My wife and I met our friends Mike and Brenda in Chicago this past weekend. I have to say for all of us that this place was like hitting the lottery. All places we checked were really expensive and we were lucky enough to find the Howard Johnson at a very reasonable rate. Location, Location, Location! We stayed there two nights and had such a great stay in Chicago. The hotel is very clean and always had that new frebreeze scent to it. Food in area is wonderful, great entertainment close by, and transportation was awesome, you just can't beat those Chicago honking cabbies.

Next stop is the Ho Jo!

I have stayed here 2 nights. If you look for an inexpensive place at a central location, then this is the place for you. The room is your standard motel room (I booked on their website & paid only 99$/night), if a bit outdated. Parking is free, and while I was there (Thursday & Friday nights) finding a free spot was never a problem. Also, I didn't worry about safety, as the staff are watching closely who is entering the premises..

This hotel did not feel safe to me and, as a female travelling alone, this was important. The rooms are accessed straight from the car park - which can be accessed by anyone (not just guests) from the street. I had requested a non-smoking room, but it smelt of smoke. When I reported this, they sent someone round with an air-freshner! I promtly checked out and went and stayed somewhere else!

If you have read any of my reviews over the years you know I pull no punches. Upon arrival to this property if I would have immediately written a review it would be a lot different than the one I am writing. First of all, the hotel is old and certainly dated. It is not what any of us would expect but if you just relax and give the place 24 hours it is plain to see it ain't so bad! The room was as clean as any hotel I have stayed in, the rate was one third what everything else was within 40 blocks of this property, I felt safe at all times, and there was even free parking. The hotel was a short walk to some great bars and restaurants and the staff was friendly and helpful. They did have free Wi-Fi but if you were not in certain rooms it would not work but I just walked to the lobby and did my thing. I would stay here again. It saved my company $800 bucks over two nights since there were three rooms involved. Remember, just relax and give the place a little time to grown on you.