Sacramento's Hidden Gem: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Downtown! ✨
Howard Johnson Downtown Sacramento: A Flawed Gem (and I Mean That in the Best Way Possible!) ✨
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving HEADFIRST into the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Downtown Sacramento. Forget those picture-perfect travel blogs – this is REAL. This is messy. This is… unexpectedly charming.
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Metadata:
- Title: Howard Johnson Downtown Sacramento Review: A Quirky Charm and Surprising Delights
- Description: Unfiltered review of Howard Johnson by Wyndham Downtown Sacramento. Honest insights, quirky observations, and everything you need to know before you book. Accessibility, amenities, and more!
- Keywords: Sacramento hotels, budget hotels, family-friendly hotels, accessible hotels, downtown Sacramento, Howard Johnson, reviews, pool, free wifi, dining, spa.
Let's be honest, when you see "Howard Johnson" and "Downtown," you might be picturing a… well, let's just say a certain aesthetic. And yes, the exterior doesn't necessarily scream "luxury resort." But that’s part of its charm. It’s a little rough around the edges, a little… real. And honestly? I kinda love that.
Accessibility: (Because It Matters!)
Okay, HUGE kudos here. This place does a solid job. Wheelchair accessible is a big check mark. They’ve got ramps, elevators, and from what I could see, the common areas are surprisingly easy to navigate. The website states the rooms have accessibility features, but I didn't stay in one, so I couldn't check if it was all accurate, but they do have a variety of options. This is a HUGE win for anyone needing it.
On-Site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges?
The on-site restaurant is accessible, which is great. Food? We'll get to that.
Internet Access: (Because We Live in the Future, People!)
Free Wi-Fi in ALL ROOMS! Hallelujah! This is essential, especially for a work-cation like I was planning. It was mostly reliable, lemme tell you that. There were a few moments, usually in the early evening, where things got a little… spotty. But, hey, it's free, and usually, it was good enough to stream a movie or get some work done. Internet [LAN] is also listed, but honestly? I stuck with the Wi-Fi.
Internet Services: Uh, yeah, that's really it. It connects, and it mostly works!
Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Yes, and mostly good. There's also a business center with a Xerox/fax machine if you REALLY need it. (Who uses fax machines anymore?!)
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: (Okay, This is Where Things Get Interesting…)
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: This is a highlight. It's not massive, it's not Olympic-sized, but it's clean, it's refreshing on a hot Sacramento day, and the view… well, it's a view. Not a stunning view, mind you, but a "Hey, I'm in Sacramento!" kind of view. More on the pool later.
- Fitness center: I peeked in. Let’s just say it had the basics. Treadmill, some weights. Don't expect a state-of-the-art gym, but it’ll do the trick if you're trying to keep up your routine.
- Spa/sauna: Listed, but not super clear what's on offer. I didn't see a full-blown spa, but I'd double-check.
- Spa: Same as above.
- Sauna: Same as above.
- The rest? Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Steamroom – I couldn’t verify any of these. So, temper your expectations.
Cleanliness and Safety: (Because Germs Aren't Cute!)
Okay, this is where I was genuinely impressed. After all the COVID craziness…
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. I felt safe.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Yes!
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Tried to be!
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Seemed that way.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Good for those who don't want extra cleaning.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Definitely.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Yep!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They were masked, and generally followed protocol.
- Sterilizing equipment: I couldn't see, but I felt safe.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: I’m assuming so!
- Hygiene certification: Probably! I'm not sure!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (The Food Adventure Begins!)
- Restaurants: Yes, one on-site.
- Bar: Yes, a small one.
- Breakfast service: Included!
- Breakfast [buffet]: This is where things get… interesting. It's a basic buffet, but it's free! And you know what? Sometimes, a free, slightly-underwhelming breakfast is exactly what you need. The scrambled eggs tasted like… scrambled eggs. There was fruit, cereal, and the coffee was… well, it was coffee. I would eat it every morning!
- A la carte in restaurant: Possible, but I only had breakfast.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Coffee, yes. Tea, I didn't see.
- Desserts in restaurant: Possible, but I didn't see any.
- Snack bar: No.
- Poolside bar: Yes.
- The rest? A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bottle of water, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee shop, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant – I didn't see any of these!
Services and Conveniences: (Because, You Know, Life Needs to Be Easy!)
- Air conditioning in public area: Yep.
- Business facilities: Meeting/banquet facilities, meetings, meeting stationery… all good
- Cash withdrawal: ATM machines available!
- Concierge: No, but the front desk staff was helpful.
- Convenience store: No.
- Currency exchange: No.
- Daily housekeeping: Absolutely.
- Dry cleaning: Yes.
- Elevator: Yes.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Yes.
- Food delivery: Yes, all the food services deliver!
- Gift/souvenir shop: No.
- Laundry service: Available
- Meeting/banquet facilities: They have them!
- Outdoor venue for special events: Yep, they have a courtyard.
- Safety deposit boxes: Yeah, at the front desk.
- Smoking area: Yes, they have areas!
- Terrace: Yes, by the pool I believe.
For the Kids: (Because, Family Travel!)
- Family/child friendly: Absolutely. This place seems very well-suited to families.
- Babysitting service: Unsure.
- Kids meal: Unsure.
- Kids facilities: Unsure.
Access: (Getting In & Out!)
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms: All good.
- Exterior corridor: Yes, which adds to the slightly motel-y vibe, but it’s fine.
Rooms (The Nitty-Gritty!)
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: Yes
- **Additional toilet, Bathtub, Carpeting, Closet, Extra long bed, High floor, Inter
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, TripAdvisor-approved itinerary. This is my actual adventure, warts and all, from a recent trip (let’s call it “Operation Sacramento Surprise,” because, well, that’s basically what it was) based out of the glorious (and by glorious, I mean, you know, functional) Howard Johnson by Wyndham Sacramento Downtown. Here we go:
Operation Sacramento Surprise: A Messy, Human, and Hopefully Hilarious Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panic
1:00 PM - Arrival at Sacramento Airport (SMF): Okay, first off, SMF - not exactly a glamorous airport, but hey, the free wi-fi worked, which is basically a victory in my book. The Hertz rental car line? Well, let's just say I found myself in a semi-heated debate with a tiny, angry woman about the meaning of "fully insured." I emerged victorious (or, at least, with the keys to a slightly-dusty sedan). Driving in a new city is always a thrill… or, you know, a series of near-misses.
2:30 PM - Check-in at Howard Johnson: Ah, the HoJo. My home base. It wasn't the Ritz, but the bed was comfy enough, the air conditioning blasted like a polar vortex, and the complimentary breakfast (more on that later) was… well, it existed. The clerk at the front desk, bless her heart, seemed to have seen every type of traveler imaginable. She just smiled knowingly when I fumbled with my room key for the fifth time. Felt like I was home.
3:00 - 4:00 PM - The "Get My Bearings" Walk: This is where the real fun begins. I figured I'd take a little walk to see what was around the hotel. Okay, let’s be honest, I was mostly trying to find a decent coffee shop to counteract the airport travel/rental car drama. Found a little "strip mall" right across the street. Had a coffee and sat and people-watched.
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM - Old Sacramento State Historic Park: Okay, I'll admit it - this was actually pretty cool. Old Sacramento is like a time machine to the Gold Rush era, even with the throngs of tourists snapping photos. I bought a very overpriced ice cream cone at an old-timey ice cream parlor. Totally worth it. Just don't look too closely at the costumed actors – some of them seem to be doing it for the money, but some seemed to be having a blast with it. Found a place to drink a beer in the historic district.
7:00 PM - Dinner at a randomly-selected restaurant: I stumbled on a restaurant near the hotel because it was late and I was hungry. It was a dive bar restaurant. I tried to order a burger but the waiter looked at me and said "I'm not sure what you want but we don't have burgers.". I ended up ordering the chicken. It was fine.
8:30 PM - Crawl in my hotel bed: Okay, I was beat. Day one: Success but in a "we survived" way.
Day 2: Delving into the Deep End (and Regret)
7:00 AM - Breakfast at the HoJo: Free breakfast, the stuff of legends. The highlight? The waffle machine. The lowlight? The slightly suspect orange juice. I made a waffle. It was… edible. Managed to also find a banana.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM - The California State Railroad Museum (and subsequent existential crisis): Okay, this place blew me away. Trains, trains, everywhere! Gorgeous, massive, awe-inspiring trains. It's a geek's paradise. I became obsessed with a particular steam engine. I may have taken slightly too many pictures. I also may have spent a little time contemplating my life choices and whether I should have, perhaps, become a train engineer. (Spoiler alert: The answer is still probably no).
1:00 PM - Lunch at a diner: I was hungry - a deep and ravenous hunger - after my date with the trains. Found a classic diner. The waitress was named "Betty" (of course). Had a bottomless cup of coffee and a patty melt. Perfect. Felt a little like I'd stepped out of a time machine.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Capitol Park: The Capitol is pretty, but honestly, I was more interested in the park surrounding it. I found a shady spot and just watched people. Kids running, dogs playing. A little bit of California sunshine on a cool day. Bliss. I just sat. And watched.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Attempting to Find Something "Cool" After all, Sacramento is a state capital, and I should be doing cool things. Maybe I will find a cool bar or a place that has some cool music. I just sat in my hotel room and wasted time until it was too late to do anything.
7:30 PM - Dinner at a Pizza Place near the Hotel: Pizza! It's the cure-all. Pepperoni. Done. Walked back and watched tv. The evening news was the best entertainment.
9:00 PM - Collapse into Bed, Feeling Slightly Defeated: Okay, I'll be honest. I felt a little lost. A little lonely. A little… underwhelmed. Sacramento wasn’t exactly screaming “fun” at me yet, but hey, there’s always tomorrow.
Day 3: Gold, Ghosts, and Questionable Decisions
8:00 AM - The HoJo Breakfast Debacle, Round 2: Waffle machine: still working. Orange juice: still questionable. But I was starting to get the hang of it. I added some weird cereal to my waffle to see what would happen. It was interesting.
9:00 AM - The Gold Bug Park & Mine: Now, this was interesting. A historical gold mine! I went underground, got slightly claustrophobic, and tried to imagine what it was like to be a grizzled gold miner. I also bought a souvenir piece of pyrite (fool's gold!).
11:00 AM - Old Town, and Lunch: Found a great taco joint in Old Town. The tacos were amazing. I felt like I was getting a better sense of the area. Sat and watched all of the people.
1:00 PM - The Ghosts of Sutter's Fort: I was so excited about visiting. I mean, ghosts! It was a complete letdown. The tour was sooooo boring. Seriously, I was ready for the ghost to come get me just to make the tour more interesting.
3:00 PM - The State Capitol of California: The Capitol Building is pretty cool. I wandered around and looked at all of the historical information. After my boring tour, I was in desperate need of some kind of a boost.
4:00 PM - The Delta: I decided to follow the Delta. There's a reason it's called California, not the Midwest. It's a beautiful view, and I decided to get a beer at a random outdoor bar. This was the best part of my trip.
7:00 PM - Dinner and a Nightcap: Okay, this is where things get a little blurry. I may or may not have had a few too many local craft beers at a brewery. I managed to get some dinner (don't remember what), and wandered back to the hotel.
9:30 PM - The "I Should Probably Go to Bed" Realization: I somehow managed to get back to the HoJo, unlock my door, and collapse into bed. Lesson learned: never drink on an empty stomach. And maybe skip the brewery next time.
Day 4: Departure and a Surprisingly Sweet Farewell
- 7:00 AM - "Breakfast" (more like, "a desperate attempt to find something to eat to counteract the hangover"): The waffle machine was a blur. I think I ate a banana. I am not sure.
- 8:00 AM - Check-out: Managed to navigate the checkout process without any major incidents. The clerk smiled again. I think she was enjoying my misery.
- 9:00 AM - The "Get Out of Dodge" Dash: The rental car! The airport! The flight! I just did what I had to to get home.
- 10:00 AM-11:00 AM - Airport: I walked through the airport and I had a moment. Looking back, the HoJo was a sanctuary with free waffles, the questionable juice. I had an amazing time. The trains, the mines, even the boring ghost tour were perfect just as they were. I had many memories, some good and some very bad. But, they were mine. And maybe, just maybe, that was the whole point of Operation Sacramento Surprise.
It wasn't perfect. It was messy. It was human. And that, my friends, is a travel story I'll never forget. Now, who's up for
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Sacramento's "Hidden Gem": Howard Johnson Downtown - FAQ (Mostly Frustrated, But Maybe Loving It?)
Okay, so, *why* is Howard Johnson Downtown considered a "hidden gem" in Sacramento? Is it, you know, *actually* a gem?
Alright, let's be brutally honest. "Gem" is a bit… optimistic. It’s *definitely* hidden. You could walk right past it and think, "Yep, that's a building." But the "hidden" part is the charm. It’s not the Ritz, bless its heart, but it's *got*… something. Maybe it's the unpretentiousness. Maybe it's the fact that I'm pretty sure the prices haven't changed since the late 90s. (Seriously, check the vending machines. They *still* take quarters! Which, admittedly, is kinda awesome.) The "gem" part is more like… finding a sparkly rock in a riverbed. You’re not gonna trade it for diamonds, but it’s kinda cool, and you're glad you found it. For me, it almost always feels like an honest, scrappy place.
What's the parking situation like? Because I'm already stressed just *thinking* about Sacramento parking.
*Deep breath*. Okay, the parking… is... usually *fine*. There's a lot. It's not like, valet service with a tuxedoed gentleman flinging open your door. It's more like, "Find a spot, try not to get keyed." I *did* once witness a screaming match over a parking space involving a minivan and a guy in a surprisingly nice (for Sacramento) blazer. So, it's not *guaranteed* nirvana, but it's generally easier than navigating Old Sacramento on a weekend. Bring your patience, and maybe a good therapist, just in case.
The reviews say the rooms... are they, uh, *clean*? I have high standards. (And a slight germophobia.)
Alright, this is where we get real. *Clean* is a subjective term, right? I've stayed in places that were clean in the way a hospital is clean - sterile and intimidating. Then I've stayed at places that are… less so. Let's just say the Howard Johnson Downtown falls somewhere in the middle. My personal experience? Usually *decent*. I wouldn't eat off the floor, but I wouldn't be alarmed if a dust bunny or two shared the space with me. I once found a tiny, perfectly preserved cockroach in the bathroom (on the first trip! I still remember it). It was… unsettling, to say the least, but it's been a long, long time since that experience. The sheets usually *smell* clean, which is a win. Bring your own Lysol wipes if you're *really* worried. Honestly, I think the staff cares - you can see it.
Is the breakfast any good? I need my morning carbs. And coffee. LOTS of coffee.
Breakfast… is included. Yes, free. Don't get too excited, though. It's the standard continental fare: Doughnuts (sometimes stale, sometimes not. Roll of the dice!), toast, maybe some sad-looking muffins that have *seen things*, cereal, and fruit (usually pre-cut melon. God bless the pre-cut melon.) The coffee… is coffee. It's hot. It's caffeinated. It will keep you alive until you can find a *real* coffee shop. Basically, it’s a survival breakfast. A means to an end. But hey, it's free! And that's what matters, right? I mean, who am I kidding? I'm always STARVING in the morning. I *always* grab a handful of those questionable donuts. Every damn time.
What's the location like? Is it easy to get around downtown?
The LOCATION. Okay, this is a big win. You can walk to a TON of stuff. You're close to the State Capitol, which, ya know, if you're into that. (I'm not normally, but sometimes, the people-watching is gold.) You can walk to Old Sacramento, which is touristy, but also kinda fun. And most importantly... *food*. So many restaurants! So many choices! You could spend a week there just eating. I've had some truly memorable meals in walking distance – some amazing, some… less so. But you're right in the thick of it. It’s a *huge* selling point. Just beware of the… let’s call them “vibrant” characters roaming the streets. They’re part of the… charm? (Okay, sometimes they're a bit much, I'll admit it.)
Are there any amenities? Like, a pool? A gym? I need to, like, pretend I'm healthy on vacation.
Okay, the "amenities." There's a pool. I've seen it. It exists. I *think* it's open. (Don't quote me on that.) It looks… like a pool. The gym? Haha. There is no gym. Consider your "healthy vacation" aspirations… adjusted. Embrace the walkability! Or, you know, just eat more donuts at breakfast and call it a day. I fully support that approach, by the way. It's definitely my *usual* approach. Maybe I should bring an exercise bike and start a trend.
Let's talk about the *people*. Is the staff friendly? What's the vibe?
This is probably the best part. The staff are, for the most part, great. There's a genuine warmth and real-world friendliness that you don't always find in bigger, fancier places. They seem to *care*, which is huge. I've had some genuinely hilarious conversations with the front desk people, who seem to have seen and heard *everything*. They'll help you out with anything you need, and they're always smiling. Once, the cable went out in my room (which, let's be honest, happens a *lot*). They had someone up there fixing it within minutes. That was a HUGE win, by the way. I was in the middle of watching a VERY important documentary about… well, it doesn't matter. The point is, they fixed it fast. And that level of helpfulness really makes a difference. Honestly, they're probably the biggest reason I keep going back. They feel like… well, not family, but definitely friends who are getting you through.
Okay, give it to me straight. Would you recommend this place?
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