Victoria's BEST Kept Secret? This Howard Johnson Hotel Will SHOCK You!
Victoria's BEST Kept Secret? This Howard Johnson Hotel Will SHOCK You! (Maybe) - A Truth Bomb Review
Okay, strap in. I’m about to spill the tea on what claims to be Victoria's best-kept secret: a Howard Johnson hotel. Now, I'm a seasoned traveler, and by "seasoned," I mean I've seen more questionable hotel carpets than I care to remember. So, the promise of a "shocking" experience? My expectations were… tempered. Let's dive in, shall we? And be warned: this is gonna be a long one.
Metadata & SEO, Baby! (Because, you know, I’m trying to get PAID here)
- Keywords: Howard Johnson, Victoria, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Free WiFi, Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Cleanliness, Safety, Family Friendly, Pet Friendly (lol, maybe), Rooms, Amenities, Value, "Best Kept Secret" (yeah, right), Canada, Travel.
(And now, for the messy, human part…)
Arrival & First Impressions: The Elevator Saga (aka, Where's the Button?)
First off, finding this place was… an experience. Google Maps sent me down a rabbit hole of one-way streets and questionable alleys. Finally, I stumbled upon the unassuming entrance. Unassuming. That’s the word. The lobby wasn’t exactly glamourous, more… functional. And the elevator? Oh, the elevator. It took me a solid five minutes to find the call button. Yes, five minutes. I felt like I missed a mandatory hotel orientation video. (I'm betting a lot of first timers feel like that, especially if you're on wheelchair).
Once in my room, which, thankfully, was relatively clean (more on that later), my initial reaction was a big meh. It's a Howard Johnson, people. Let's be realistic. The decor screamed "mid-90s renovation," but honestly, I appreciated the basic essentials: Air conditioning, a desk (essential for us digital nomads), and a not-quite-falling-apart chair. The bed, thankfully, was comfy enough, with Extra long bed perfect for my towering 6'3 frame. The Blackout curtains were a lifesaver, because, you know, jet lag is a cruel mistress.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (A Bit Like My Mood Swings)
- Wheelchair Accessible: Honestly, this was a real point of contention. While the hotel claims to be Wheelchair accessible, I found some aspects less than ideal. The hallways were wide enough, yes. The elevator (once you found the button!) was thankfully big enough. However, the lack of automatic doors in certain areas, and the general lack of clear signage, made things a little tricky. It's certainly better than some places, but there's room for improvement. The facilities for disabled guests included the room, but the lobby and other common areas had a few quirks.
- Facilities for disabled guests: The elevator was good, the rooms themselves were alright, but again, lack of details about more specific areas that they are accessible.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Sanitization Obsession of a Pandemic (and the Slightly Crummy Truth)
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: COVID. The hotel was clearly taking it seriously. You can see Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. There was a huge emphasis on Daily disinfection in common areas and Rooms sanitized between stays. They claimed to use Anti-viral cleaning products and have Staff trained in safety protocol. They are promoting a Safe dining setup, which, considering the limited restaurant options, was good for any guests.
However, I have to confess, there were some… cracks in the facade. (And here's where the messier structure comes in!) I saw a half-eaten pastry on the floor in the hallway for a good few hours. Now, I'm not saying this place is a biohazard, but it's not exactly the sterile environment of an operating room. A little inconsistency, maybe? Maybe the 'Professional grade sanitizing services' need a little more oomph.
- Safety/Security Feature: The presence of CCTV in common areas (and, presumably, outside the property) was reassuring. As was the 24-hour Front desk.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Yes, you have an option to refuse service. But why would you?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Where the "Secret" Might Actually Lie (or Not)
So, there are restaurants options in the hotel, and the fact that there are a few makes this place better than some, but don't expect a Michelin star experience.
- Restaurants: Yes, yes, yes! There's really nothing here. A Coffee shop is a small cafe-like area, and then another restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which is good. There's also a Poolside bar, which is a decent option if the weather's nice.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The breakfast was ok, a standard continental buffet fare. *There's also Room service [24-hour], which is a godsend when you’re battling a bad case of the sleepies.
The thing most disappointing? The lack of culinary diversity. I was craving, well, just more options.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Dreams Dashed (But the Pool's Cool)
Okay, here's where things get really interesting. I was really looking forward to some R&R. The website boasted about a Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, blah, blah, blah. Well, let me tell you, that was a bit of a bait-and-switch. The spa was, more or less, a glorified massage chair and a couple of sad-looking treatment rooms. My dreams of a Body scrub and a Body wrap went poof! No spa.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool itself, though? Actually quite lovely. A Pool with view and a decent size.
- Fitness center: The Gym/fitness area was pretty basic, but it had enough to work up a sweat.
Services & Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, And The Slightly Grumpy
- Internet Access: Ah, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! The connection was pretty reliable, considering the hotel's age.
- Daily housekeeping: Check. They even left me extra coffee!
- Concierge: Non-existent. Which is a shame – I could have used some recommendations on where to find a decent local craft beer.
- Business facilities: The convenience store was a nice touch for late-night snacks and essentials.
- Dry cleaning/ Laundry service: This was a lifesaver.
The 'Secret' Revealed: Is This Place Really a Hidden Gem?
So, is this Howard Johnson a "best-kept secret?" Not really. It's a solid, no-frills option. It's not fancy, but it's functional. It's a great place if you're on a budget. If you are looking for something special, then it's not.
The Good:
- Clean rooms (mostly).
- Free Wi-Fi.
- Decent pool.
- Kind and helpful staff (even with some visible stresses). *The food is surprisingly good
The Bad:
- Accessibility isn't perfect.
- "Spa" is misleading.
- Food options are rather limited. *It's a Howard Johnson, even the best ones, are still a certain standard.
The Verdict:
Would I stay here again? Probably. It's a decent option for the price, and I'm not one to shy away from a bit of basic service. But the "shocking" part? It's not particularly shocking. It’s just… a hotel. And sometimes, that’s all you need. But if you're expecting luxury or a gourmet dining experience, look elsewhere. It’s a solid 6.5/10, with a slight demerit for the elevator button hunt.
Final Thoughts (Because I'm Still Here, And I'm Still Talking):
This review is honest as I can make it. This place needs more love. The staff tries, but they’re stretched thin. It's probably not really a "secret," but hey, if you're looking for a budget-friendly place to crash in Victoria, this Howard Johnson is an option. Just don't expect any fireworks. (Word Count: 1550 approx.)
Escape to Charming Montmagny: Your Days Inn Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because this Howard Johnson in Victoria, BC, itinerary is gonna be less "perfectly planned getaway" and more "slightly-panicked embrace of chaos." Grab a coffee, you’ll need it.
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Disappointment (and a Tiny Triumph)
1:00 PM - Arrival at the Howard Johnson: Okay, first impression? Hmm. Let's just say the pictures online really spruced things up. The lobby smells… strangely specific. Like, cleaner-meets-old-carpet cleaner? And the "complimentary coffee" in the lobby looks like it's been simmering since the Jurassic period. Oh well, gotta roll with it. Check in. Pray the room's not haunted.
1:30 PM - Room Disaster Averted (Almost): Room assigned! Key card swipes… nothing. Grumble, grumble. Back to the front desk. "Magnetization issues," the guy sighs. Good sign, right? Finally, after a second try, I'm in. And… the view. It's of the parking lot. A beautifully maintained parking lot, mind you, but still… a parking lot. Sigh. Not exactly the "ocean view" I'd envisioned. But hey, the bed looks comfy. Small wins.
2:00 PM - The "Beacon Hill Park Shuffle" – (Attempted Relaxation): Headed to Beacon Hill Park. Recommended it! Fresh air, gorgeous views, and… ducks. Dozens of them. Like, the Howard Johnson front desk is a duck sanctuary. Cute, yes. But also, everywhere. Took some pictures. Attempted to sit on a bench and be relaxed. Failed. Kept thinking about those darn parking lot views. Spent like 30 minutes sitting there, pondering the meaning of life, duck droppings, and if I should have gone with the hotel with the indoor pool. Ended up feeling more stressed than when I started.
4:00 PM - Food Stumbling – The Quest for Decent Coffee: Google maps! I tried searching with "best coffee near me," but the results weren't pretty. Decided to trust my gut. Found a nice little place a few blocks away. Ordered a latte. Tasted like heaven. Like I could almost forget the parking lot view. Coffee addiction, commencing.
6:00 PM - Dinner Debacle: Went for a walk, saw a place called "The Blue Crab." Sounded promising. It wasn't. Ordered the fish and chips. Fish tasted… suspiciously like it had spent too much time in the freezer. Chips were soggy. The "friendly service" was borderline passive-aggressive. Decided to not complain because I am, in my own way, a coward.
8:00 PM - Back to the "Luxury": Back at the Howard Johnson. Spent some time watching channel surfing. The bed is comfy. Realized I forgot to pack a book. Maybe I will buy one tomorrow? Thinking about ordering some take-out.
Day 2: Doubling Down on the Unexpected and Embracing the Mild Madness
9:00 AM - Breakfast – The Motel Ritual: Breakfast is "included"! But let's be honest, it's the usual continental fare. Bagels. Cereal. Toast. And that coffee. Still doing the simmering thing in the lobby. Decided to just eat the bagel.
10:00 AM - The Victoria Bug Zoo: Okay, this was an impulse decision. And honestly? Actually pretty awesome. Creepy, yes. But surprisingly fascinating. Giant beetles, walking sticks the size of my arm, and the tarantula… shudder. Learned more about insects than I ever thought possible. Highly recommend for anyone who's a little… weird.
12:00 PM - The Empanada Epiphany: By the Bug Zoo, there was a small, nondescript food truck selling…empanadas. I bought one. And my inner self was like “Oh my god”. Savory, flaky perfection. The best thing I've eaten in Victoria so far. Seriously, I’m still dreaming of that empanada.
1:00 PM - Fisherman's Wharf Charms (and Seagull Mayhem): Ventured to Fisherman's Wharf. Colorful floating houses, cute seals (who are basically begging for food, which is not allowed, by the way), and… seagulls. These birds are ruthless. One almost stole my empanada (the memory still stings). Still, charming. Worth the potential bird attack.
3:00 PM - Lost In The Book Store: Tried to find a decent bookstore. Came across Munro's Books. The name! And the store! The building! Spent an hour roaming around, touching books, reading the first paragraphs. A truly wonderful store. Finally bought myself a new book.
5:00 PM - Dinner Round 2! - The Pub Life: Found myself at a pub and ordered a burger. It was decent. Watched sports - a little bit of sports, a little bit of watching people. Decided to not complain about the food.
7:00 PM - Exploring Victoria's Nightlife (Maybe? Or Just Bed?): Walked around after the pub. The city is nice. Not much energy since it's a weeknight. Went back to the hotel. Found myself really tired.
Day 3: Departure & Rambling Reflections (and a Final, Slightly Sad Parking Lot Gaze)
9:00 AM - The Parking Lot View Farewell: Checking out. One last wistful glance at the parking lot. Farewell, friend! (Said nobody, ever).
9:30 AM - A Final, Slightly Bitter Breakfast: Breakfast (see Day 2 for details)
10:00 AM - Departure
Reflections:
The Howard Johnson: Meh. Would I stay again? Maybe, in a pinch. The bed was comfortable, and the staff were… trying. But the parking lot view… man, that parking lot view.
Victoria: Charming, quirky, and full of unexpected delights. Even the seagulls grew on me (a little). Definitely worth a visit. Just maybe don't trust the online hotel photos.
The Empanada: Forever in my heart.
Overall: A good trip, with the right dose of disappointment. Would recommend a visit!
This, my friends, is not a travel itinerary. It's a living document of a real, sometimes messy, sometimes wonderful experience. Go out there and make your own mess! You got this!
Escape to Paradise: Fairfield Inn & Suites Mobile Daphne/Eastern Shore
Victoria's BEST Kept Secret? (And OMG, You Won't Believe This Howard Johnson!) FAQ
Okay, seriously... "Best Kept Secret"? Is this one of THOSE things? Like, a total letdown?
Alright, alright, settle down. Look, I went in with *massive* skepticism. "Best Kept Secret" usually translates to "Slightly-Above-Average Motel That's Really, Really Proud of Itself." Initially, I was like, "Howard Johnson? My Grandma stays at Howard Johnson!" Then I saw the price... and my inner cheapskate perked up. But honestly? It's… complicated. Let's just say, it's not a five-star experience. But it has some *serious* charm, in a very, very weird way. Think of it like a slightly misbehaving puppy: lovable, but prone to accidents.
So, what's the "secret" then? Mysteries abound! Spill the tea!
The "secret" is multifaceted. The first thing is pricing. Next, the location. It's NOT right in the heart of the tourist scrum, so it's quieter. Now the *real* secret? Get ready for this: the staff. They are... unique. I swear, the lady at the front desk, she had this glint in her eye, like she knew a secret about *everyone* who'd ever checked in. And she was incredibly helpful, which was unexpected, and let’s face it, a breath of fresh air.
Let's talk rooms. Are we talking sticky carpet nightmares?
Okay, okay, honesty time. The rooms aren't palace-worthy. They’re… clean. Mostly. Look, I'm not going to lie, the decor is definitely "early 2000s," which is a kind way of saying "dated." I'm pretty sure my room's TV was older than my nephew, and its selection was… limited, let’s just say. But! and this is a BIG but: the bed was surprisingly comfortable. And the shower had decent water pressure, which, for a hotel in this price range, is a HUGE win. I even found a hidden stash of extra pillows in the closet. Score!
Breakfast: The make-or-break of a hotel. What's the deal? Does it involve sad, sad pre-packaged muffins?
Alright, deep breaths. Breakfast. This is where things get… interesting. They have the usual continental fare: toast, cereal, instant oatmeal, a waffle maker (always a highlight!), and… muffins. Possibly the previously mentioned sad muffins. I swear they were there for a while. There were also those little yogurt cups... You know the ones. The ones you contemplate leaving, but then you succumb to the sweet, sugary siren song. But here's the thing, the whole thing... it just worked. You’re not going to be blown away, this isn’t a gourmet experience, but it's enough to get you started. And that’s what matters.
Okay, fine, its not a Michelin-starred restaurant. But what’s the best part?
This is where it gets messy. Best part? A few things. First, the location is *fantastic* for getting around. Driving is a breeze compared to the city core. No insane tourist traffic or parking nightmares. The second thing is the people. The other guests, the staff. It's a really chill, unpretentious crowd. You can tell everyone there gets it, and they're not looking to impress. It’s a judgement-free zone. But the ABSOLUTE best part? One night, after a particularly exhausting day of sightseeing, I was absolutely starving. Like, "about to eat a piece of cardboard" starving. And the vending machine... was magically stocked with my *exact* guilty pleasure: Nachos! I grabbed a bag, sat in my slightly-dated room, and watched something utterly mindless on the ancient television. It was… perfect. Just perfect. It sounds ridiculous, but in that moment, that Howard Johnson, felt like a little oasis. That whole experience kinda summed it up. You know?
Any downsides we should know about? Besides the dated decor?
Oh, yeah. Of course there are downsides. First, if you're expecting luxury, you're in the wrong place. This isn't a spa resort. It's more a place to rest your head after a busy day. The Wi-Fi was… intermittent. The elevators seemed a little… creaky. And the pool? Well, I didn’t go in, but it looked like it desperately wanted a makeover. My advice - lower those expectations. But if you can do that, you're golden. You're free. You're… okay.
So, would you recommend it? Be honest!
Okay. Here’s the brutally honest truth: It depends. If you're looking for lavish surroundings and Instagram-worthy aesthetics? Absolutely not. Run away. Run far, far away. But if you're on a budget, you want a convenient location, and you appreciate a place that doesn't take itself too seriously? YES. Absolutely. I mean, if you can handle a little… character, and you appreciate a good bargain, then absolutely. I'd go back. (And probably raid that vending machine again.) Just don’t expect perfection. Expect… charm. And maybe some nachos.
Final thoughts? Any last-minute pearls of wisdom?
Go in with an open mind. Pack your own snacks. Embrace the quirkiness. And for the love of all that is holy, get a good night's sleep. Victoria's a beautiful city, but it can be draining! And hey, who knows? Maybe you’ll find your own hidden gem in this Howard Johnson. You know?
Post a Comment for "Victoria's BEST Kept Secret? This Howard Johnson Hotel Will SHOCK You!"