Escape to the Hudson Valley: Howard Johnson's Saugerties Awaits!
Ditching the City Blues? Howard Johnson's Saugerties is Calling! (And Boy, is It a Mixed Bag…)
Okay, folks, let's be honest. The name "Howard Johnson's" might conjure up images of roadside diners and predictable orange roofs. But trust me, this isn't your grandma's HoJo. This Escape to the Hudson Valley: Howard Johnson's in Saugerties promises… well, something. And after spending a few days there, I'm ready to spill the beans. Buckle up, because this review is gonna be a wild ride, just like my weekend was.
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First Impressions (and a Little Bit of Panic):
Driving up, you’re greeted by the familiar HoJo sign. The exterior? Let's call it "charming in a retro, slightly-tired kind of way." My first thought: Okay, here we go… But hey, it’s the Hudson Valley! Everything’s a little…rustic, right?
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, Honestly:
Now, this is important. The website says they have facilities for disabled guests. And I’m not going to front, I didn't personally test every single thing out. The elevators certainly helped, and the ramps were present. But I didn't have an in-depth look at the rooms. It felt like they understood the basics, which is better than nothing. (Accessibility, Facilities for disabled guests) But a closer look and more specifics about room design would be great.
Internet – Because, Duh:
Yes, you get Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet access – wireless, Internet) Thank God. Because let's face it, we're all addicted. Signal in the room was decent, I could actually stream shows without wanting to chuck my laptop out the window. There's also Internet [LAN] access, which, frankly, feels like something out of a 1990s time capsule. Who still uses Ethernet cables when their Wi-Fi is on the fritz?
Let's Talk Relaxation, Baby… OR… Not:
Okay, here's where things get interesting. The website teases a Spa experience, maybe a Spa/sauna. But don't get your hopes up too high, folks. There's no actual spa. No Body scrub, no Body wrap, no fluffy robes and cucumber water. So… moving on.
They do have a Swimming pool and, supposedly, a Pool with view. I skipped the pool. I wanted to chill… but I did see a lot of kids having fun. And while I do have kids… their fun isn't always my fun.
There's a Fitness center (aka the "Sweat Box"). I peeked in. Looked like a treadmill, some weights, and a whole lotta dust. I’m going to be honest, I'd rather spend the afternoon eating local cheese and drinking wine…but hey, to each their own.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Grub Situation (and the Great Coffee Fiasco):
Alright, let's get down to the important stuff – the food. They have a Breakfast [buffet] – and that's the closest you get to 'fine dining at the hotel. It’s… there. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast. Think standard hotel fare. The coffee? Oh, the coffee. It was…weak. Like, "I'm pretty sure this is lightly flavored water" weak. I ended up walking to a local coffee shop every morning. Do not rely on the in-house caffeine delivery system. They have a Coffee shop, but the coffee's the same.
There's a Restaurant as well, but I didn't try it. I saw it, and I saw the lack of customers and decided I'd rather have some amazing tacos from a food truck I saw down the road. I did see a Bar. Maybe I should have gotten some alcohol to help with the coffee situation. I did see drinks are on the menu, and I definitely considered it.
Safety, Security, & Cleanliness – Did They Survive the Pandemic?
Okay, important stuff. They're trying. Anti-viral cleaning products and Daily disinfection in common areas. Individual-wrapped food options made me slightly less nervous about the buffet. Rooms sanitized between stays. They say all the right things. They even have some Hand sanitizer readily available. They’re trying, the vibe is one of trying.
The Room: My Home for (Mostly) Peaceful Hours:
My room was… fine. Air conditioning worked, thank you, sweet baby Jesus. Blackout curtains were a godsend. Free Wi-Fi. A somewhat comfortable bed. Basic, but fine. They even had a mini bar, which I didn't use, but it was there. (Air conditioning, Blackout curtains, Free Wi-Fi, Mini bar, Bed). But let's talk about the slightly-dodgy details. The Alarm clock on the nightstand looked like it was older than me. The shower, however, was adequate, nothing to cry home about.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things (and the Slightly Annoying Things):
They offer the usual suspects: Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Concierge. There's a Gift/souvenir shop which is also…there. Parking is Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], so that's a win. (Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Concierge, Gift/souvenir shop, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]) They even have Elevator.
For the Kids & Pet Owners (Because I Know You Want To Know):
Family/child friendly yes, and Kids meal, Babysitting service. I saw a lot of happy kids. I did.
I did not see any pets. The site states Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed. Boo.
Things to Do in Saugerties (and Why You Should Get Out of the Hotel):
Saugerties itself is charming! It’s the real star. Right now, Get out and explore the town. There are cute shops, a farmer's market, tons of things to see and do!
Overall Verdict – Would I Go Back?
Look, Escape to the Hudson Valley: Howard Johnson's Saugerties Awaits! isn’t a luxury spa resort. It’s a budget-friendly basecamp for exploring the Hudson Valley. It’s not perfect. But it’s clean, generally safe, and relatively comfortable. If you're expecting a five-star experience, you'll be disappointed. But if you want a decent place to crash after a day of wine tasting or exploring, it's perfectly passable.
My Honest Recommendation:
Book it if…
- You're on a budget.
- You're not planning on hanging out at the hotel all day.
- You just need a clean bed and hot water.
- You love that retro charm.
Avoid it if…
- You need a spa experience.
- You're a coffee snob.
- You demand perfection.
It'll give you what it promises.
Special Offer! (Because You Should Be Here!):
Don't let the city overwhelm you! Book your escape to the Hudson Valley now!
Use code "HUDSONESCAPE" at checkout for a FREE upgrade to a room with a view (limited availability!) Plus, a complimentary coupon for a slightly better coffee at the local cafe down the street! (Because, seriously, you'll need it.)
Click here to book your stay and get ready to be charmed by Saugerties!
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Escape to Daylight Inn: Your Elkhart I-90 Oasis Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is real, raw, Howard Johnson's (by Wyndham) Saugerties, NY, the kind of trip where you might end up accidentally buying a ceramic squirrel wearing a tiny hat and wondering how your life choices brought you here. Prepare for a rollercoaster.
The "Saugerties Surprise" - A Trip That’s Probably Going to Involve Questionable Decisions (and hopefully, some fries)
Day 1: Arrival & the Quest for WIFI (and Sanity)
- 1:00 PM: Land in the hazy glow of… somewhere. Okay, maybe not land technically, but arrive at the Howard Johnson's in Saugerties. First impressions? Let’s just say the color scheme screams "early 2000s roadside motel charm." And by "charm" I mean… well, you know. The air conditioning unit whirred with the promise of lukewarm air, the lobby smelled faintly of chlorine and… ambition?
- 1:15 PM: Immediately begin the desperate search for Wi-Fi. Seriously, it’s a primal need. I need to update my social media with the dramatic arrival. Am I actually in the middle of somewhere? This hotel, this town, the whole vibe… It’s the kind of place where time slows down. Or maybe I’m just hungry.
- 1:30 PM: The Wi-Fi is… patchy. More like "Wi-Flaky." Commence the internal screaming. Okay, deep breaths. Fine. I can live offline. This trip is about unplugging, right? That's what I keep telling myself.
- 2:00 PM: Unpack. Discover a suspicious stain on the carpet I'm trying to avoid. Nope, not going to think about it.
- 2:30 PM: Venture out. The map on my phone is spotty, because of the Wi-Fi, so I'm trusting vibes. Find a local diner called, "The Diner". (Original). Ordered a burger, which was probably the best food I've eaten in years. It's not that great, but it's simple and it's everything I needed at that moment. Feel a sense of peace come over me. This place is charming.
- 4:00 PM: Head back to the hotel. Find some time to relax, watch some TV. Feel comfortable and excited about tomorrow.
Day 2: The Saugerties Scene & the Questionable Souvenir
- 8:00 AM: Wake up late. Curse the fact that I didn't set an alarm. Shower. The water pressure is… adequate. Not a waterfall, but it'll do.
- 9:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. (Free continental? Oh, the luxury!) The usual suspects: stale muffins, sugary cereal, and questionable orange juice. I load up a plate anyway. It’s fuel, alright? Maybe?
- 10:30 AM: Explore. Saugerties' "downtown" is… quaint. Shops, some more exciting than others. I find a bookstore! It's fantastic!
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a place the locals frequent. I order a sandwich. It's… a sandwich. It feels good to be sitting.
- 2:30 PM: Back to the hotel. Feel more relaxed.
- 3:00 PM: The hotel pool! I'm here for it! I don't want to think about what's been in that water, but I'm going in. It's a sweltering day. I'm floating in a pool and thinking, "This is fine."
- 5:00 PM: I find myself in a cheesy gift shop (the kind that sells those "Live, Laugh, Love" signs.) and, against all common sense, buy a ceramic squirrel wearing a tiny hat. I have no idea why. It's the kind of purchase that will haunt me later, but right now, it feels… right? I'm calling him "Squeaky."
- 5:30 PM: Dinner at a local pizza place (the only option that looked open that late). Pizza is fine, but I can't stop thinking about the squirrel. Where will he live? Will I regret this? Is this the beginning of a collection?
- 7:00 PM: Back at the hotel. The TV is on. I'm relaxing, watching, and laughing. I'm getting sleepy.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep-time
Day 3: The Embrace of the Unexpected & the Departure
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. I really can't believe I bought that squirrel.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. I eat a muffin again, because what else am I going to do?
- 11:00 AM: Check out of the hotel. I make sure Squeaky is safely secured in my bag.
- 11:30 AM: Last-minute gas station bathroom break. The attendant gives me a knowing look when he sees the squirrel. We don't speak, but I think we both understand.
- 1:00 PM: Head home.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. The hotel wasn’t exactly a luxury resort. The Wi-Fi tried to defeat me, the food was hit or miss. But you know what? It was real. It was messy. It was imperfect. And somewhere in the midst of all the questionable decisions and the ceramic squirrel, I found something I didn't know I was looking for: a little bit of peace, a little bit of joy, and a whole lot of "well, isn't this something?"
And hey, at least I have a story to tell. And a squirrel with a tiny hat. Good bye.
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Escape to the Hudson Valley: Howard Johnson's Saugerties - Your Messy, Honest FAQ
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This ain't your pristine, corporate FAQ. This is *real* life, the kind where you lose your keys *and* your mind a little during a weekend getaway. We’re talking about Howard Johnson's in Saugerties, a place that's more "charmingly faded" than Instagram-perfect. Here's the lowdown, served slightly burnt around the edges, just like those waffles…
What are the rooms *really* like? (Be brutally honest.)
Alright, honesty hour. The rooms? They're… functional. Let's just say the décor screams "1970s chic" in a way that's more "slightly depressing" than "retro." Expect floral bedspreads that have probably seen a few generations of guests, and a bathroom that might or might not have grout. But listen, after a day of hiking or antiquing, you won’t care. You’ll be too zonked out to notice the slightly peeling wallpaper. I mean, I *did* notice it. And I may or may not have spent ten minutes wondering if it was intentionally artsy or just… old. Either way, I lived to tell the tale.
And the AC? Pray it works. Seriously. We went in August and it was a *sweat fest* until we finally got it cranking. Turns out, Uncle Joe (who stayed with the family last year) knew the special trick of fiddling with the back panel or something - good bless him! It's part of the charm, right? Embrace the slight discomfort, laugh a little, and grab an extra ice cream cone.
Is the pool worth the hype?
The pool… oh, the pool. It's a solid *maybe*. It's not exactly Olympic-sized, but it's deep enough to actually *swim* a little, which is a win. The water felt clean (important!), and there were usually some kids cannonballing, which is always good for a laugh. The problem? The pool *deck*. It’s a little… let's say "rustic." Think cracked concrete and questionable cleanliness. I saw a rogue french fry or two. But again, it’s part of the experience, right? Embrace the slightly gritty aesthetic! Just bring your own towel, some flip-flops, and a healthy dose of "I'm not judging anything."
My personal favorite? People-watching. The pool attracts all sorts, which is endlessly entertaining. Plus, there's something strangely comforting about sharing a pool with a bunch of strangers, all united by their love of lukewarm water and slightly faded plastic chairs. I found myself feeling oddly… peaceful, actually.
Breakfast - yay or nay?
Breakfast? Oh, it's included. Don't go in with high expectations. Think continental, meaning: the usual suspects. The waffles? Actually, the waffles are surprisingly decent, and you *have* to get at least one because, you know, the *Howard Johnson's Restaurant*. The coffee? Not as good as the waffles, but it does its job. The whole experience is a charmingly chaotic free-for-all. Kids running everywhere, adults grabbing for the last bagel, and a general air of "we're all in this together." I ended up chatting with a couple from Ohio who had been coming for years, and it was lovely. You know, a real "slice of Americana" type thing.
Is it really close to everything?
Yes! Saugerties is super cute and super close. The HoJo's is a great base for exploring the Hudson Valley. You're a hop, skip, and a jump from the town of Saugerties. The shops are great, and the waterfront is beautiful. You can hit up the shops, grab a coffee at the local cafe (much better than the HoJo's coffee, by the way), and generally soak up the small-town vibes. And don't even get me started on the lighthouse… pure Instagram gold!
Oh, and Woodstock? A quick drive away. Prepare yourself for tie-dye, free spirits, and maybe a little bit of '60s nostalgia. Hudson is good for antiques, too. You can't go wrong. Honestly, you'll be spoiled for choice.
What are some *must-do* things in the area?
Okay, okay, here's the insider scoop! First, you MUST visit the Saugerties Lighthouse. It's a short, scenic walk out along the pier. The views are incredible. Take a picture. Actually, take a *ton* of pictures. Bonus points if you go at sunset. Just a word of warning, the walk can get a little chilly, so pack an extra sweater.
Second, go hiking! There are tons of trails around. We tried to hike to Overlook Mountain, but we wimped out after a couple of hours. The views were *amazing* from what we did see, though. So, maybe pack some proper hiking boots, unlike us!
If you're into quirky roadside attractions, check out the Opus 40 sculpture park (a bit of a drive). It's like something out of an Indiana Jones movie. I, honestly, wasn't so impressed. But hey, to each their own!
Should I book it? Is it worth it?
Look, if you're expecting a luxury resort, steer clear. If you're looking for a clean, modern hotel, don't bother. If you're after an experience that's a little bit rough around the edges, and a whole lot of fun, then absolutely. The HoJo's is a step back in time, a place that feels… well, different. It's not fancy, it's not perfect, but it's authentic. It's a *vibe*. If you can laugh at slightly rusty fixtures, wobbly chairs, and the general "lived-in" feel, you'll have a blast.
Plus, let’s be real, it’s a pretty good deal. Where else are you going to get a decent room, a pool, *and* a side of nostalgia for the price? Honestly, I'm already planning my next trip. But I'm definitely packing my own coffee.
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