So is this the famous HoJo "service"

[luvgoing2disney]

We've gut just our second DLR trip planned for early summer and have booked three rooms at HoJo's based on the recommendations of so many on these boards.

But now I'm beginning to wonder.......

I had read about the Dis 15% discount that was available on nights when the Ent rate was not in place. Half our our nights are covered by the Ent rate, but if I could save a little more on the other nights, that's a bonus. I sent an e-mail alomost three weeks ago through the HoJo site inquiring about that, but got no response. So I sent a PM through here last week and still no answer. I know I'm just one customer, but I've been reading more and more posts about how the service is lacking and now I wonder if I made a wrong decision on the hotel.

Grrrrrr

 

[Dobie]

Have you tried calling them directly? I often find that this will get me much better service at a hotel than email.

 

[luvgoing2disney]

No, I've not yet phoned, but was going to do that tomorrow.

 

[emacat]

Hojo was fantastic for both of our visits, in 2008 and 2010. Part of the big reason I chose them was that Lorealle was always quick with a return e-mail, and any question I asked on their forum was answered quickly. Lately, it just doesn't seem like they're as on the ball as in years past.

I have to admit that, looking towards our trip later this year, I'm wondering if we should try a new hotel. We like that we know the Hojo so well, but I'm just feeling iffy, so I understand where you're coming from.

 

[luvgoing2disney]

Hojo was fantastic for both of our visits, in 2008 and 2010. Part of the big reason I chose them was that Lorealle was always quick with a return e-mail, and any question I asked on their forum was answered quickly. Lately, it just doesn't seem like they're as on the ball as in years past.

I have to admit that, looking towards our trip later this year, I'm wondering if we should try a new hotel. We like that we know the Hojo so well, but I'm just feeling iffy, so I understand where you're coming from.

Yep, sounds like we are kindred spirits. Lorealle seemed to be a great asset to the company and gave a lot of wonderful information through this site, but with her gone or whatever the case may be, the same quick responses are not getting here.

I hate to change hotels, but as I'm making arrangements for two other families, I will feel responsible if I don't get the best location and experience for them. They are family and probably this will not bother them, but it bothers me a lot.

 

[LisainCalifornia]

If you got the entertainment rate for some nights, it may be that finding another hotel within walking distance is going to be hard to beat as far as the rate. If you call, they could probably give you the information you need.

Also, Howard Johnsons is not just about the rates. I will tell you that I stayed at other motels on Harbor, and the others are not as nice as Howard Johnsons. Some are actually pretty awful.

 

[luvgoing2disney]

Just for grins, I checked the Best Western and I can get the same nights for about $60.00 more total, or $20.00/room, and it is just across the street from the DL entrance. I don't know much about the Best Western, though. Thought I would just see if anything else were out there still available. We've got premium DL view rooms booked at HoJo's so I would assume the rooms would be nicer, but have never stayed at either, don't know if that is true or not.

 

[emacat]

We only have one night of our stay on ET rate so far at Hojo, and while I appreciate the reason for their new policy, I really don't feel like pre-paying that night until my new work tells me that I can definately have those days off (which isn't until March). So, it's very likely I'll miss out on that pricing in any case.

Since that's not a huge issue then, the pricing isn't all that different from the other hotels. I've seen great things about the Plaza Inn, CCI and a few others on tripadvisor lately, so I think I might check them out.

Whatever way we go, I know we'll have fun at Disney.

 

[rosiep]

Just wondering if you emailed the Anaheim Hojo's directly or did you use the corporate site?

 

[JadeDarkstar]

call an ask for inhouse resvation i am also worried bout them.

 

[PandaDis]

I have been in email contact with Desi at the hotel, who has been GREAT. Responds practically immediately to my emails, very helpful and a pleasure to deal with. I will go into my email to get Desi's email addy and PM it to you.

 

[haydeecm]

Lorealle seemed to be a great asset to the company and gave a lot of wonderful information through this site, but with her gone or whatever the case may be, the same quick responses are not getting here.

Is Lorealle gone? I guess I've been out of the loop lately. Thats too bad, we liked her videos.

 

[disneymotherof3]

We've gut just our second DLR trip planned for early summer and have booked three rooms at HoJo's based on the recommendations of so many on these boards.

But now I'm beginning to wonder.......

I had read about the Dis 15% discount that was available on nights when the Ent rate was not in place. Half our our nights are covered by the Ent rate, but if I could save a little more on the other nights, that's a bonus. I sent an e-mail alomost three weeks ago through the HoJo site inquiring about that, but got no response. So I sent a PM through here last week and still no answer. I know I'm just one customer, but I've been reading more and more posts about how the service is lacking and now I wonder if I made a wrong decision on the hotel.

Grrrrrr

What is this "DIS 15% discount"?

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

I had read about the Dis 15% discount that was available on nights when the Ent rate was not in place. Half our our nights are covered by the Ent rate, but if I could save a little more on the other nights, that's a bonus. I sent an e-mail alomost three weeks ago through the HoJo site inquiring about that, but got no response. So I sent a PM through here last week and still no answer. I know I'm just one customer, but I've been reading more and more posts about how the service is lacking and now I wonder if I made a wrong decision on the hotel.

Grrrrrr

What is this "DIS 15% discount"?

The DIS 15% discount is a 15% discount Hojo will give you if you mention the DIS boards when booking your reservation. There's a special code you use for online booking. I don't know it, but someone else here will probably chime in with it.

I'll point out that you can get the same 15% discount for having the entertainment card. I understand that a lot of people don't bother getting the card unless they're getting the super discount rate, so this might not be an option. However, if you happen to have an entertainment card anyway or are getting the good rate for one or more of your nights but not all and, therefore, must have the entertainment card, then just book the whole stay with the entertainment card. Any night that the super discounted retro rate isn't available, you should at least get the 15% discount.

 

[Briarrose1306]

I would highly recommend going with the BW you mentioned. Though I have never stayed at HoJo, some of the reviews I've seen recently on the boards would have me rethinking it. I have stayed at the BW several times (PPI and Anaheim) and have always enjoyed my stay. For $60 more total, I would definitely go with them.

 

[Aussie Princess]

I have been in email contact with Desi at the hotel, who has been GREAT. Responds practically immediately to my emails, very helpful and a pleasure to deal with. I will go into my email to get Desi's email addy and PM it to you.

I have had the same experience Desi basically emailled me back straight away and was very helpful.

i believe the email is stay@hojoanaheim.com

 

[QueenDoOver]

I have had the same experience Desi basically emailled me back straight away and was very helpful.

i believe the email is stay@hojoanaheim.com

I have an email sent to me from the above address and it states the following:


Please do not reply to this email as we are unable to respond from this address.


That could be part of the problem. Much better to call.

 

[jory29]

I am only seeing a difference from people on the boards who are emailing and trying to contact Lorealle, who is MIA and has been for several weeks now. There is another thread that was here initially, but got moved to another board at the moderators discretion. On that thread, it is clear that no one knows where Lorealle is. It is out of character for Lorealle not to answer posts and threads so it has now become clear she is no longer at Hojo's, as far as we know. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2660157&page=2

The other difference is that the cancellation policy changed for Retro rate stays, where the first night fee is non-refundable. If you have a mixed rate though, the cancellation fee reverts back to the 48 hour policy from what I understand. The policy is stated clearly on the Entertainment Rate thread on the Hojo discussion boards:
Update:
Due to the high demand of our "Retro Discount" we have implemented a non cancelable policy on these reservations to prevent "date hoarding" by making multiple tentative reservations.

* Retro Discount room reservations are charged at checkout.
* RD reservations cancelled prior to the arrival date will be charged 1 night's charge.
* If you add or subtract nights from a reservation (changes) we will not charge a fee.
* Mixed rate reservations will revert to the standard 48 hour cancellation policy
* Additional RD days may be added as they become available.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Notes::
The King and Queen Suite are exempt from the Full Discount Rate, but a 15% discount can be taken if the Entertainment Card is presented at check in!

If the dates that you are looking to stay with us are not listed, you are still entitled to a 15% discount off the best available rate for the room type you are booking. Just give our In-House Reservations a call at 714-776-6120! We'd love to help you book your stay with us!


I have NOT seen a change in satisfaction in Hojo hotel stays, with the exception of one poster recently who felt that the highway noise was very loud as well as people running up and down stairs in building 3. Freeway noise is different for everyone, though and there are different sensitivities to it. We have no trouble staying in building 1 on the freeway side. You can hear the noise, but it's more like white noise. Management got her to a new room the next day (that she was very pleased with) as they were filled to capacity until the next day. The Poster's daughter had been fast asleep when she called the front desk so it likely wouldn't have been the best to move that evening anyway, since her daughter was already settled in for the night.

The super beds (comfy) and pillows have not changed. Nor has the in-room Keurig coffee, the cleanliness of the rooms, the free in-room safes, the great water play area for kids, the accommodating manner of the hotel for those who place Von's orders, the friendly, polite staff, the great gift shop, the fact that it's a hotel, not motel, (hallways), it is close to Mimi's and in between McDonald's and Disneyland, is a short 8 minute walk - none of the things have changed at that hotel. Lorealle was on the communications and booking end and she is sorely missed, that's for sure.

If you'd like to make a reservation, you can phone Hojo's directly and ask for in house reservations, 714-776-6120; you will most likely get to talk to Desi, who is very kind and super to talk to. You can book online using the codes, and that is easy to do as well. (For Retro rate codes, http://www.hojoanaheim.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=13 and DISboard 15% off codes. LKEP is the Entertainment/Retro rate for %50 off only when available, see here:http://www.hojoanaheim.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=14 LPEC (15% off for being a DISboard member) are 2 codes you can try, when booking online through Hojo Anaheim website. http://www.hojoanaheim.com/) You can also verbally ask for these codes and rates to be applied to your reservation. AP holders receive 20% off, as well as 10% off in the gift shop, excluding alcoholic beverages.

Lorealle's enthusiasm for the place showed loud and clear, and she sold it to us many years ago, and my family was loyal to Hojo's from then on.

We will still be giving it a go; we don't know what the circumstances of Lorealle's disappearance from these boards are, and I wish her the best of luck wherever she is, and with whatever she is doing.

 

[iKristin]

You also have to understand that emails come in bulk for businesses. They don't always get responsed to right away and can easily be passed over on accident. Your BEST way to ever communicate with a business is to call them directly.

 

[jory29]

You also have to understand that emails come in bulk for businesses. They don't always get responsed to right away and can easily be passed over on accident. Your BEST way to ever communicate with a business is to call them directly.

Yes, I agree, calling is super.

I think if the emails get sent directly to Desi, she takes care of them very quickly. I have received excellent, speedy customer service from Desi both through email and in person, on the phone. On my last email from her, it states the hours she is available:
Desi.Niapas@hojoanaheim.com

RESERVATIONS SPECIALIST_HOWARD JOHNSON HOTEL IN THE ANAHEIM RESORT

***My office hours: Monday,Tuesday, Wednesday,Thursday 8:00a.m. to 4:00p.m..***

**In-House Reservations 714.776.6120/ Fax 714.533.3578**