Kamloops Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Howard Johnson Downtown!
Kamloops Getaway: Howard Johnson Downtown - My Honest (and Slightly Messy) Review
Okay, folks, buckle up. I just got back from a stay at the Howard Johnson Downtown in Kamloops, and I’m still processing it. Forget perfectly polished travel blogs – you're getting the raw, unfiltered truth. And trust me, it's… a rollercoaster.
SEO & Metadata Time (Gotta start somewhere!):
- Keywords: Kamloops Hotel, Howard Johnson, Downtown Kamloops, Hotel Review, BC Hotels, Affordable Hotels, Accessible Hotel, Kamloops Getaway, Pool, Free Wi-Fi, Pet-Friendly Hotel (sorta!), Clean Hotel, Kamloops Deals
- Metadata: [Meta Title: Kamloops Getaway: Howard Johnson Downtown - Honest Review & Tips] [Meta Description: My uncensored experience at Howard Johnson Kamloops! From the surprisingly great pool to the… other, less stellar aspects. Read before you book!]
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honestly
Right off the bat, I need to address the accessibility. The website says "Facilities for disabled guests," but the devil's in the details. I didn't personally NEED these facilities, thankfully, but I did poke around. The elevator was a definite plus, and the exterior corridors seemed manageable in a wheelchair, but I didn't see specific details about accessible rooms. This falls into the "maybe" category. (Accessibility Score: 6/10 – Needs more clarity!)
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-Era Considerations
This is where things got… complicated. The Howard Johnson definitely made an effort. They heavily advertised their commitment to cleanliness. I saw signs about "Daily disinfection in common areas" and "Professional-grade sanitizing services." And I have to say, it looked clean. The lobby gleamed. I saw staff sanitizing the elevator buttons constantly. They had little bottles of “Hand sanitizer” everywhere. They were even making a big deal about "Anti-viral cleaning products". But… (and this is a big BUT), it felt like… a show. A slightly anxious show. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the effort, but there's a palpable sense of… hovering. Like they are trying really hard to make you feel safe, which, honestly, made me a little more stressed. Maybe it's just the times. (Cleanliness & Safety Score: 7.5/10 – Good effort, but maybe a bit too much?)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (or Not?)
Here’s where my excitement really peaked. I like to eat and drink. The website mentions: "Restaurants," "Bar," "Poolside bar," "Coffee shop," "Breakfast [buffet]," and even “Alternative meal arrangement”. Awesome, right?
Well… let's just say the "Poolside bar" was… not. The "Coffee shop" was also a letdown. The "Breakfast [buffet]", was… well, I didn’t see it. I could get breakfast in my room. It was more like, a pre-packaged muffin and a sad little yogurt. There's an "A la carte in restaurant" menu, but the "restaurants" actually felt like a slightly depressing chain restaurant. I did see a "Snack bar" and "Bottle of water," but, let's be honest, this isn’t a foodie destination. So, keep your appetite in check, I guess. (Dining & Drinking Score: 5/10 – Needs some serious revamping.)
The Good Stuff: Relaxation and Amenities
Okay, now for the good stuff. I loved the pool. "Swimming pool [outdoor]" is right on the money! The pool was clean, thankfully, and a decent size for a refreshing dip after a long day! It's not exactly "Pool with view" (unless you count the parking lot), but after a long day of driving, the chance to just get into the pool and relax was… heavenly.
And the Wi-Fi? "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" (and in the public areas, too!). Which is kind of essential these days. "Internet Access" and (I think) "Internet [LAN]" were all there. I needed to do a little work, so this was huge. (Relaxation & Amenities Score: 8/10 – The pool saved the day!)
Rooms & Features: The Deep Dive
The room itself? Okay, let’s dive into the “Available in all rooms” features. I snagged a “Non-smoking” room. "Air conditioning" worked. I appreciated the "Blackout curtains". The “Desk” was, well, a desk. The “Refrigerator” was a plus. The "Hair dryer" was… there. The “Coffee/tea maker” was present and worked, which was very welcome.
What stood out? The “Extra long bed”. As a taller person that was a relief (though the actual bed might be a different story). "Private bathroom" was, of course, a must. And the “Free bottled water”, again, a nice touch because I was thirsty!
The weirdest thing? I’m not even joking, the "Bathroom phone". Who uses a bathroom phone anymore? The world doesn't know. The other thing that's fun is the "Room decorations". The room had decorations. I did not choose them. (Room & Features Score: 7/10 – Perfectly functional, but not particularly memorable.)
Services & Conveniences: The Extras
Here's where things get a bit…patchy. "Daily housekeeping?" Yep. "Laundry service?" Probably. "Elevator?" Yes! "Car park [free of charge]?" YES! This is valuable in Kamloops.
"Cash withdrawal?" Eh, there’s a machine, but it was out of service for a bit. "Concierge?" I think I saw someone at the front desk, but don’t count on dedicated concierge services, okay? There’s "On-site event hosting," but I wouldn’t choose this place for a wedding. The "Convenience store" was basically the front desk selling snacks. "Food delivery" in Kamloops is not a thing. (Services & Conveniences Score: 6/10 – A bit spotty, but adequate.)
For the Kids: Family Fun?
"Family/child friendly?" The website says so. "Kids facilities" and "Babysitting service"? Not that I could see. If you need kid-specific amenities, double check before you go. (For the Kids Score: 5/10 – Needs improvement!)
Getting Around: On the Move
"Car park [on-site]" and "Car park [free of charge]" are great. "Airport transfer?" Nope. "Taxi service?" Probably, but I didn't use it. I drove myself, or I walked. (Getting Around Score: 7/10 – Depends on what you need.)
The Hotel Chain & the Vibes
"Hotel chain" – it is a Howard Johnson. So, you know what you get. It's not the Ritz, but it isn't supposed to be.
Overall: The Verdict
Would I recommend the Howard Johnson Downtown Kamloops? It's complicated.
Pros:
- Clean, especially for the price.
- The pool is awesome.
- Free parking (a big win!)
- Friendly staff (mostly).
Cons:
- The dining options are seriously lacking.
- Feels a little… impersonal.
- Some amenities are hit-or-miss.
- Accessibility details could be clarified.
My Final Thought: For the price, it's a decent option if you're looking for a budget-friendly basecamp in Kamloops. Just don't expect culinary delights or a pampering spa experience. (Overall Score: 6.5/10 – A solid, slightly quirky, but reliable choice.) Pack your own snacks, and prepare for a good, no-frills stay! And go to the pool. Seriously, go to the pool. It's the best part.
Escape to South Dakota: Unforgettable Stay at Howard Johnson Oacoma!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is Kamloops, baby! And we're tackling it like a grizzly with a hankering for a good sockeye salmon. We're staying, and hopefully surviving, at the Howard Johnson downtown. Wish us luck! (Okay, mostly me…)
Kamloops Chaos: An Unofficial Itinerary (aka, "Let's See What Happens" Plan)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread at the HoJo
- Morning (or whenever I finally roll out of bed): Arrive in Kamloops. Fly in. Drive in. Poof! Here! The first thing I see is the legendary HoJo. The promise of a free continental breakfast? Maybe. The reality? A lobby that's seen better days, and the faint aroma of chlorine from a pool eternally trapped in the 1980s. But, hey, the price was right! (Mostly.)
- 11:00 AM (or thereabouts): Check in, navigate the slightly dodgy elevators (hold your breath), and secure my tiny, beige-colored room. Unpack. Immediately question all life choices that led me here. Am I truly "living life"? Am I content in this moment? Do I have enough snacks?
- 12:00 PM (Lunch, or "Where Can I Find Actual Food"): Scour Google Maps for a decent lunch spot. (Pro tip: Avoid the chain restaurants, unless that's your guilty pleasure. Mine is.) End up at a slightly greasy spoon diner. The food is okay, but the people watching? GOLD. Observe the real Kamloops-ians. The grizzled truck drivers, the chatty retirees, and the guy who looks like he hasn't slept in a week… all adding to the rich tapestry of life.
- 2:00 PM: Venture out to explore the downtown core. Take a stroll along the river, soak in the scenery. Find a park bench and just be. Contemplate the meaning of life. Wonder if I should have brought a better book.
- 5:00 PM (ish): Dinner. Find a place that seems interesting. Maybe something with live music? If not, I’ll settle for something that has beer - my preferred form of coping.
- 7:00 PM: Back to the HoJo. Order room service… okay, just kidding, there is no room service. So, ramen it is. I'll use the hotel's questionable microwave and watch some terrible TV.
- 9:00 PM: Contemplate the mysteries of the universe, or at least the mysteries of the vending machine down the hall. Decide against venturing forth. Crawl into bed and pray the hotel doesn't have any noisy neighbors.
Day 2: Adventure (Maybe!) & Wine (Definitely!)
- 7:00 AM (or whenever the alarm goes off, which is probably too late): Attempt the free continental breakfast. Pray I don't accidentally ingest something that has been sitting out since 1987. Grab a coffee and question if the syrup is actually syrup.
- 9:00 AM: "Adventure Time!" Decide to tackle a hike. (Note: actual hiking ability is questionable.) Pick a trail based on a brochure that may or may not be accurate. Expect breath-taking vistas. Prepare for a possible encounter with bears (or, let's be honest, squirrels).
- 12:00 PM (Lunch, part 2): Pack a picnic lunch (snacks are crucial). Eat amidst scenic beauty. Accidentally drop half my sandwich. Swear silently.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The real reason I came: The wine tours! (Wine is a necessity, not a leisure activity.) Find a local tour and hope they don’t think I'm an idiot because I’m fumbling with my glasses on every sip. Pretend to taste things properly. Learn a little, drink a lot. Buy a bottle (or three).
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the winery. Take the wine's effect in consideration. Engage in some overly enthusiastic storytelling fueled by, well, you know.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the HoJo, a little tipsy and very happy. Attempt to watch a movie. Fall asleep before the opening credits.
Day 3: Departure and the Aftermath
- 7:00 AM (or thereabouts): Wake up. Head out to the breakfast. Get coffee. Decide that I need a vacation from my vacation.
- 9:00 AM: One last stroll along the riverwalk. Feel a vague sense of melancholy. Is it over? Did I enjoy it? Am I changed?
- 10:00 AM: Check out of the HoJo. Grumble slightly at the lack of fresh towels.
- 11:00 AM: Head to the airport. Reflect on the fact that I am leaving. Feel a wave of… well, relief, that I can finally go home.
- 12:00 PM: The Flight back!
Post-Trip (aka, "The Debrief"):
- Weeks later: Will I recommend Kamloops? Maybe. Will I recommend the Howard Johnson? Probably not. Will I do it again? Absolutely. Because, let's be honest, the imperfections, the quirks, the messy moments… that's what makes a trip truly memorable. Plus, the wine. And the fact I survived. That counts.
- Ongoing: Write some of these ramblings down! Share them with friends! Laugh with them! Learn something important from your vacation!
So there you have it, my friends. Kamloops. A little bit rough around the edges? Sure. But hey, so am I. And sometimes, those are the best kind of adventures. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a date with a bottle of wine and a very, very comfortable couch.
Greenville Getaway: Your Budget-Friendly Wade Hampton Motel 6 Oasis!
Kamloops Getaway: Ask Me Anything (…and Prepare Yourself)
Okay, so...Kamloops? Really? Why Howard Johnson Downtown? (Don’t judge, I’m on a budget!)
Alright, alright, Kamloops. I get it. It's not exactly the Maldives. But listen, sometimes you need a getaway that doesn't require selling a kidney. And Howard Johnson Downtown? Okay, so the "Downtown" part is debatable... it's *technically* downtown-ish. But hey, it's got a certain...charm. And the deals? Oh, the deals! I'm talking seriously tempting prices. Think "weekend escape from the screaming kids/annoying boss/general existential dread" without, like, bankrupting yourself. Plus, sometimes… and I mean sometimes... I crave the slightly-dingy-but-cozy vibe of a place that's seen a life, ya know?
What are these "Unbeatable Deals" you speak of? Spill the tea!
Right, the *deals*. This is where things get juicy. I've seen them. I've lived them. They're usually seasonal, mid-week magic. Think ridiculously low prices. Like, you could practically afford to book a suite *and* splurge on that extra-large pizza you've been eyeing up. And, occasionally, they just throw in stuff! Free breakfast (with questionable but delightful scrambled eggs), potential discounts at local restaurants… It's like winning the lottery, but instead of millions, you win a slightly-worn, but perfectly-functional, motel room. Check their website. Seriously. Do it now. Don't wait. You might miss out on the glorious bargain.
The breakfast... how bad is it *really*? (Be honest!)
Okay, the breakfast. Let's get real. "Continental" is the official term. Think pre-packaged pastries (which, let's face it, can be strangely addictive), instant coffee that'll grow hair on your chest (or possibly turn you into a coffee-fueled gremlin), and those scrambled eggs. Oh, the scrambled eggs. They're… a work of art? A culinary mystery? Let's just say they're… *there*. And, you know what? Sometimes, after a long drive, or a late night... they hit the spot. It's the kind of breakfast that makes you appreciate the simple things. Like, maybe a slightly less pre-packaged pastry. Or at least some fresh coffee. But mostly, you’re just happy to have something in your stomach. And that's a win in my book. Look, it’s not the Ritz. But it's included. FREE. I just... I wouldn't build my hopes around it being the highlight of your trip, okay?
What's the vibe of the Howard Johnson? Is it… ghostly?
Ghostly? Hah! Well, no more so than any other older hotel, I suppose. Let's just say it's got character. *Plenty* of character. Think cozy, slightly dated, and definitely not a minimalist paradise. The kind of place where you half-expect a friendly, slightly-creepy bellhop to offer you a mint and a key that *also* unlocks a secret portal to another dimension. You'll find families, road trippers, and the occasional suspiciously-dressed individual. It's a melting pot! I once saw a guy in a full cowboy outfit wrestling with the vending machine. Pure gold! The point is: it's real. It's lived-in. It's not sterile. It's an experience. And honestly, sometimes, that's way more fun than some bland, perfect hotel where everyone is polished and smiling. Where’s the fun in that?
Kamloops itself... what's there to *do*? Besides, you know, the Howard Johnson.
Okay, now we're talking! Kamloops! It's... well, it's a hidden gem, okay? Don't go there expecting a bustling metropolis. Do go there expecting some stunning scenery. Think rolling hills, beautiful lakes, and vast skies. If you're into hiking, biking, or just generally being outdoorsy, you're in luck. There are trails galore! Plus, the wildlife viewing is pretty decent, if you're patient and lucky. I once saw a deer practically strolling through the parking lot of a Tim Horton's. (Clearly, it knew the value of a decent donut). Downtown has some decent restaurants and bars. The best is… well, maybe a matter of opinion. But I've had some seriously good meals there. It's a chill spot. The main attraction, for me, is the *lack* of overwhelming crowds. And the fact that, with the money you saved on your hotel, you can totally splurge on a fancy dinner. Or, you know, multiple coffees. And that’s a win.
Is it family-friendly? Because I've got three small monsters… I mean, children.
Family-friendly? Hmmm… Well, let's put it this way: I haven't seen a "No Kids Allowed" sign. And the pool (yes, there's a pool! Don’t get TOO excited. It's small) is usually full of children. It's not a luxury resort with a dedicated kids' club, but it’s perfectly fine for bringing the little ones. The rooms are decent-sized, and the kids'll probably love the free breakfast pastries as much as I do, which, let's face it, is a lot. Plus, you're on a budget, remember? You don't have to worry about every little noise your kids make. Just tell them to keep it down. I’m not saying it’s *perfect* for families. But it’s totally doable. And think of all the fun memories you’ll make. (Okay, maybe some of those memories will involve a lot of yelling. But hey, that’s family life, right?).
Okay, you've mentioned the pool... Is it a highlight?
Oh, the pool. Listen, it's… a pool. It fulfills the basic requirements of a pool: it's filled with water, and you can swim in it. It's indoors. It's small. It’s… functional. Don't expect Olympic-sized swimming lanes or a diving board to do epic dives from. I’ve seen bigger kiddy pools. But the kids LOVE it. And sometimes, after a long day of driving, a quick dip is exactly what you need. It does the job. Just don't go in expecting a spa. Or sparkling, crystal-clear water. (I'm not saying it's *dirty*, I’m just saying it's seen some things). It’s a slightly chlorined, slightly dated, but perfectly acceptable poolCoastal Inns
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