We stayed in this hotel for 3 nights. Despite the surly attitude at the check-in desk, things went fairly smoothly and we were given a room on the third floor. The elevator is scary and old (moves slowly and feels like it might plummet to the ground at any time) so we took the stairs after the first time. The hallways aren't pretty, but we opened a door to a fair-sized room with 2 rather comfy beds. The free internet was a nice bonus, though it wasn't 100% reliable in our room (we enjoyed a flawless connection in the adjacent cafe the next morning). Bathrooms are small, but the water is hot and the pressure was good. Above all, the room was CLEAN. Location not bad - close to shops, attractions and restaurants. They also held our luggage for us free of charge after we checked out when we wanted to spend our last day in the city without lugging heavy bags around.

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 The room is your standard motel room (I booked on their website & paid only 99$/night), if a bit outdated.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!