Florence's Hidden Gem: Howard Johnson Wyndham Hotel Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Florence's Hidden Gem? Howard Johnson Wyndham Review (You Won't Believe This! … Maybe.)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on the Howard Johnson Wyndham in Florence. And honestly? It's a rollercoaster. One minute you're thinking, "Wow, this is surprisingly decent," the next you're muttering, "Right, let's get this over with." But hey, that's life, right? Especially when you're trying to snag a decent hotel in a city that bleeds beauty and charges a fortune for it.
First Impressions (and a little bit of a stumble):
Getting there was… an experience. Not the fault of the hotel, mind you, but Florence traffic is a special kind of hell. Thankfully, the car park [on-site] situation was a lifesaver. Free? Nope. But convenient and safer than leaving my rental car out on the street? Absolutely. That's a win in my book.
Accessibility: Trying to be Inclusive (Mostly)
Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, so I can't give you a hardcore expert opinion on Wheelchair accessible. However, from a glance, the main public areas seemed pretty good. Elevator was present and functional, and there were ramps where needed. They do seem to have Facilities for disabled guests, which is always a plus. But hey, in the end, the hotel could include some more helpful and useful information to better accommodate a person in wheelchair.
Cleanliness and Safety: Germaphobes, Rejoice (Mostly)
Post-pandemic, right? Safety is paramount, and the Howard Johnson Wyndham seems to get that. Anti-viral cleaning products are used, Daily disinfection in common areas is a thing, and the staff all look like they’ve been trained in Staff trained in safety protocol. They even offered Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch for the eco-conscious (or the skeptical). They had Hand sanitizer dispensers strategically placed. I felt reasonably safe and secure. Bonus points for Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and CCTV in common areas – always a sigh of relief.
The Rooms: Comfort Zone or Cramped Quarters? (It Varies)
Okay, let’s get to the nitty-gritty. My room was… well, it was a room. Nothing spectacular, but functional. Free Wi-Fi (thank the heavens!), Air conditioning that actually worked (Hallelujah!), and a desk to pretend I was productive. The Bed was comfortable enough, and I appreciated the blackout curtains – essential for combating Italian sunshine. My room had Additional toilet (which is something that can save your life sometime), Bathtub, Hair dryer, Mirror, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Seating area, Shower. I was not expecting much but the situation was even under my expectation, so it's a neutral score in the end.
Let's Talk Food (and My Stomach):
Breakfast [buffet] was included, and I’m a sucker for a buffet. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast both were available, and there was a decent selection. However, I did notice that the some of the Buffet in restaurant options were not always… fresh. Let’s just say I stuck to the pre-packaged pastries on day two. They've got Coffee/tea in restaurant and a Coffee shop for your caffeine fix, which is always a win. The Snack bar was convenient for an afternoon nibble, and I Breakfast takeaway service since I was late.
Spa & Relaxation: A Touch of Pampering (Maybe Skip This)
Spa, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom are listed. Honestly? I didn't even bother. I was too busy exploring Florence! (Though, I did see a Pool with view that looked tempting.)
Things to Do: Beyond the Hotel Walls
Okay, let's be real. You're in Florence! Get OUT of the hotel! The Concierge can help with recommendations, and there's Car park [on-site] to get you started, and the luggage storage is helpful and convenient, but please, don't waste your time inside the hotel. There's too much beauty to be seen!
Staff & Service: A Mixed Bag (Typical Italian Style)
The front desk staff were mostly helpful. There was the one Doorman who seemed to be having a bad day, and the one concierge who was actually helpful and nice.
Value for Money: Is it Worth It? (Debatable)
Honestly? Florence is expensive. For what it is, the Howard Johnson Wyndham is decent value. I’m not gushing, but I wasn’t outraged. It's a base camp for exploring a fantastic city, which is exactly what I needed.
The Verdict: Your Mileage May Vary, But It's a Solid Enough Option
Look, the Howard Johnson Wyndham isn’t the Four Seasons. It's not the epitome of luxury. But it's clean, generally safe, and well-located for exploring Florence. The food is hit-or-miss, and the spa is probably best left untouched. But for a base camp, a place to crash after a day of soaking up art and history, it does the job.
Final Thoughts: Stream of Consciousness Corner:
Okay, here's where I get real. I think I’d recommend this hotel, but only if you're looking for practicality over pizzazz. If you're on a budget but still want a clean and functional place to rest your head, it's a solid choice. Just don't go expecting a five-star experience. Go expecting a functional hotel. And maybe, just maybe, pack your own snacks.
Escape to Paradise: Courtyard Grand Rapids Airport - Your Grand Rapids Getaway!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to embark on a Florence, South Carolina odyssey. And let me tell you, planning this trip to the Howard Johnson? It felt like wrangling a herd of caffeinated kittens. But hey, that’s life, right? And travel? Well, travel’s just life with more luggage.
Day 1: Arrival, Apprehension, and the Quest for Real (and edible) Food
3:00 PM: Land in Florence. Okay, so the airport is small. Smaller than my kitchen. This is a sign of things to come, I think. This is a small town, small. I’m immediately picturing the HoJo as a shimmering oasis of air conditioning and questionable continental breakfast pastries. (Pro Tip: pack emergency snacks. ALWAYS.)
3:30 PM: Check into the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Florence. “Welcome to Florence! Hope you like it, here’s your key.” - The receptionist said that, and I thought, Oh honey, don’t worry, I'm judging you already, let’s get this show on the road. Lobby is, let’s be honest, a little… dated. But hey, the AC is blasting. That’s a win.
4:00 PM: Unpack. My suitcase exploded. Clothes everywhere. My internal monologue: "Okay, breathe. This is fine. You're a seasoned traveler. You can handle… the floral bedspread?" I am not feeling like a seasoned traveler. I'm feeling like a tornado hit a TJ Maxx.
5:00 PM: Food Quest. This is where things get REAL. I’m STARVING. The nearest chain restaurant is my only safe bet because I don’t want to try to find something more authentic in my current hangry state. I drive to a familiar chain. Yes, it's a cliché, but I'm not about to brave the local BBQ joint when my stomach is singing death metal. Turns out, they are closed. *Well, *I sighed, this is just great. I then went into the nearest fast-food joint, the food was bad, the staff not friendly and I think I could’ve made my own meal better.
7:00 PM: Back at the HoJo. Exhausted and slightly defeated. The TV is glitching. Ah, the sweet symphony of motel life. I'm going to collapse.
Day 2: Pecan Pie Promises and Museum Mishaps
7:00 AM: Breakfast. Okay, the “continental breakfast” is… there. Let's just say the coffee is the only thing vaguely resembling life. The pastries look like they’ve been on a shelf since the Jurassic period. I make a mental note to raid a gas station later.
8:00 AM: The Florence Museum! I'm determined to embrace the local culture, dammit! The museum itself is actually charming. There is the story about a local artist, her work is nice, but it’s not going to change my life.
10:00 AM: Pecan Pie Hunt. I heard a rumor the local bakery has the best pecan pie in the state. "The best", a big claim. I find it and order a whole pie. Hoping it lives up to the hype, which, let's be honest, is very high.
11:00 AM: Back at the Hotel. I decided to stay at the hotel. The plan was to relax but the lack of TV reception and the heat outside, makes me feel agitated. I start pacing.
Noon: Pecan Pie Victory! Oh. My. GOD. It was a piece of heaven. The crust was flaky, the filling, a perfect balance of sweetness and… well, pure, unadulterated pecan joy. That pie alone almost made the trip worth it. Keyword: almost.
1:00 PM: Nap. I just needed to pass out, because the pie knocked me out.
3:00 PM: Florence’s most renowned location? I drive around looking for the location. I did find it, the location was a bit underwhelming, if I’m honest. I took pictures.
5:00 PM: Dinner. I make another attempt at the local flavor, as I drive past the restaurant it's closed. Okay, fine. I’ll get something else.
7:00 PM: Back at the HoJo. Re-evaluating my life choices while scrolling through TikTok. The glitching TV is mocking me. I'm pretty sure I've seen more of this room's floral bedspread than I've seen of Florence itself.
Day 3: Departure and a Slightly Less Bad Taste in My Mouth
8:00 AM: Breakfast. Okay, the coffee is still barely coffee-like. I managed to snag a surprisingly decent muffin. Small victories.
9:00 AM: Check out. Saying goodbye to the HoJo feels… bittersweet, in a weird way. It was definitely not perfect. I’m not gonna lie, the floral bedspread can kiss my backside as I leave. But, it was my home. It’s always going to be my home away from home.
10:00 AM: Head back to the airport.
10:30 AM: Florence, you were… an experience. The pecan pie was a revelation. Some things were okay. Some things were… not. But hey, at least now I have stories. And a newfound appreciation for the comforts of my own bed. Also, for bringing my own snacks. And next time? I’m skipping the HoJo. Just maybe. But that pecan pie? That stays with me.
Florence's Hidden Gem: Howard Johnson Wyndham Hotel Review (You Won't Believe This!) - FAQs
Is this hotel REALLY a "hidden gem" in Florence? Seriously?
The Location: Is it actually *in* Florence? Or am I going to be battling traffic for eternity?
The Room: What about the actual *rooms*? Are we talking tiny, claustrophobic nightmares?
The Breakfast: Did they actually have *good* breakfast? I've had some hotel breakfasts that could *kill* a person...
The Staff: Were they friendly? Or did they act like they'd rather be anywhere else?
The Vibe: What was the overall *feel* of the hotel? Cozy like some sort of Tuscan villa? Or sterile?
Okay, the BIG question: Would you *recommend* it? Seriously, would you stay there *again*?
Specific "Memorable Moment"? Anything that REALLY stood out (good or bad)?
Is it suitable for families?
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