Howard Johnson Express

Ok, I think we've decided to stay at the Howard Johnson Express right near the parks enterance road when we go up next week, cause it cheap and its close.

Has anyone ever stayed there?! I've read good reviews, and a couple bad ones. Can anyone give me their opinion?!

We don't need a fancy hotel. We're just sleeping there one night, and its when we get back from the park, so we'll be drained and as soon as we get up the next day, we're packing, checking out, and going to the park again and then going home.

Opinions would be appreciated!

Yeah, It's a dump. I can't say that from experience, but I wouldn't ever stay there based on what I've heard and read.

Stay at the Maples. You will be very glad you did.
*** Edited 7/20/2006 9:46:39 PM UTC by bholcomb***

I actually had a FANTASTIC stay there back in mid-June. Staff was really friendly, and our one issue (air conditioner wasn't working) was fixed within a few minutes of calling the front desk.
For the price and location, you can't beat the friendly service and a decent bed to sleep on.

And...if it matters to you, they allow 18+ to stay rather than the usual 21+

I'm not sure if it's the same Howard Johnsons or not but back in 1992 I stayed at one kind of close to the park. It was small but affordable.

I always think why spend a lot at a hotel when you're at the park all day.

Kirk, what do you mean they allow 18+ to stay. Do you mean that many people?! Or do you mean age? I'm confused! haha.

And SteelRaptor, EXACTLY! I don't need a fancy, nice hotel room if all I'm gonna do is sleep there. Especially if its only one night.

Sorry. 18 years and older are allowed, as opposed to most other hotels that require someone 21 or over to check in.
I don't know if that's an issue for you or not, as I don't know your age, but for me, it's a make-or-break deal. ;)

Well I'm going with my parents, so I don't think I have to worry! haha.

Three words: DON'T DO IT!

Why not. It seems 2 to 1 that its a fine hotel for just sleeping in.

If you are not staying at cedar point resort's, then

i suggest the hampton inn. Very nice hotel with indoor

pool,breakfast included.

Yea, I recently stayed at a Hampton Inn in Alabama! We stayed there on the way to Biloxi, Mississippi for a mission trip with my youth group. It was a very nice hotel.

Although, this hotel also has a breakfast and an outdoor pool. I prefer outdoor pools, cause indoor ones are too warm. I want a pool to cool down in the hot sun.

I'll have to give the Hampton Inn's rates a peek. But you still can't beat the location of the Howard Johnson!

IT IS DIRTY! I stayed there in May 2004- it was by far, the crummiest hotel room ever!

HERE gives you an idea as to the type of motel it is. One day we left for the park early in the morning. Around dinner time, we stopped at Thirsty Pony's (SUCH GOOD WINGS!) and then headed across the street to the motel. We get to our room which was first floor, in the back...and our door was WIDE OPEN! Somebody from the hotel left it open, opened it at some point, what not. All of our bags were able to be seen from the parking lot. Luckily nothing was stolen. We reported it to the front desk. Their reply "well thats scary". nothing else.

As a joke, I pushed my girlfriend at the time off of the bed, onto the floor. She nearly broke up with me because she didnt want to touch the floor. Go ahead, spend your $35/night there and sleep with the roaches.

Also dont goto the Clarion Inn near the mall- that was also very dirty. The Comfort Inn near rt 2 was very nice...had an indoor and an outdoor pool with a bar.

Ben's right. Maples 4 life.

What's the Maples. I couldn't find it anywhere.

Is it expensive?!

And Tony, there are 2 Howard Johnson Expresses very close to each other. Which one are you talking about?

Maybe things have changed since 04, or maybe I just got lucky...either way, for location and price (and considering it's just a bed to sleep on for the night), you can't beat the HoJo.

I've had very good experiences at all the Comfort Inns/Suites. The price for four is around $130 (not bad for this time of year) and included breakfast and shuttle. It had clean rooms and the A/C worked. That's the only thing I look at for hotels.

Its a dump.

We woke up to ants crowling all over the room. We complaned to the front desk, but they did not offer to do anything because we were checking out that day.

The managment was rude, and the rooms are dirty.

Ok, I looked into the Maples. And it doesn't seem to great.

Very cheap, YES. But it doesn't look great.

And do the rooms hae bathrooms with a shower?! Cause it looks lke one of those places that would have a "bathhouse" for showering. NOT what I want! haha.

I prefer a hotel chain!

Yes, the rooms have bathrooms with a shower. It is great. The owner is fantastic - She's the nicest lady you will ever meet.

The rooms were very clean. It's somewhat retro, but that's not a big deal.

I'd go there each time I stayed the night in Sandusky if I didn't prefer to camp.

If you want to go to a chain, the Comfort Inn on Rte2 and US250 isn't bad. The clarion by the mall stinks and everything on cleveland rd generally sucks except castaway bay from what I've heard.

My priority list:
Camp at Bayshore
Maples
Comfort Inn
Breakers Express
Breakers

Thats about all I'd stay in Sandusky anymore.
*** Edited 7/21/2006 5:27:15 AM UTC by bholcomb***