Pasadena Paradise: Unbeatable Deals at Howard Johnson by Wyndham!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Pasadena Paradise: Unbeatable Deals at Howard Johnson by Wyndham! This review isn't gonna be your sterile, cookie-cutter hotel guide. We're going REAL. We're going HONEST. And we're going to see if this Howard Johnson lives up to its "Paradise" promise.
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First Impressions (or, the Great Parking Fiasco of '23)
Right off the bat, let's talk about the car park. "Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Valet parking" - that's what the listing says. Sounds fantastic, right? Well, on my visit, "free of charge" meant "fight for a spot." Seriously, I circled for what felt like an eternity, channeling my inner Grand Prix racer. Eventually, I found a (tight) space. The "valet parking" option, however? Seemed to be MIA. Maybe I missed something. The "Car power charging station" was awesome. The "free" might mean crowded… just my personal experience.
Accessibility - Navigating the Labyrinth (and, Thankfully, It Was Mostly Easy)
Okay, good news first: "Accessibility" is a big deal here. I saw "Elevator," "Facilities for disabled guests," and "Wheelchair accessible" listed. The lobby and common areas were generally easy to navigate. The rooms, again, mostly good. If accessibility is a MUST, I recommend calling ahead to confirm your specific needs can be met. Ask about the bathroom, the door widths - the usual stuff.
Rooms – The Good, the Okay, and the Slightly Questionable Sofa…
Let's get down to brass tacks: the rooms. "Air conditioning," "Alarm clock," "Free bottled water," "Coffee/tea maker," "Daily housekeeping," "Desk," "Free Wi-Fi," "Hair dryer," "In-room safe box," "Refrigerator," "Satellite/cable channels," "Shower," "Wi-Fi [free]" - the basics are covered, thank goodness! I'd have been miserable without the AC, because it was HOT. The Wi-Fi was surprisingly strong, and hey, free bottled water is always a win, no matter what anyone says.
My room has a "Sofa". It looked…well, used. Possibly very used. Let's just say I covered it with pillows before I sat down. But hey, it's the price you pay for a deal. I guess it made my inner neat freak start to worry and start to have to get my mind wandering on other less used parts of the room to forget about the fact that I'm sitting on the equivalent of a used car salesman's sofa.
Cleanliness and Safety – The Sanitizing Symphony (or, How I Found Peace of Mind)
Listen, I am obsessed with cleanliness these days. So, the "Anti-viral cleaning products" and "Daily disinfection in common areas" got my attention. "Rooms sanitized between stays" is fantastic. "Hand sanitizer" was readily available. They claim "Staff trained in safety protocol," "Sterilizing equipment," even "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items." The level of commitment was pretty impressive. And the room was spotless. I felt comfortable, which is a HUGE plus. I loved that I could opt-out of room cleaning. It was great peace of mind.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Adventure (or, the Quest for the Perfect Breakfast)
"Restaurants,""Poolside bar," "Breakfast [buffet]," "Coffee shop" – and they were open, hooray.
The "Breakfast [buffet]" was decent! The usual suspects: scrambled eggs (a little bland, but hey, it's free), sausage, pastries, and cereal. They had "Vegetarian restaurant" too. "Coffee/tea in restaurant" – plentiful. The coffee was drinkable. I'm not a coffee snob. I'm just a person that likes coffee when I need it. They also had "Snack bar,” so if you’re feeling nibbly, there’s that.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax – Beyond the Pool… (or, the Great Quest for Relaxation)
The "Swimming pool [outdoor]" looked inviting. I’m more of a "lounge by the pool with a trashy novel" kind of person, so I was thrilled. It was…well, it was a pool. The pool was clean. There were enough sun loungers.
I didn’t see the "Fitness center," "Sauna," and "Spa" so I can't comment on those. But after the parking incident, and the sofa incident. I was ready for some serious relaxation in Pasadena.
Services and Conveniences – Beyond the Basics
"Concierge," "Cash withdrawal," "Convenience store," "Daily housekeeping," "Laundry service," "Meeting/banquet facilities" – they've got a lot of the standard services covered. They even offer "Food delivery" and "Room service [24-hour]". I ordered room service one night. It was… fine. Perfectly edible. You know.
For the Kids – Family-Friendly FUN!
The listing says "Babysitting service," "Family/child friendly," and "Kids meal." This Howard Johnson seems pretty well set up for families. I saw multiple families and couples there.
The Verdict – Pasadena Paradise? Maybe, Sometimes…
So, is Pasadena Paradise: Unbeatable Deals at Howard Johnson by Wyndham really "Paradise?" Well, it's not quite the Garden of Eden, but it's a solid, comfortable, and relatively affordable choice, especially when you consider the cost of other hotels in Pasadena. It's got its quirks (the parking, the sofa), but the positives outweigh the negatives. The accessibility is a huge win. The cleanliness is top-notch. And the price is definitely appealing. If you're looking for a budget-friendly, family-friendly option with good access and comfortable rooms, this Howard Johnson certainly merits consideration. Just maybe pack a travel-sized can of disinfectant for the sofa… just in case! and let's see if we can work on the free parking.
My Final Offer
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is a Howard Johnson Pasadena adventure, served with a side of jet lag and existential dread (just kidding… mostly).
Howard Johnson Pasadena: A Messy, Wonderful Romp
Day 1: Arrival and Realization (Why Did I Book This?)
- 2:00 PM: Arrival at LAX. (Ugh.) The flight was a red-eye from… well, somewhere far away. I’m pretty sure my internal clock is currently residing in a parallel universe. Grab the rental car, and I'm already questioning every life choice leading me here. The traffic? Don't even get me started. It took an hour and a half to get from the airport to the HoJo in Pasadena. That's almost as long as the actual flight!
- 3:30 PM: Check-in at Howard Johnson. Okay, here we go. It’s… clean. Actually, surprisingly clean. Did I expect a horror show? Maybe. The lobby smells vaguely of chlorine and… potential. The front desk guy has seen things, I can tell. He hands me my keycard with a weary smile, and I’m already calculating how much this trip is going to cost.
- 4:00 PM: Room Reconnaissance. The room looks decent. The air conditioning is definitely on the fritz, though. I'm sweating already. The TV? One word: ancient. I'm thinking of this as a vintage hotel room, not an out-of-date one. Maybe I can get into this “retro” vibe. Maybe not.
- 5:00 PM: The Pasadena Scavenger Hunt (Attempt #1). I'd printed out this whole list of things to find -- the Rose Bowl, the Gamble House, some obscure bookstore I found online. Okay, so this is starting to be stressful for me, I just want to get my legs used to the timezone again, maybe hit a café. This is when I realize I am a truly chaotic traveler. I head out, get hopelessly lost within three blocks of the HoJo, and end up at a Taco Bell. (Judge away, I’m hungry and disoriented.)
- 7:00 PM: Back at the HoJo, Defeated and Taco Bell-Sated. Seriously? This bed… it's firm. Like, really firm. I think my back might actually be thanking me. Stare at the ceiling, realize I forgot a toothbrush, and wonder if room service exists at the Howard Johnson Pasadena. (Spoiler: it doesn’t.)
Day 2: Pasadena Pilgrimage (and Potential Meltdown)
- 8:00 AM: Wake Up. Feel like a dehydrated raisin. Breakfast at the HoJo. The "continental breakfast" is… a generous term. Day-old bagels and industrial-strength coffee, but hey, at least there's fruit? Force down something, and prepare to go hunt again.
- 9:00 AM: The Gamble House. Okay, this is cool. Seriously stunning architecture. I wander around, pretending to be a refined art enthusiast. In reality, I'm just marveling at the fact that anyone lives like this. I take approximately 5,000 photos.
- 11:00 AM: The Rose Bowl. (Attempt #2). I try to find my way and get lost again. The traffic is still terrible. Start to question how people actually live here.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch and Rage. I eat the Rose Bowl attempt and start yelling at Google Maps. The parking situation is a nightmare. The food at this over-priced diner is even worse.
- 2:00 PM: The Norton Simon Museum. Ah, art. It’s calming, right? Wrong. My brain is still wired from the lack of sleep with the time change. I’m overwhelmed. But still, they have a van Gogh! I stand there for a good hour just staring. The world melts away, and then… I get hungry.
- 4:00 PM: The Bookstore. I find the bookstore. A magical place full of old books and dusty corners. I almost buy a book on the history of cheese. Resist the urge.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner and Existential Dread. Found a little Italian place that wasn’t a total tourist trap. The pasta was actually pretty good. Stare out the window, wondering if I should have just stayed home and watched Netflix.
Day 3: South Pasadena and Saying Goodbye (Maybe)
- 9:00 AM: Morning. I woke up this morning and the A/C is still broken? Is it a running joke?
- 10:30 AM: Descanso Gardens. I go to this garden. It's nice. It's a good place to be, to slow down. The first place I really enjoy.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. I go back to the same café. Order a sandwich and wonder how to plan for the next day.
- 2:00 PM: The room! I can't wait to be home!
- 5:00 PM: Hotel. I go to the hotel.
Day 4: Home Time!
- 9:00 AM: Goodbye. I check out. The front desk guy gives me a sympathetic look.
- 10:00 AM: Back to the airport. The traffic isn't as bad because I’m leaving. I feel weirdly sad, and excited to go home.
Final Thoughts:
The Howard Johnson Pasadena? It's not glamorous. It's not perfect. But it’s real. And sometimes, messy reality is way more interesting than a perfectly curated Instagram feed of paradise. I think I have a newfound appreciation for the HoJo, and Pasadena. I survived. And I'm pretty sure I'll never look at a bagel the same way again. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go home and sleep for a week. I hope you enjoyed the trip!
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Pasadena Paradise: Unbeatable Deals at Howard Johnson by Wyndham! (Or is it...?) - FAQs That Actually Tell You Something
Okay, so you're thinking about Pasadena Paradise (or rather, the Howard Johnson by Wyndham, because let's be honest, "Paradise" might be a *slight* exaggeration... ). I get it. Pasadena! Roses! Old-timey charm! And... a Howard Johnson? Look, I've been there. I've *lived* it. And I'm here to dish the real, unvarnished truth in FAQ form. Buckle up, buttercup, because it's gonna be a ride.
1. "Unbeatable Deals" - Really? What's the Catch? (Besides, you know, a Howard Johnson... )
Ah, the million-dollar question! Look, let's be real. "Unbeatable Deals" usually means compromising *somewhere*. Sometimes it's the location – maybe it's a bit further from the action than you think. Sometimes it's... well, let's just say the decor isn't winning any design awards. They *do* often have decent prices, especially compared to some of the swankier (and pricer) hotels in Pasadena. My advice? Check those online reviews. Seriously. Read them *thoroughly*. Look for clues. Did everyone rave about the "pristine cleanliness" or are there whispers of "slightly questionable stains in the bathroom"? Trust me on this.
One time, I booked a super-cheap room. Website photo? Glorious. Reality? Let's just say I was greeted by a lingering scent of… something. Not sure *what*, but it definitely wasn't "fresh lavender". And don't even get me started on the mysterious stain on the carpet that vaguely resembled a map of Europe. Cheap is cheap, people, you get what you pay for. But hey, it was a roof over my head, and I wasn’t paying a fortune. That *is* the point, right?
2. Location, Location, Location: Is it *Actually* in a Good Spot?
Okay, this is crucial. Pasadena is spread out. "Good" is relative. Typically, the Howard Johnson is pretty strategically placed, but *how* strategically depends on your priorities. Are you going for the Rose Parade? You're probably golden. Want to be within stumbling distance of Old Town's bars? Maybe not so much. I’ve found that it's usually a decent drive to most things. Always consider traffic. Pasadena traffic can be a nightmare. Download your navigation and have a backup plan.
My experience? Okay, this is a story. My SO and I thought, "Great location! Easy access to the Huntington Library!" *Wrong*. Google Maps, God bless it, showed a 15-minute drive. We underestimated Pasadena traffic. It took us an hour and a half. An HOUR AND A HALF. By the time we got there, we were hangry, cranky, and the only thing on my mind were the *legendary* tea sandwiches. Seriously. Factor in the journey time!
3. The Rooms: Cozy or... Confronting?
Prepare yourself. This isn't the Ritz. Think… functional. The rooms often have the basics. A bed (hopefully), a TV, a bathroom. Don't expect cutting-edge design. "Cozy" might be a stretch. "Clean enough" is probably more accurate. Look for reviews about the air conditioning. That's HUGE, especially in Southern California. Hot summers can make or break your trip if you're suffering. I will never forget one summer, I swear, the AC in the room sounded like a dying walrus.
Let's get deep on the cleanliness factor. I’ve learned to pack Lysol wipes. *Always*. Wipe down doorknobs, light switches, the remote control. I'm not saying it's *always* dirty, but I'm saying it's better to be safe than sorry. When in doubt, wipe it out!
4. Breakfast: Free? Worth it? (Or just the stuff of nightmares?)
Free breakfast is a blessing and a curse, isn't it? Check to confirm if it’s really free. The Howard Johnson often offers something, but the quality varies WILDLY between locations. Think continental. If you're lucky, there will be waffles. If you're *very* lucky, the waffle maker will actually *work*. Seriously, there is nothing quite like waiting 20 minutes for a waffle iron that sputters and dies. Sometimes, it's better to just head out to a local breakfast spot. You can thank me later.
One time, I went to the "free" breakfast, and let me describe it. Stale donuts, powdered eggs, weak coffee. I swear, the "juice" tasted like it had been watered down by a whole lake. I just quietly grabbed a banana and fled. My morning, and my taste buds, were much happier that way.
5. Parking: Is it a Pain or Paradise?
Parking in Pasadena can be… a challenge. Does the Howard Johnson have parking? Good. Is it free? Even better. Is it *ample*? That's the dream, my friend. Check those reviews! Spaces can fill up fast, especially during events. Street parking? Forget about it. You'll be circling the block until you're dizzy.
6. What about Amenities? Pool? Gym? Laundry?
Don't get your hopes up. The Howard Johnson isn't exactly known for its luxurious amenities. Some might have a pool, check the details, because it’s not always a given. A pool is usually a nice extra (but not necessarily pristine), but don’t expect a swim-up bar. A gym? Possibly, but probably basic. Laundry can be hit or miss. Sometimes you'll find one machine, sometimes you will find *nothing*. Check the website or give them a call if any of these are crucial to your trip, and remember to be flexible.
7. Is the Staff Actually Helpful? (Or do they just tolerate you?)
This is really important. A friendly and helpful staff can make a HUGE difference. Read the reviews! Does everyone rave about the staff? Or do you see repeated comments about unhelpful employees? (I swear I was once greeted by a concierge who looked as though he had forgotten how to smile). A friendly front desk can be invaluable. If you have issues, they can often help. Get tips. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Be polite, and remember, they are helping you. It's also useful to know that in my experience, the staff at the Howard Johnson typically are not the most knowledgeable about Pasadena. Maybe they have worked there for years, but that doesn't mean they're locals. It is useful to do some research of your own!Hotels With Kitchen Near Me
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