HoJo, OH NO!
Written: May 13 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Free parking, near downtown, inexpensive
Cons: Poorly trained staff, disgusting rooms, loud
The Bottom Line: Although the price is tempting, it is not worth the misery. Much better hotels can be found by just going about 5 more miles out of the city.
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| rlg12's Full Review: Howard Johnson Riverfront Hotel |
I had the pleasure of living in Charleston for a little over a year, complements of my husband’s Navy career. I recently went back to visit friends, and instead of imposing on anyone for a free bed, I decided to stay at a hotel. I wanted to keep a budget, but still be near downtown, so I chose the Howard Johnston downtown. Big mistake. I ended up checking out early and staying with the very friends I didn’t want to inconvenience.
First of all, the HoJo Downtown is certainly NOT downtown. Having lived in Charleston, I knew this, but it might fool people who are unfamiliar with the city. It is close to downtown, though, and a short trolley ride to all the sights. I don’t consider it downtown, though, because it not within walking distance of the historic district. Definitely leave your car at the hotel and take the trolley. Parking in downtown Charleston is a real headache. One of the few redeeming features of the hotel is that it has free parking, a rarity in the greater downtown area.
The staff of the hotel is not necessarily bad, but I do think they lack any serious training. The first room I was given was a connecting room. I could hear the people in the next room as well as if they were sitting on the bed with me. I went downstairs and asked for a non-connecting room. The girl at the desk was surprised, but polite. Upon entering my new room, I discovered that it, too, was a connected room. Once again I visit the desk for a different room. She again happily obliged, but this time gave me keys that didn’t work. After another trip to the desk, I finally got working keys for a non-connected room, and headed out for the evening.
Both evenings when I returned to the hotel, it was party central. Many of the room balconies were full of college students drinking and partying, which of course went well into the night. I finally called down to the desk to complain at 3:00AM, only to be told that they couldn’t do anything about it. That was the craziest response I’ve ever heard! My next call would have been the police, but sheer exhaustion finally led me to sleep.
The room itself was very unimpressive. All three rooms I saw smelled musty. The rusty trashcans don’t even have bags in them, so residue and sticky things abound in them. Heaven forbid you would have to reach in there to retrieve something you accidentally threw away. The tub was stained, and I don’t even want to know what was growing on the “mildew-resistant” shower curtain.
After being grossed out by the room and then subjected to loud guests two nights in a row, I finally decided to check out a day early. The young staff was again polite, but very unconcerned about the reason I was checking out.
Hotels in the downtown Charleston area are outrageously expensive, so this can be a tempting alternative. But please save yourself the misery! Try one of the more inexpensive options in Mount Pleasant or West Ashley. You’ll be much more comfortable and happy.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
rlg12
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Location: Salinas, CA
Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
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