Howard Johnson Inn Salinas

Clean and quiet. Good parking, free breakfast and wireless Internet.

I was in town for some errands, with a little trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium only ~16 miles away. The weather was great: ~69 degrees F, slightly overcast in Monterey, during early August. I'm the kind of traveler that brings my own food and drink (when driving, not flying), so a microwave and refrigerator are always great amenities for me to have. Every room in HoJo Salinas has both these things. The AC/heater isn't temperature control; the buttons are: off, hi (AC), low (AC), fan, and heater... something like that. And there's a dial to control the intensity. Good enough for me. The TV is ... digital cable? Or satellite. Not sure which. Plenty of channels. The remote worked well (batteries weren't dead). The 1/2 bath is convenient, containing the bathtub and toilet. Just outside are two sinks. HoJo also has a cool policy in which if you forget any personal toiletries, e.g. toothbrush, you can call up the front desk and get one for free. I didn't try it though, since I have my own. There was also an iron and ironing board, if you need to straighten some nice clothes. Overall, the room was decently clean. I don't have a UV/black light to check out stuff, but whatever. I had a few family members with me who was hoping for a pool. This HoJo didn't have one. Oh well. The free breakfast was pretty good: bagels and toast to be used with a 4-slot toaster, muffins, ready-to-cook waffle mix with a waffle maker, cream cheese, jellies, butter, milk in the fridge, coffee, apple juice, water, OJ (out at the time). Mmm, waffles. These were all on one counter in the breakfast area, which had 3 or so tables with chairs. A TV was off to the side, just outside the area but viewable and audible. One thing that disappointed me was the staff: while they were nice (front desk manager and cleaning ladies), my room hadn't been cleaned and stocked. Check-in was at 2pm and I arrived at 4pm! For that reason I would like to give the staff 3/5 stars, but there's another reason that makes me put them at 4/5: My original reservation was for 3 nights, but on the second night I decided I needed to check out a night earlier than planned. Booking through Orbitz, I got a stay 2 nights save 20% deal, and this HoJo's policy was that 100% non-refundable. I called Orbitz, who tried to call HoJo to no avail -- the HoJo front desk was supposedly not picking up. I went down to see the front desk, talked to him, gave him the Orbitz phone number, and he authorized Orbitz to refund me for checking out 1 day early. He was very friendly and accommodating. Again, all this happened despite the official policy of 100% non-refundable. Very cool. Anyways, as for location, I already wrote that it's close to Monterey. A block away the intersection is S. Main St, and down that there are many typical chain restaurants and grocery stores. In fact, Salinas is a small town so you can get anywhere really fast. I think this HoJo would be a good stay for those watching the Laguna Seca races. It's about 14 miles away if I recall correctly. Oh yeah, my family and I weren't the only ones staying at the HoJo who headed over to the aquarium. Yup, pretty close. Overall, I liked this HoJo in Salinas. I would stay again.

One of the pillows smelled like smoke... (non smoking room) leftover washcloth in the bathtub... scary place... wont stay here again.

Howard Johnsons was perfect.[...]

Rooms were clean, breakfast was adequate and people were nice. What more can you ask for? I recommend this as a good place to stay. I booked for 2 nights and extended for 3 more.

While visiting relatives in Salinas, booked 2 nights in this Howard Johnson based on previous reviews. The hotel is not very old looking outside but rooms are dated and in need of repair as our first room had an inoperable old television. Carpets were old and bed uncomfortable. Staff was nice and accommodating but the breakfast was limited and frequently out when we wanted it. Probably would stay at the newer hotels closer to the airport next time.

the hotel is located in nice location but the coffe maker was duty also the shower

We planned to visit the Monterey Bay area and we thought the price for this hotel was good for all the complimentary they have. However, it was not as good as expected. I will start taking about the bad stuff. The rooms were pretty small that we don't have much space to put our stuff. The beds were extremely soft (box frame broken). The hot breakfast blows because the eggs taste fake with some cheese sauce on it and the bacon looks like the already cooked ones just reheated. We thought it was okay to be a little drive to the bay because we have a car but it is a pretty far drive. The Salina area is like an industrial area and the place is pretty much deserted. Not a great place to stay for vacation. There aren't many places to eat but fast food. Would pay extra to stay in closer to the bay with view. The check in person isn't friendly and doesn't greet you. he doesn't talk to you but whisper to you. you can't even hear him. They also gave us a room with no fridge or microwave like we have booked on the website. I have to go and ask for a room change and drag all our stuff back down to the first floor. will not stay here again. other than that, the place is pretty clean and they have cable and free internet. I suggest to stay here only if you plan to get some rest and you are not on vacation. this place will ruin your vacation.

WENT DOWN TO BREAKFAST- ONLY 9 CHAIRS FOR A LG HOTEL. HOT BREAKFAST WAS COMPLETELY GONE- I HAD A BANANA, BOWL OF CEREAL AND A YOGURT AND THE EGGS AND BACON WAS STILL NOT REPLACED. THEY NEED A LARGER EATING AREA, PEOPLE KEPT SHOWING UP WITH NO PLACE TO SIT OR NO HOT FOOD. IT WAS A NICE HOTEL BUT LIKE I SAID THE HOT BREAKFAST LEFT A BAD TASTE IN MY MOUTH.

Was there to see a car show. The town was not very clean or safe. the hotel was just ok and very over priced. I would never stay there again.