Howard Johnson's retro rates...

Originally Posted By KCCHIEF

We are at HJ right now
Room has been updated. Building 2
Nice and clean
I had no idea this hotel was this big

 

Originally Posted By TINK-MOBILE

Hojo's will always be our favorite...the rates have really soared now..with it reaching such a high popularity level..they do have some 50 per cent off family rates ..but not like they used too....still we would stay there again if we could afford it..they are GREAT...HAVE ALWAYS BEEN SUPER TO US..AND LP : )

 

Originally Posted By velo

I just returned from HoJo's too - stayed 4 nights on a retro rate I booked last Spring. I'm hoping to still find good rates with the new rate structure they've got (via email) since I now go down just to visit my daughter at CSUF and don't need to book during any particular vacation period. I like staying at HoJo's because we've stayed there for the past 10 years and it feels like home at this point (and we like eating at Mimi's). this trip, my room was in Building 1 and I was unaware that they have glassed-in the balconies on the freeway side. Really cut down on the noise. Beds are now super comfortable as well. If I can't get good rates anymore I guess I'll eventually stay somewhere else.

 

Originally Posted By Kidz-n-k9s

<<I'm hoping to still find good rates with the new rate structure they've got (via email)>>

I think I've only recieved two emails since they began the new structure. If memory serves me right, one was for last minute bookings and the other for a handful, maybe 5 (?) dates in late winter. My guess is the old 50% Retro Rate is going to be tough to get any time in the near future.

<< I was unaware that they have glassed-in the balconies on the freeway side>>

The one time we stayed on the freeway side was ~2 years ago and I found it intolerable due to the noise. How much better is it? Can you hear the freeway at all?

I checked again for a trip we might take in February, and the rates, with AP discount, are $130 and up. Found a hotel closer to the cross walk for ~$100/night (including all the fees & breakfast). I really do like to stay at HoJo, love the grounds, the staff is great, but the distance and the price is being trumped by other hotels. I'm bummed.

 

Originally Posted By velo

honestly, I could barely hear the freeway (and I'm a very light sleeper). There was, however, vibration from the large trucks that went by. We were on the 3rd floor, so I don't know if that dissapates on the higher floors.

 

Originally Posted By TinkerbellPatten

For anyone interested, I spoke to Hojo's in-house reservations and they confirmed that the 50 percent off retro rate is a discontinued promo. It no longer exists. If you signed up for the emails like I did, you won't get any notifications for the retro rate we know and love.

I called because I was making a change to my existing reservation that I made back in May (lucky for me, I got in just in time, as the promo was discontinued not long after.) My trip is in January and I needed to just change a few days. Luckily I was allowed to do this but I could not add days, and the in-house reservations clerk said that the retro rate of 50 percent off is discontinued and will not be back.

Maybe when the Cars Land numbers die down and occupancy rates drop, maybe new promos will be created but she said the retro 50% off is gone and won't return.

 

Originally Posted By tashajilek

"PRICELINE ~ Time ..."

Thats the only way for me now. I was able to PL a Marriot about a 10min drive from DL over Christmas for 45 and no extra fees. I think hojo's wwould have cost us something like $1700 lol.

 

Originally Posted By velo

HoJo's is now one of "THE places to stay" for Aussies. When I was there in Oct. nearly the entire hotel was booked by Aussie visitors. A front desk clerk confirmed that this was the case. So, occupancy rates may not fall for a while.

I may have to start staying at my dd's college apartment (20 minutes away) now.

 

Originally Posted By Kidz-n-k9s

<<I spoke to Hojo's in-house reservations and they confirmed that the 50 percent off retro rate is a discontinued promo. It no longer exists. If you signed up for the emails like I did, you won't get any notifications for the retro rate we know and love.>>

Thanks for that update. I haven't seen an email since August (?), so that explains it. Like you said, maybe it will be back one day. But I also noticed a lot of Aussies when I was there in October (on what was now my final 50% retro rate). My kids love their pirate pool, but I can't justify their new rates.

 

Originally Posted By TinkerbellPatten

Me either, Kidz. I will most likely stay at Candy Cane for future trips if the Hojos 50% off rate is gone. Candy Cane rates are lower than Hojos right now. Similar walking distance and has free breakfast and free shuttle. Or, whichever hotel on Harbor within walking distance that is the best deal. Sad to say goodbye to those retro rates. It means goodbye to Hojos for most of us.

 

Originally Posted By Kidz-n-k9s

I just received an email from HoJo with the 50% off Super Family Rates for dates ranging from Dec. 12-24 and Jan. 15/16. So maybe it's not quite dead yet.

Unfortunately, these dates don't hit when I need them though.