Howard Johnson by Wyndham Williamsburg

This hotel is often noted for its value for money and the availability of jetted tubs in some rooms, offering a unique amenity for its price point. While some guests find it a pleasant surprise for the price, others describe it as very dated and in need of significant renovation. It is ideal for budget-conscious travelers, families visiting local theme parks like Busch Gardens, and couples seeking an affordable getaway with a special in-room feature. It also serves well for soccer tournament attendees and those simply passing through. Guests should manage expectations regarding the hotel's age and be prepared for a "bagged" breakfast. It is advisable to confirm the pool status directly with the hotel, as it is frequently reported as closed or unheated.

Facilities & Amenities
The indoor pool is a frequent point of disappointment, often reported as closed or having a broken heater, rendering it too cold for use, which contradicts online advertising for many guests. The gym or fitness center is described as low quality with old or broken equipment. While Wi-Fi is generally considered reliable for basic browsing and emails, it is not always fast. A common complaint revolves around ice machines, with many reported as broken or non-functional on various floors, often requiring guests to seek ice on the first floor. Elevators are frequently described as old, sometimes smelly, and occasionally broken or requiring maintenance, leading to long waits or safety concerns. In-room phones are also frequently reported as not working.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is highly polarized. Many guests report significant issues, including the presence of roaches in rooms and bathrooms, mold (especially in bathrooms or around windows), and pervasive unpleasant smells such as cigarette smoke, mustiness, or a general "gym" odor, even in non-smoking rooms. Rooms are often described as dated, with stained upholstery, soiled carpets, burn marks on surfaces, holes in walls, and broken furniture or fixtures. Air conditioning is a frequent complaint, with units often not cooling effectively, leading to hot rooms and hallways. Water pressure in showers is commonly reported as low, and hot water can be inconsistent or take a long time to arrive. However, some guests found their rooms clean, quiet, and with comfortable beds, noting that some rooms appear to have been recently painted or updated.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast offering is a consistent point of contention, with most guests expressing disappointment. It is almost universally described as a "bagged breakfast" or "grab-and-go bag" rather than the advertised continental or hot buffet. These bags typically contain items like a microwavable breakfast sandwich, a muffin, a granola bar, juice, and sometimes fruit or snack crackers. Many guests found the food unappetizing, cold, or limited in options, particularly lacking meat items. Some noted that the breakfast area itself was often unclean or excessively hot due to non-functioning air conditioning. While some appreciated the convenience for a quick bite, the overall sentiment is that the breakfast is underwhelming and does not meet expectations set by advertising.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel generally receives positive feedback for its convenient location, making it a suitable base for various activities. It is situated within easy reach of major attractions such as Busch Gardens and Water Country USA, making it popular with families. Guests appreciate its proximity to shopping areas, including outlet malls, and a variety of restaurants and fast-food options like McDonald's and Wawa. The hotel's accessibility to major highways is also highlighted, simplifying travel and navigation. While some note the surrounding area is not "fancy," it is generally considered safe and offers practical amenities like a nearby grocery store. Parking is available on-site and is generally not a concern for guests.

Staff & Service
Feedback on staff is notably mixed. Many guests commend the staff for being friendly, helpful, attentive, and providing great customer service, particularly during check-in and when addressing issues like room changes or providing extra towels. However, a significant number of reviews describe staff as rude, unprofessional, unresponsive, or disinterested, sometimes ignoring guests at the front desk or handling complaints poorly. Issues with key cards frequently requiring re-activation are mentioned, leading to frustration. While some experiences are very positive, the inconsistency in service quality is a recurring theme, with some guests feeling that staff lacked proper training or were overwhelmed.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel is undergoing updates and renovations, which means some areas may appear dated or be in transition. There are recurring mentions of issues with deposits, with some guests experiencing difficulties or delays in receiving refunds. The hotel has a policy regarding early check-in fees, which some guests found unexpected. Despite being a non-smoking property, there are frequent complaints about the pervasive smell of cigarette smoke and certain other odors in hallways and even non-smoking rooms. Some guests noted that security doors at the back of the building were often unlocked, raising safety concerns. A unique observation by some guests is the presence of Bibles in the rooms.