8 nights in Feb. We didn't have any problems. We were on the ground floor near the pool. It was clean and we had a great TV. No it's not Disney Class but when you're on a budget this is a great place.