Lake George Getaway: Unforgettable Howard Johnson Experience!
Lake George Getaway: Unforgettable Howard Johnson Experience? Buckle Up, Buttercup! (A Very Real Review)
Okay, so you're thinking Lake George, right? Visions of sun-drenched days, boat rides, and… a Howard Johnson's? Trust me, I was skeptical. But hey, sometimes the most unexpected little escapes turn out to be the best, and the Lake George Howard Johnson's… well, let's just say it tried. This isn't some corporate, perfectly-polished review. This is me – spilling the tea, the real tea, about my recent experience, warts and all.
SEO & Metadata First (Ugh, Gotta Do It):
- Keywords: Lake George, Howard Johnson's, Hotel Review, Family Vacation, Accessibility, Pool, Spa, Restaurant, Lake George Hotels, Adirondacks, Budget Travel, Cleanliness, WiFi, Breakfast, Lake George Activities
- Metadata Description: Honest and detailed review of the Lake George Howard Johnson's, covering everything from accessibility to the questionable charm of the breakfast buffet. Get the real scoop!
Now, the Real Stuff:
Getting There & The First Impression (The "Okay, Here We Go" Moment):
Driving into Lake George is always stunning. The shimmering water, the mountains… it’s postcard perfect. And then… you pull up to the Howard Johnson’s. It's there, in all its… well, in all its Howard Johnson-ness. Think retro, maybe a little faded, but with a certain undeniable charm. Part of me was excited to feel that retro vibe, I'm a sucker for nostalgia. The exterior corridors give it that classic motel feel -- a feeling that says, "adventure awaits."
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honestly.
Okay, so, Accessibility is a big deal for me because my partner has mobility issues. I checked the box for Wheelchair Accessible and the website said it was. And it was… mostly. The front desk, the lobby, the restaurant… all good. Elevator? Check. But navigating the hallways and the Rooms themselves? A little tight. The bathroom was manageable but the Shower felt a little cramped. We made it work, but it's definitely something to keep in mind. We'd have to rate it a 3/5 for accessibility, overall, if anything, because it wasn't perfect but they were trying.
The Room: A Homey-ish Sanctuary.
The room itself was… functional. We had a Non-smoking room, thankfully. Air conditioning worked like a dream (a lifesaver in the July humidity!). The bed was comfy enough – not luxurious, but it got the job done. It had a Refrigerator which was clutch for keeping drinks cold. We had Breakfast in room one morning and they brought it up promptly. The Bathroom was clean but not exactly spa-like. The Internet Access – Wireless was decent, it worked. The Window that opens was a nice plus, and the Blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in after a long day of exploring Lake George. The Desk was small, but usable if you needed it. I did notice the Linens were a bit worn, but hey, it’s a budget-friendly place. The Alarm clock was a throwback, but it worked. Overall it felt like a comfortable and safe place to rest, although the Soundproofing was a bit lacking. I'm sure we heard all of our neighbors.
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic Edition.
Okay, let's get real. After all, nobody wants a hotel stay that ends with a trip to the hospital! The Daily disinfection in common areas was evident, and I appreciated the Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. This place genuinely tried to make us comfortable and put our safety first. There was a real effort put into Staff trained in safety protocol, something that always eased my mind. I saw they used some Anti-viral cleaning products. The opt-out was offered for room sanitization. I found the Rooms sanitized between stays, and it made me feel a bit safer. The staff was wearing masks and taking things seriously and they had Facilities for disabled guests. It's hard to call the Room sanitization opt-out available a negative!
Things To Do! (And How to Relax…Maybe.)
Lake George itself is the star. But, back at the HoJo's, the Swimming pool [outdoor] was a HUGE draw for us. A Pool with view! I mean, it wasn't the most scenic pool on the planet, but it was clean, and the kids loved it. They also had a small Gym/fitness center – I didn’t brave it, but it was there. I'm not sure if they have Spa/sauna but I didn't see one. There weren't any fancy things to do like Body scrub, Body wrap, or a Foot bath. No Sauna, Steamroom, or Massage. But then it's not a luxury resort.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Breakfast Buffet Saga.
So, here's where things get… interesting. The Breakfast [buffet]. Oh, the breakfast buffet. Let's just say it was a unique culinary experience. There were the standard continental options: bagels, muffins, fruit (looking a little…tired), cereal. The coffee? Let’s just say I needed the complimentary Bottle of water to wash it down. There were the standard staples: Coffee/tea in restaurant. There was, and is, a Coffee shop. They had Asian breakfast, and I was not brave enough to try the Asian cuisine in restaurant. They also provide Breakfast takeaway service so you can eat in your room if you want. Not bad, maybe? The Poolside bar? I didn’t see one. They did have a Snack bar, and a restaurant with A la carte in restaurant. Western breakfast, and I would assume Western cuisine in restaurant. And, I think a Salad in restaurant too. I'm trying to be positive here, because, honestly, the staff were super friendly, and the Happy hour was kind of fun. Maybe I'm just a spoiled diner who craves some fancy options?
Services and Conveniences: Your Basic Needs Met.
They had the basics down pat. Free Wi-Fi was a godsend. Daily housekeeping was efficient and friendly. Luggage storage was convenient. They had a Convenience store for those emergency snack runs. There were some Meeting/banquet facilities, though I didn't use them. Cash withdrawal was available, always a good thing. Laundry service? Yup. The Front desk [24-hour] was always available, and the staff were helpful with recommendations. Car park [free of charge].
For The Kids: Family-Friendly Vibes.
This place shines when it comes to kids. They had a Family/child friendly, and provided Babysitting service. They provided Kids meal. The kid’s facilities were the best part, and I have zero complaints about that!
The Verdict: Would I Go Back to Lake George Howard Johnson's?
Look, it’s not the Four Seasons. But, for the price, the location, and the generally friendly atmosphere, it's not bad. If you're looking for a clean, comfortable basecamp for exploring Lake George with your family that won't break the bank, the Howard Johnson's is… well, it’s an option. Would I say it was "unforgettable?" Well, the breakfast buffet will certainly be etched in my memory, as will the overall vibe. It's a bit rough around the edges, yes, but there's a certain quirky charm to the place. It ain't perfect, but sometimes the imperfect is the most… real. Just go in with realistic expectations, and a sense of adventure, and you might just have a pretty decent time. Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars (Could be 4 if they updated the breakfast, and maybe put a little more love into the furnishings)
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream San Ramon Getaway Awaits at Residence Inn!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this ain't your sanitized, color-coded travel brochure. This is the REAL Howard Johnson's Lake George experience, unfiltered, messy, and probably fueled by too much complimentary coffee.
The Great Lake George Odyssey: A Messy Itinerary (and Emotional Rollercoaster)
Day 1: Arrival, Awkward Greetings, and the Quest for Wifi
1:00 PM: Arrive at the Howard Johnson. The entrance? Let's just say it screams "classic early 90s motel chic" – think faded pastel paint and maybe, just maybe, the lingering scent of stale chlorine from a pool that's seen better days. My first impression? A sigh of relief. I needed a getaway, and this… well, this was a getaway.
1:15 PM: Check-in. The front desk clerk (Bless her heart) is either incredibly friendly or utterly exhausted. I’m leaning towards the latter. "Welcome to our hotel!" she says, with a smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes. "Room 217, enjoy". Enjoy? I'm hoping for at least a shower that doesn't alternate between arctic blast and volcanic eruption. Expectations: tempered.
1:30 PM: Into the room! Okay, this is… functional. Two double beds, a TV that probably predates the internet (though I desperately crave it right now), and a view of… the parking lot. Ah, the glamour. But hey, the air conditioning works! Win! Attempt to connect to wifi. This is where the true adventure begins… or ends. The connection is weaker than my willpower to resist the vending machine full of questionable snacks. Struggle and finally give up, grumbling, and decide to embrace the digital detox.
2:30 PM: I needed food before I lost my mind, and the vending machine was now tempting. Instead, a quick drive to a local diner for a burger and fries. The greasy spoon atmosphere was pure perfection. I inhaled my food, enjoying a moment of peace.
4:00 PM: Lake George Village exploration! The tourist traps, the kitschy shops, the sheer volume of people… it's a glorious assault on the senses. I got sucked into a fudge shop, ate way too much, and promptly regretted it. The sweet, sugary bliss- then a wave of nausea hits.
6:00 PM: Pool Time! The pool, as suspected, is a slightly suspect shade of blue. But hey, it's warm, the sun is shining, and I make a few friends, the most important of them a floating unicorn.
7:30 PM: Dinner at a nearby restaurant. The lobster mac and cheese was amazing, and the waitress was really nice, even when I spilled my drink.
9:00 PM: Back to the room. I watched TV, but the wifi still wasn't working. I tried to relax, but my overactive brain kept churning, and I couldn't fully unplug, then I fell asleep for a two-hour nap.
Day 2: The Lake, The Boat, and The Unexpected Meltdown
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast in the hotel's "breakfast room." Let's just say the "continental" breakfast is… generous in its interpretation. The bagels are likely made of solid concrete, and the coffee tastes like burnt sadness. I loaded up on a waffle with a ridiculous amount of syrup. Fueling up for an adventure.
- 10:00 AM: Time to hit the Lake! Found a boat tour company. "The Minne-Ha-Ha" is a classic. I expected a cheesy tourist trap, but the ride was actually wonderful. The water was so calm. The views! Magnificent. I was feeling genuinely happy.
- 11:00 AM: Boat Tour. Sat in the back, which was a mistake. The boat's horn blasted in my ear, and I jumped - and almost had an emotional breakdown because I was so sensitive to noise. I calmed myself down, and started to enjoy the tour, the lake, the fresh air, and the scenery.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a casual spot near the waterfront, another burger. I should probably eat something green at some point, but the burger was great and the sun was shining.
- 1:00 PM: After lunch, I decided I would find something new! Some shops, the arcade, but the arcade was filled with children, and it was too loud. The shops were too many things. I was done.
- 2:00 PM: Back at the Hotel. Tried to take a nap, but the banging door of my neighbors made me so angry that I almost started crying. I sat on the bed, and just shook my head, and tried to relax, but my brain would not stop. This is getting worse. I needed to get out of here.
- 3:00 PM: Went for a walk. The simple act of moving helped. Found a secluded spot and sat and did nothing. This helped me to recenter. Back in the room, I felt better.
- 4:00 PM: Took a hot bath and watched tv. This was my moment to relax, and to finally enjoy. I felt amazing, and calm, and even ready for the fun.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner and a drink at a local favorite with a bar. The food was good, and my spirits lifted.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the room, and the wifi magically started working! I watched my favorite show and fell asleep.
Day 3: Departure (and lingering questions)
- 9:00 AM: Another concrete bagel breakfast (with a hefty dose of coffee for courage). Checked out. The clerk has become a friend, and I thank her for being so nice. I am a little sad to leave, but also relieved.
- 9:45 AM: Drive out of Lake George. Reflecting on the trip. I saw all the sights (and I felt all the feelings). It was messy, imperfect, and utterly human.
- 10:00 AM: A long drive home, punctuated by fast food stops and the radio.
- 11:00 AM: I'm left with memories, a slightly sticky suitcase, and the lingering question of whether I'll ever truly master the art of vacationing without a minor existential crisis. But hey, that's life, right?
Postscript: Would I go back to the Howard Johnson? Maybe. It's not the Ritz, but it's got character. And sometimes, that's enough (or at least, enough for a while). Maybe next time I'll bring my own internet. And earplugs. Definitely earplugs.
Savannah's Secret Garden Escape: Iris Garden Inn Awaits!
Lake George Getaway: Unforgettable Howard Johnson Experience! (Or, You Know, *Unforgettable*) -- Let's Sort This Out...
Okay, So... What *Is* This Howard Johnson Thing, Exactly? Is it, like, *vintage*? Because I'm seeing some... questionable decor online.
Vintage? Honey, it's practically a historical artifact! Look, picture it: fuzzy carpets, enough orange to make your eyes bleed, and the faint scent of chlorine and yesterday's fried food lingering in the air… ah, the memories! Actually, the decor *is* a whole vibe. Picture the 70s and 80s having a screaming match in your living room. It’s not chic, let's be honest. It’s… a statement. It’s like staying in a time capsule that also happens to have slightly sticky floors and a pool that’s probably seen a few generations of spilled ice cream. And yes, the pics online? They don't lie. Embrace the kitsch, darling. It’s part of the charm (or the sheer madness, depending on the day). Honestly, sometimes I think the wallpaper is judging you.
Alright, Alright, I'm intrigued. But... what's the best thing about staying in this retro paradise? Besides the, uh, decor?
Oh, you want the *best* thing? It's gotta be the LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Seriously, you're practically tripping over the lake! Walk out the door, and *bam* Lake George is right there, begging you to splash around. Okay, maybe you'll want water shoes, because those little pebbles are brutal to bare feet, I learned that the hard way. The proximity to everything is phenomenal – restaurants, bars, the darn boat tours... even the (admittedly, somewhat cheesy) amusement parks. It's like the hotel *is* the vacation. And the sunsets? Forget about it. Absolutely breathtaking. One night, I swear, the sky turned the exact shade of orange the carpet wasn't. Like, fully matching. It was… bizarrely beautiful. And yes, there were definitely tears. I get sentimental, okay?
Let's talk about the Pool. The photos... they're giving me mixed signals. Is it a blissful oasis, or… a potential health hazard?
Okay, the pool. Let's unpack this. The pool… is… an experience. It's not exactly the Four Seasons, obviously. It's got a certain, shall we say, rustic quality. Expect a few…floating friends. Leaves, bugs, the occasional rogue band-aid, you name it. That being said, it's *functional*. And on a hot day, when you're sizzling from exploring Lake George, that icy water is pure gold. Do the kids LOVE it? Absolutely, especially after eating some of those greasy amusement park fries. Do the adults enjoy it? Well, after downing a few cocktails from the questionable bar (more on that later), the water feels like pure heaven. Just don’t expect the pool boy to be particularly swift with his leaf skimmer. He's seen it all, and frankly, he doesn't care.
Speaking of which… food? Restaurants? Dining? Am I going to starve or, you know, be wildly disappointed?
Okay, the food situation. The Howard Johnson *itself* doesn't exactly have a culinary masterpiece brewing in the back. Breakfast is… well, let's just say it’s the kind of "continental" that you probably haven't seen in twenty years. If you're not prepared for stale bagels and instant coffee, RUN. But here's where it gets good! Lake George is BURSTING with restaurants! Everything from fast food (because, let's be real, sometimes you just need a burger and fries) to some surprisingly decent seafood places. Find a place with live music. Embrace the cheesy tourist vibes. That's what makes it fun! You're on vacation! Forget your diet! Honestly, I think I gained five pounds on one trip. Worth it. The ice cream alone...oh the ice cream. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. Okay, I need a snack. BRB.
Let's talk about the dreaded "service" aspect. What's the vibe? Friendly? Efficient? Or, you know, potentially nonexistent?
The service…hmm. It's a mixed bag. You're not going to get the white-glove treatment. Honestly, I'm not sure a white glove even *exists* within a five-mile radius, and it's probably orange if it does. It’s not necessarily *bad*, but it’s… casual. Expect genuine smiles and a laid-back attitude. Someone at the front desk might be a little slow to help you, but they WILL try. They are usually very patient and try to assist. One time I arrived with a HUGE issue, let's say I needed a late checkout, and they handled the whole thing with a completely kind and non-judgmental attitude. This is not the place for high-maintenance demands. They are probably a bit too busy with other things but they are at least trying to help you.
Okay, I'm getting a semi-clear picture. So, what's the biggest *downside*? What should I REALLY be prepared for? The brutally honest answer, please.
Alright, the real talk: the biggest downside? The rooms are a bit… dated, shall we say? The bathrooms are… functional, but don't expect spa-level luxury. And the walls? They're thin. VERY thin. You WILL hear your neighbors. You will hear their screaming kids. You will hear their late-night karaoke sessions. And there is nothing, and I mean **NOTHING** you can do about it. Earplugs are your best friend. A hefty dose of "I'm on vacation, I don't care" is also highly recommended. And the internet? Please prepare to detach, it can be slow at times. Overall, you will not be getting Four Seasons-quality accommodations. The retro charm might wear off.
Let's get specific. One particularly memorable experience. Tell me about it. Spill the tea!
Okay, buckle up. This one still makes me laugh – and shudder – to this day. So, last summer, we were there with my extended family. Kids everywhere! The chaos was beautiful. We were enjoying a lovely sunset over the lake, me with a questionable mai tai from that previously mentioned bar, when my nephew, little Timmy, decided the pool wasn’t enough. He wanted to become one with Lake George. He's maybe five. He’s small. He can't swim yet. He. Just. *Leapt*. Over the railing, straight into the lake. I swear, time slowed down. I saw my entire summer flash before my eyes, and I swear, I even saw the lifeguard guy get someHotel Price Compare
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