Howard Johnson Express Inn National City/San Diego South

Worst experience ever. I already has booked online, but at night, they refused to honor the rates. The rooms were ok, bathroom had a big whole in it, and they tried to fix it by stuffing toilet paper to fill up the whole. The carpets were dirty. The whole place needs a remodel. No conditioner was given. Only shampoo. When I asked for conditioner, housekeeping gave me more shampoo. One of the onsite laundry does not work. I put all my clothes along with soap in a dryer, only to know that it won’t accept my coins. When I asked the front desk, I was told that it does not work. The machine for the laundry detergent took my coins, but would not give me any detergent. We had to leave late because of all these hassles. In all, worst experience ever.

I don’t know about the motel because I never actually got in. I had made a reservation not fully knowing where this place was located. After figuring it out, I didn’t feel I had too much of a choice. First clue — I had to walk up to the bullet proof window. I drove up and my service dog was with me. I’ve never had an issue at any other motel so I didn’t think this would be any different, given the outward appearance of the place. The first thing the snotty little man behind the window said was «we don’t allow pets». I explained that he was my service dog and had the documentation to prove it. He then said, well if he’s a service dog, I’m going to need a $ 200.00 CASH deposit. What? A $ 200.00 dollar cash deposit. Why cash? Even though I have been asked to leave a deposit, it has never been more than $ 20.00 which I have always gotten back — and it was billed to the same credit card that I used to book the room. I told him that I was going to notify the corporate office and he wasn’t impressed. The location is bad, the parking lot is dark, and the customer service sucks. They certainly don’t support disabled veterans nor do they accommodate service dogs. I fully intend on contacting the corporate office. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME. YOU WILL REGRET IT. I really believe that Unilocal should incorporate a negative star system — these guys would definitely be in the negative.

Microwave not working, smoking rooms seem like smokers rooms, and internet connection doesn’t support ps3-​black opz connection, only movies… come on hojo, y’all can do you better. No to mentioni reserved the room online, was ready by 2, but didn’t arrive until 12 hours later. Could’ve been right by that time.

Room was super clean and cute. Microwave and refrigerator is always a plus. If you would like to stay for just a couple of nights, this is very ideal for couples and families.

It’s alright but definitely not worth what you pay here a night. How do you only have shampoo and no conditioner? For as much as we pay a night can definitely afford some conditioner. They serve breakfast in the morning kind of crappy though. Free wifi so that’s always good.

Horrible. Does not deserve even 1 star, but ZERO was not available. If you are satisfied with a dirty room without TV or internet for $ 100, be my guest… otherwise, keep reading…
Upon check-​in, I discovered promised internet service was not available. Although I used the given password, it did not work. The front desk told me I had to call tech support (what?) to get it fixed; the tech guy told me it was the fault of my laptop, but when a friend used their Hot Spot, I immediately connected.
After I returned from dinner, I then discovered the TV cable wasn’t working. I walked to the front office when they didn’t answer the phone and the lobby was locked — no sign indicating when they would return or a number to call for after-​hours help (it was 8:10pm). With no idea where else to go I gave up and stayed the night.
Discovered the bottom of my feet were black the next morning, apparently from the hardwood floors… sigh… When I explained to the new front desk person my problems about TV and internet connection, she denied any knowledge and refused to go and test it herself. I told her there was no one on duty last night to help and she claimed there was always someone there 24/​7, he must have been ‘on his rounds.‘
At that point I called Expedia, who called the Nat’l City HJ and was told there was not a problem and denied there were any complaints. If Expedia had not been so gracious in refunding me — despite the ‘she said/​he said’ — I would have been forced to contact corporate.

Funny story: My friends and I were in SD for the July 4^th weekend. Funny thing happened… My friend booked for the wrong days at Best Western… so at 1:15AM on 7/​4/​2015 we were. homeless. Desperate times, called for desperate needs. We settled for the only one with a room available closest to where we were… Mr. Howard Johnson’s very very sad express inn.
It came with the whole package: 4 cockroaches in the restroom (3 on the floor and 1 doing laps on the shower curtains as I showered), a bed that gave me itches, a very run down «kitchen», extremely thin wall, a «fridge» that was room temperature, dirty towels, etc. The whole shabang. I mean, I expected bad since it was $ 88 per night on a holiday on a Saturday… but I didn’t expect worse nightmare.
Room was a 2 queen beds, came with a «living room» with a run down couch and a TV we didnt even bother to try. Oh, and a very depressing stove that looked like it probably didn’t work.
I guess I can finally say I showered with cockroaches. ha. Never again Mr. Howard Johnson, never again.
Hope all your July 4ths were much better than ours.

This room is small but clean. Offer free breakfast, make your own waffles and cereal. .pool and jacuzzi

Stayed here a night. What bothered me was there wasn’t any clock in the room and the bathroom was a lil dirty. Furniture was old looking… AC worked really good though. Kind of located in a bad area… Only $ 75 for a night. The front desk had to call and ask if we’re going to check out before it was check out time which is sort of annoying. It was also very noisy in the morning with the cleaning people passing by, it woke me up a few times. Don’t recommend

Stayed 5 nights on a vacation with tight budget. Rooms were clean, housekeeping did a great job, and the included breakfast was better than expected. Parking area was free and no incidents during the stay. It’s not the best neighborhood, but very convenient to I5. We spent most of our time out doing things rather than frequenting the hotel.
Bottom line: if you want a place on a budget, check them out. Staff was super friendly and room was comparable to most major hotel chains. Has microwave, iron, fridge, and free wifi.

They treated us great and the room was very comfortable. Yes the location is a bit sketchy but the parking is secure and there are actually some hidden gem eateries near by.

The Asian lady at the front desk hated her job and let everyone know it. We asked to check in at 2 pm because that is what corporate said check in time was. I say corporate because they don’t even have a telephone number that goes directly to the hotel. She refused to check us in and told us check in time was at 3. We told her that Amy over at corporate had stated check in time was at 2. Since we had a baby, this was extremely important. She checked us in alright, but gave us the worst room imaginable. There were no fixtures on the lights, the fans didn’t work, it was right in front of the «spa» where there were sketchy characters yelling and there was no remote control for the television. I will never understand how this place stays in business. DONT DO IT.

Arrived early but checking in wasn’t a problem. The rooms get nice and cold and the location is perfect if you’re driving.
Don’t expect much in terms of the pool, though. Or breakfast. But we had a nice three day stay with no problems so can’t complain!

The room itself was clean and if all you are looking for is a place to stay with absolutely no interaction with the staff then this place isn’t overly bad. Usually my wife and I only lodge for a nights sleep as we are busy with activities during the day however, employee interaction was required for a few small reasons and the staff is just horible. They are emotionally removed… like robots. They do not want to work to help you and made our 2 night stay regrettable. Even if you just need a place to sleep I would be wary and take time on your decision. Even the surrounding neighborhood is a bit sketchy.

Wow!!! Where to start: I wish I would of never started that nightmare. Felt like Leasing a Escort that didn’t know how to clean up her mess:(

I love staying at Howard johnson, its so clean, and comfortable, and the employees are so friendly if you need a hotel stop no where but the Howard johnson the rates are great

Nice and clean, had a ADA room with roll in shower. The motel grounds were clean, staff friendly, pool small, one block from freeway entrance. 12 min to MCRD. Small problem with WiFi, talk to tech support repaired quickly. Good price. Called a couple a day’s before to confirm the reservation that I made a month before, they lost my reservations in computer. Lucky that I called. They need a better computer system.

This was the biggest mistake I have ever made. I never knew what my boyfriend talked about having «standards» when we stay places. Now I know why. This place is disgusting. There is such a long story to HOW we booked this place I am too exhausted to say, but long story short we got screwed in the end because we booked with priceline… who doesn’t offer refunds. Toenail/​fingernail clippings by the bed. dark curly hair on the floor, the toilet was broken, we had to change rooms, the next one smelled horrible like smoke and that other kind of smoke. And from now on these are the lessons I learned:
1. Always stay in a nice HOTEL like my bf said
2. Never book with priceline
On the plus side, the staff was sort of nice, but since we booked 3^rd party… they really couldn’t refund our money.
NEVER EVER AGAIN.

So far, they won’t let us check in a little early because they’re on lunch. Uh seriously? All your rooms are dirty and they will all a sudden be all clean in an hour. This freaken place looks like a motel. $ 170 a night? And there’s only what 3 cars there? Yeah. Service here isn’t so great, the front desk is just I don’t know rude? My brother said he had a problem with the front desk lady when we were checking in, which doesn’t make me feel accommodating or comfortable at all.
Room wise, its nice in some ways. The walls are still dirty gross looking. especially in the bathroom. but the bed and furniture is pretty decent. There’s a fridge, safe, iron board and iron… and a bottle of shampoo… no conditioner? (which was mention in another review) freaken weird/​cheap! The room definitely smelt like bleach/​cleaning supplies!
Would I come here again? Definitely no!

Stayed here for a couple of nights…
Pros:
— $ 50 a night
— Walking distance from trolley station which was convenient to take to Downtown/​Gaslamp District
— Walking distance from AM/​PM, Jack in the Box & behind the hotel on National City Blvd Napoleone Pizza House (which I wish I tried but didn’t get to make time for).
— Quite of a few restaurants within a mile
— Coffee, orange juice, apple juice, milk, small muffins, bagels, pastries filled with cheese or fruit (the kind you buy in a variety pack at any grocery store), whole red apples & bread slices served in the morning in the lobby.
Cons:
— Outside not so inviting
— We had reservations however it took 25 min. to check us in (and there was no one else waiting).
— Mini fridge was pretty loud (it sounded like it was competing with the A/​C /​Heater).
— Burn marks on the comforter (non-​smoking room).
— Hour into walking around the room with my white socks, they became very dirty (the room LOOKED clean)…it turned very dark brown.
— A few ants in the bathroom
— Hotel advertises Continental breakfast which it isn’t
If I could give it 2 ¼ stars I would. In the end… you get what you pay for.