What Is Howard Johnson and Where Does It Stand Today?
Howard Johnson is a hotel brand with a long history in American hospitality, but many travelers today are uncertain about what it actually is, whether it still operates, and how it compares to other lodging options. If you're researching this brand—whether out of nostalgia, curiosity about a specific property, or to understand your lodging choices—here's what you need to know. 🏨
A Brief History: From Roadside Icon to Modern Era
Howard Johnson began in the 1920s as a simple ice cream stand and evolved into a hospitality company that became iconic along American highways throughout the mid-to-late 20th century. For decades, the orange-roof Howard Johnson motor lodges were instantly recognizable road trip stops, known for consistency, moderate pricing, and a straightforward value proposition.
The brand represented a particular moment in American travel culture: the rise of automobile tourism and the need for standardized, accessible lodging along major routes. At its peak, Howard Johnson operated hundreds of properties across North America.
However, like many established hotel brands from that era, Howard Johnson faced significant challenges from changing consumer preferences, new competitive brands, and shifts in how people book and evaluate lodging.
The Current State of Howard Johnson Properties
Today, Howard Johnson operates through a franchise model under Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, which acquired the brand. This is an important distinction: the name and brand standards exist, but individual properties are operated by different franchise owners. This structure affects consistency, quality, and the experience you'll have at any given location.
Current property count and distribution vary. The number of operating Howard Johnson locations has declined substantially from its mid-century peak. The remaining properties are concentrated primarily in the United States, with a much smaller presence internationally. Some properties have been rebranded under other Wyndham banners, while others have closed entirely.
This means that if you're looking for a Howard Johnson specifically, availability depends heavily on your destination. Unlike major chains with properties in most cities and highway corridors, Howard Johnson's footprint is now selective and regional.
What Kind of Hotel Is Howard Johnson?
Howard Johnson positions itself in the budget-to-midscale segment of the hotel market—not ultra-budget like some economy chains, but not full-service or upscale either. This positioning shapes what you should expect:
| Aspect | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Room pricing | Generally economy to lower-midscale; varies by location and demand |
| Amenities | Basic to modest; may include free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and pool depending on property |
| Service level | Limited front-desk hours; self-service model typical |
| Decor and condition | Varies widely by franchise owner and property age |
| Target guest | Budget-conscious travelers, families on road trips, business travelers on a budget |
The reality is that quality and experience vary considerably among Howard Johnson properties because each is independently owned and operated under a franchise agreement. One Howard Johnson may have undergone recent renovation while another is dated. One franchise owner may maintain high standards while another prioritizes minimal spending.
How Howard Johnson Compares to Competitors
Understanding where Howard Johnson fits in the broader hotel landscape helps clarify its role and whether it matches your needs:
Versus other budget chains: Brands like La Quinta, Motel 6, and Super 8 compete in overlapping price ranges. Some of these have modernized more aggressively or maintain more consistent standards. Howard Johnson's brand recognition and history work in its favor for some travelers, but perceived "dated" properties may deter others.
Versus midscale chains: Brands like Best Western, Quality Inn, and Comfort Inn often sit in similar or slightly higher price tiers. These chains have invested more heavily in recent years in brand-wide renovations and updated amenities.
Versus newer economy options: Chains like Motel 6 and newer budget-friendly brands have cleaner, more contemporary aesthetics, though they may offer fewer amenities.
Loyalty and rewards: Howard Johnson properties participate in the Wyndham Rewards program, which means stays earn points redeemable across Wyndham's portfolio (which includes Days Inn, La Quinta, Ramada, and others). This loyalty integration is a practical advantage if you're already in that ecosystem.
What Affects Your Experience at a Howard Johnson
Several factors determine what you'll encounter when you book a Howard Johnson:
Property-specific factors: Renovation status and maintenance standards vary. Some properties have been recently updated; others reflect the brand's mid-century heritage more literally. Research the specific property you're considering—read recent guest reviews and look at current photos.
Location: Highway properties often differ from city-center properties in amenities and pricing. Rural and suburban locations may have older inventory than newer urban franchises.
Franchise owner: Different owners have different priorities and capital investment strategies. This affects cleanliness, modern conveniences, responsiveness to maintenance, and overall guest experience.
Seasonal and demand fluctuations: Pricing and availability vary by season, local events, and competition. Budget chains are often more flexible on rate negotiation than branded chains with fixed dynamic pricing.
Your specific needs: If you need specific amenities (elevator accessibility, pet-friendly, business center, gym), availability varies by property and must be verified in advance.
How to Evaluate a Specific Howard Johnson Property
If you're considering booking at a particular Howard Johnson, use these practical evaluation steps:
Check the property's independent reviews across multiple platforms (Google, TripAdvisor, Booking.com). Look for recent reviews and patterns rather than isolated opinions. Pay attention to comments about cleanliness, noise, maintenance, and actual amenities offered.
Verify amenities directly. Don't assume all Howard Johnsons have the same features. Confirm whether it offers free breakfast, Wi-Fi, pool access, parking fees, or other features you need by calling the property directly or checking its dedicated page.
Review photos. Compare photos from the hotel's site, third-party booking sites, and recent guest reviews. Dated photos on the official site but newer photos in guest reviews suggest renovation is underway.
Understand the room rate. Budget chains are typically cheaper than midscale options, but pricing varies significantly by location and date. Compare against competing properties in the same area to understand whether the rate reflects its position in the market.
Consider the trade-offs. A lower price at a Howard Johnson may reflect real savings, or it may reflect a property that's maintained at lower standards. Your priority determines the trade-off's value.
When Howard Johnson Makes Sense
Howard Johnson remains a viable choice for certain traveler profiles and situations:
- Road trippers on a budget who value a familiar brand and established locations along major routes
- Loyalty program members already earning Wyndham Rewards points who want to combine stays across multiple brands
- Travelers in regions where Howard Johnson properties have been recently renovated and competitive options are limited
- Families seeking basic, no-frills accommodations without premium pricing
The Broader Context: Evaluating Any Hotel Brand
Your experience with any hotel—including Howard Johnson—ultimately depends on the individual property, not the brand name alone. Modern hotels operate under franchise systems where the brand provides standards and support, but the owner-operator determines actual execution.
This is why researching specific properties matters far more than selecting based on brand alone. Two properties with the same name can deliver vastly different experiences based on investment, maintenance, staffing, and management quality.
Howard Johnson remains a functioning hotel brand, but it's no longer the dominant roadside fixture it once was. Its value depends entirely on your destination, budget constraints, and the condition of the specific property you're considering. Treat it as one option among many budget-to-midscale competitors, and evaluate the particular property based on recent reviews and your specific needs rather than brand nostalgia or reputation alone.