Howard Johnson San Diego Area - El Cajon

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Not what I thought it was going to be. Wasn't up to date, stuff was from the early 90s. The room was non smoking, but smelled like smoke. Pillows were flat. I would never stay there again.

The hotels in a very rest area what it seems like there's a lot of gane violence and drugs. didn't think it is a very best area to be

I really enjoyed my last hotel stay at this hotel.. I had some issues with the shower handle and the blowdryer but once we told the front desk it was fixed immediately... The bed in the room was very comfortable. The cleanliness of the room was up to standards like any other hotel you would go to.

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We were in the area for a funeral so our moods were not the best. The neighborhood was a little questionable.

Wrong address listed. Wrong telephone listed. Lost for 30 min. No one could help me. On hold for 30-45 min. (Only found it because another reviewer wrote that it was behind a taco bell. That taco bell no longer exists but you can still see the faint sign that says Tacos on an old building). No hot water. Cold shower. Dirty. My clothes smelled like the […] bed from a 4 hour nap. I only slept 4 hours because I was lost for so long. I'd rather sleep in my car. Neighborhood was sketchy. Security window only. I couldn't even grab coffee since I had to leave for work at 5. 5am isn't even that early. NEVER AGAIN. Read more

I'm very happy with my stay at Howard Johnsons! I got a warm greeting when i checked in. The room was actually much larger than i expected and very clean. All the furnishings in the room appeared new and the room was kept very clean during my 4 day stay. I was visiting family in El Cajon and this hotel made my visit a lot easier. I plan on staying here […] again, When i arrived there was obvious renovating going on , so at first i was concerned about parking, but the clerk showed me that there was actually plenty of parking available. Read more

I've stayed at this hotel over 100 nights thru-out 2011 and at this writing (Dec 2011) I've watched them upgrade every room with new beds, carpets, coffee maker, refrigs and micro's etc. Everything is new so you can count on comfort when you check in late at night and its dark and your tired. Its also family owned and you feel it when you meet their […] children at the front desk..... everyone is very professional. Its truly the best priced- biggest rooms you'll find in the San Diego area. And the NEW BUFFET begins in Jan 2012. I almost forgot- their HOT TUB is always working and its always hot !! Read more

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Since location was very important for me, I stayed at this hotel. The room had a weird smell.

room rate was a deal , room was clean staff was friendly, and helpful. hospitality , ie;coffee packets, tioletries were a little skimpy. all in all it was a great deal.

Hotel was fair at best, right off the freeway which was nice. But in a ghetto neighborhood, strange people wondering the parking lot at night and service at front desk was sub par. Do not compare to San Diego remember this is El Cajon. Hardly "San Diego".

For a guy or gal working on a limited budget, good place. Old but clean, good staff, close to my work location.

We stayed at the this hotel, and was presently surprised that the hotel was actually nice. We noticed that the hotel is under an major upgrade, and if our room was an indication of the updates to come, we will definitely return on our next trip to San Diego. The minor discomfort was that the room was touted as a non-smoking room but smelled of previous […] smoking activities...and the hotel clearly states that if after check out there are signs of smoking there will be a charge of $150. I immediately contacted the front desk to inform them of the smokey smell of the room, and they quickly sent someone to deodorize the room. There are fast food and an 24-hour gas station for late night snackers. I recommend this hotel for a clean and inexpensive place to stay! Read more

the hotel was clean and the staff friendly. the location wasn't great but making sure your car is locked should help any reservations you may have. the room was large and the bathroom was in good conditon, although the toiletries were nice there weren't many, and there was no regular coffee for the machine. the ice machine was empty but it had been […] a very hot day. all in all it was a great deal for the price. Read more

For a non-smoking room, it smelled like cigarettes. People smoking and talking outside my room at all hours. There was an unused wing that we could have been put into but they were trying to consolidate for easier cleaning.

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Don't think I will be staying here again... no bed bugs, but bugs of another kind. Don't like to share my space w/cockroaches! Will stay @ motel 6 for cheaper if I want to deal w/bugs.

My stay here was a good one, a bit far from were my business was to take place but was a great little get a way from the big city. The rooms were clean and the staff was nice.

quiet, clean and a very friendly staff

Price of room was ok. Room was clean, but one of the beds was very squeaky. Breakfeast ok. Did not like how we had to park our car behind the hotel, area at night was kinda scary. Far from attractions.

It's ok if you're just needing a place to sleep.

I wasn't expecting much because of the cheap rate, but was pleasantly surprised about everything at this hotel. It had refrigerator, safe, wifi, etc. Very good experience.

The hotel room wasn't very clean. This became more evident when we discovered roaches ALL over the room (adult and babies); including the ceiling. The bathtub floor also felt like it was giving way. We were glad to be on the lower level of the hotel. I would NEVER stay in a Howard Johnson hotel again. This has soured my taste for them.

The hotel was alright, nothing special about it. The bed appeared clean and there was nothing particular good or bad about it, for the price there was nothing more to expect. The maid service was good. There is a car wash next door that starts at around 8am, and it is extremely loud. At night I could hear drunk people and women in high heels walking […] past my room (as late as 4am). The neighborhood is rather sketchy at night, I don't recommend walking around there at night. Read more

This hotel had a lot to offer, pool, breakfast, good size rooms and a good location. It's a little old, but not bad and I believe they are working on remodeling it too. This place was a great deal for the price!

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Howard Johnson is a well known chain, but this one was awful. There were bugs in the room, Mr in the shower, and tons of noise from nearby machines. I would not stay here again.

I room are clean everyday and I get bed makeup and fresh towels. It is good to stay for sleep. The staff are nice helpful.

I really like this hotel. very low price.The only problem was about second floor stair. we had many stuff with our self and was so hard for us to carry them to second floor. the first floor rooms were not smoke free rooms. overall I like this hotel.

When I booked this hotel it said it was 23 miles from my desired location, it was not, it was 38 miles from my location. Aside from that when I arrived at the hotel I was not impressed. It is obvious that there has been a recent change because the Howard Johnson sign is tarped over the previous hotel sign. There is a large car wash on the same premises […] that you can hear making noise, it appears that it is used as a local apartment building rather than a hotel, which is very uncomfortable. When I walked into my room it appeared clean, however there were "hairs" embedded into the towels and wash cloths, when I pulled back the sheets there a few small candy wrappers left there, which tells me that the sheets were dirty and not changed. I had to call at 9pm to have someone come change sheets. I would not reccomend this place at all, especially if traveling with children. Read more

Adequate rooms for a quick and busy stay. Not a location you would enjoy "hanging out" in... But the hotel and room was fine for for the low price. As expected. Bargain rate for the San Diego area, even this inland location. Was our zoo and fishing home base. Half hour to either.

Very clean. Friendly service at front desk.

The room was very clean and roomy. It had all of the amenities we needed (iron board, blow dryer, frig, coffee maker) Very nice room. I left my bracelet on the table. When I returned, the room was clean and my bracelet was still there. The only cons were the car wash machine sounded like an amusement park riding taking off every 15 minutes or so (but […] stopped at night) and you could only make a right hand turn out, so you had to turn around down the street. Taco Bell was right there along with a convenience/liquor store in case you needed something. For the price, I would recommend this hotel. The area was not choice, but could be overlooked. Everyone minded their business and didn't mess with us. I will stay at this hotel again. Read more

I went to San Diego for a wedding and chose this hotel because it had good reviews and was close to the location. We got there, and there were Howard Johnson banners just wrapped around the original Super 8 signs. The sign on the door said we got a non smoking room but it smelled like someone was chain smoking cigars in there. The hotel is right behind […] a car wash so don't plan on sleeping during their hours of operation because the dryer is loud. The walls are paper thin and I could hear a man down the hall talking as if he were right outside my window. On the plus side, the bed was nice and firm and there was a mini fridge in the room. Read more

We got a very reasonable rate, better than a competitor we've stayed with in the past, and had a larger room, as well as complimentary shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion. Kind of hidden behind Taco Bell, but the staff was extremely friendly and for what we paid, we have no complaints!

This is a room for budget minded who need a bed.

the liquour store and the car wash at the front of the building are a bit off putting BUT. the room was very clean, the staff very attentive, the price was excellent for San Diego area. we felt safe and the parking was o.k.

Really convenient to the 8 freeway. A car wash and Taco bell is in front of the hotel. Across the street was Gas station so you can walk to these places. A block away are eating places.

It was quiet and clean and all of the staff were so VERY nice!!! They are remodeling and it looks great!!!!

This place has a long way to go before it becomes a Howard Johnson. Once my husband and I looked at the mattress, we refused to stay there. We changed our reservation to the Days Inn across the street. You should remove them from your list.

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This hotel was close to friends and places we visited. Although the surrounding area wasn't the nicest, it was convenient, affordable, and for the most part comfortable. We would definitely stay here again.

We liked staying at the Super 8. It was inexpensive, clean and the staff was friendly. Our room had a microwave, coffee maker, and mini fridge. The microwave was weird and beeped at us so much throughout the night that we had to unplug it.. but it worked. The breakfast was your standard fare - muffins (excellent), bagels, coffee, juice. The neighborhood […] was boring but had easy access to the freeway. It could be problematic for someone without a car. Nearby dining options include Taco Bell. It met all the requirements that I look for in a budget hotel. Would stay there again. Read more

Sits behind a 24hr car wash and a taco bell which was not very appealing. Outside appearance not too great. I was actually scared to see the inside. Lobby area clean and neat. Rooms impressed me due to the surroundings. They were clean and smelled clean. Slept very well in 2 beds. Pool was well kept and clean. Woke up too late for the continental breakfast. […] If you dont mind that kind of surrounding neighbors then you should be fine here. Read more

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I had low expectations as I drove into the parking lot of the Super 8, but once I entered my room I was pleasantly surprised. The room was large and comfortable, with a mini fridge and microwave, plus the expected hair dryer and iron/board. The air conditioner worked really well and cooled down the room quite nicely. I would definitely stay at the Super […] 8 again. Read more

Needs improvement namely updating. Most noticeable in the bathroom.

Personal went out of way to meet my expectations.