Howard Johnson OKC: Your Oklahoma City Oasis Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the… well, let's just say the experience that is Howard Johnson OKC: Your Oklahoma City Oasis Awaits! This isn't some sterile, corporate blah-blah review. This is real life, folks. And trust me, like life, the HoJo is a mixed bag. Buckle up!
SEO-Ready Title (Because, you know, SEO is a thing): Howard Johnson OKC Review: Your Oklahoma City Oasis? (Accessibility, Amenities, & Honest Hopes!)
First Impressions & Ramblings:
Alright, so, you pulled up, right? Oklahoma City. Let's be honest, it's not exactly the French Riviera. But hey, you need a place to crash, and the Howard Johnson is there. The sign… well, it's a sign. You know? Classic. A bit faded. Gives you the feeling of "been there, done that, seen some things." (Just like me, after that last road trip. Shudder.)
Accessibility (Because Everyone Deserves Comfort!):
Okay, big thumbs up here. We're talking wheelchair accessible (praise be!), and that's crucial. Elevator? Check. This is huge, especially when you're lugging a suitcase that contains more shoes than actual outfits. I'll get to the details on their facilities for disabled guests later, but the bones are there. And that, my friends, is a good start.
Then, the Internet! (Because, Duh!)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Thank God. Internet access – wireless. Internet access – LAN. I mean, they have it all. They've got you covered with Internet services. It's not, like, the fastest. Let's be real. But it works. And in this day and age, that's practically a miracle. My advice? Don't plan on streaming HD movies. But for email and checking Insta (priorities, people!), you're golden. Wi-Fi in public areas too, so you can lurk and judge the breakfast buffet anonymously.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because Germs are NOT my Friends!):
Look, post-pandemic, CLEAN is KING. And I gotta say, Howard Johnson OKC, you try. Anti-viral cleaning products are in use (that’s a win!), and rooms sanitized between stays. There's daily disinfection in common areas, and staff are trained in safety protocol. They even have a hygiene certification. My inner germaphobe breathed a tiny sigh of relief. But, let’s be honest, you can feel the "budget" in this department in places. I mean, I saw a few things that didn't exactly fill me with confidence. Like…maybe a few suspicious stains on the carpet? But no biggie. They have hand sanitizer stations everywhere. And individually-wrapped food options, which I appreciate.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling the Adventure!):
Alright, let's be honest, I'm not expecting Michelin-star dining here. But hey, sustenance is key. They have restaurants. I think. (See, this is where the review gets REAL!) They have a breakfast buffet (more on that later… shudders). A la carte in restaurant options, too. Coffee/tea in restaurant – crucial for surviving those early mornings. A snack bar. And there's a poolside bar – which is tempting, especially after a long day of… well, whatever you're doing in OKC! They also have room service [24-hour] which is… well, a life-saver after a long day of doing nothing! The Breakfast… oh, the breakfast. Let's just say it's an experience. Breakfast [buffet]. You've got your scrambled eggs (questionable origin), your sad little sausages, and your pre-packaged cereal. You can get Asian breakfast, too, but I'm skeptical. The coffee? Let's just say, if you like your coffee tasting vaguely of brown water, you're in luck.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Or, "What to Do While You're Stuck There"):
Swimming pool? Yep, got one. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yep. Looks inviting, maybe slightly murky (again, budget, people!). Fitness center? I wouldn't exactly call it a "gym," but it's got a few things to attempt to help you burn off those buffet calories! Though, not very modern! They do have a Spa/sauna. Maybe I'll give that a try.
Rooms! (Or, "Where the Magic (or, Mostly, Mild Annoyance) Happens"):
Air conditioning? Check. Essential. And a wake-up service. God bless those. There's a mini bar – perfect for that midnight snack raid (or, you know, a sneaky bottle of water). Coffee/tea maker – thank the sweet lord! Desk? Yep. Time to face life. Alarm clock, Blackout curtains. Bathrobes. They even have bathtub. And additional toilet. The bed? Let's just say it's… functional. It's not the Four Seasons, but it'll do the job. The decor? Let's call it "eclectic." There's a mirror… probably to check if you're still breathing. Non-smoking rooms are available (thank you, universe). And here’s the thing. The rooms are pretty clean. I appreciated the slippers; a nice touch. I used the hair dryer. Towels. The usual. You got your satellite/cable channels. Free Wi-Fi. They have smoke detectors and smoke alarms, too. Yay!
Services and Conveniences (The Perks That Make Life Slightly Easier):
They offer the usual suspects: daily housekeeping, laundry service, dry cleaning, concierge, luggage storage. The front desk [24-hour] is a lifesaver. Car park [free of charge] – a huge perk! They have car park [on-site]. Cash withdrawal – useful. Cashless payment service?! Yes! They have that! And they keep the rooms sanitized between stays, thank God. Ironing service, too – which is helpful when you're trying to make a good impression.
For the Kids! (If You're Brave Enough):
Family/child friendly? Check. Babysitting service? Possible, I guess. Kids meal? Probably. I did not see anything. But, hey, kids love hotel pools, right?
The Location (Because, You Know… Where You Are):
Okay, the Howard Johnson is in Oklahoma City. It's… fine. Not exactly walking distance to the Eiffel Tower. But you can walk to some things. It's close to… well, you'll have to check what's actually close. It's Oklahoma City. The city is what it is, and the hotel's location reflects that.
My Moment of Truth: The Breakfast Buffet (The Good, The Bad, and the Soggy Sausage)
Here's where the magic really happened. I bravely ventured into the breakfast buffet. The scene was… well, let's just say it wasn't the stuff of culinary dreams. The eggs? Questionable texture. The sausages? Soggy. The coffee? Brownish lukewarm liquid. But, here's the thing. I sat there, watching people, and it hit me. This wasn't just about breakfast. It was about community. The shared experience of collectively consuming… whatever that was. And, you know what? It was kind of… endearing. I even struck up a conversation with a trucker named Earl who'd been coming here for years. He told me that it was the best deal in town. And that's where the Howard Johnson OKC shines. It's not about luxury. It's about value. It's about being there. It's about offering a place to rest your weary head without breaking the bank. It's about a shared, slightly janky, but ultimately human experience.
Quirks and Imperfections (Because Perfection is Boring):
- The elevator is SLOW. Like, SLOW. Bring a book (or a life-insurance policy).
- The hallway carpets? Let's just say they've seen some things.
- The Wi-Fi sometimes sputters. Embrace the digital detox.
Final Verdict: Is Howard Johnson OKC Your Oklahoma City Oasis?
Look, if you're looking for a luxurious, spa-laden getaway, the Howard Johnson OKC ain't it. But if you're on a budget, need a clean, accessible place to crash, and appreciate a dose of… well, character, then this might just be the Oklahoma City oasis you've been searching for. It's not fancy. It's not perfect. But it's real.
My Score: 3 out
Uncover the Secrets of Rome's Lost Baths: Domus Caracalla Revealed!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! This ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're heading to the Howard Johnson in Oklahoma City, and trust me, it's gonna be a journey. Prepare for tangents, existential crises about the vending machine snacks, and maybe, just maybe, a profound appreciation for questionable carpet patterns.
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Oklahoma City - A Symphony of Slightly Off-Key Notes
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Blanket Debate (aka, "Welcome to Oklahoma, You Wonderful Weirdos")
- 1:00 PM - Touchdown and Initial Panic: Arrive at Will Rogers World Airport. Okay, feeling a little shell-shocked from the flight. My luggage? Probably roaming the country. I'm already questioning my life choices. The rental car? Hopefully, it doesn't have an equally questionable personality as the one I’m currently experiencing.
- 2:00 PM - Check-In and Carpet Confrontation: Arrive at the HoJo. The HoJo. It's like a time capsule, and judging by the floral bedspreads, the time is somewhere in the late 80's. First order of business: Inspect the room. The carpet… Oh honey. That carpet! It's a swirling vortex of browns and oranges that's simultaneously mesmerizing and induces a slight nausea. Is this a design choice, or did someone just spill a whole batch of coffee and say, "Meh, good enough?"
- 2:30 PM - Blanket Blues: The blankets. The eternal hotel blanket dilemma. Is it clean? Is it a harbinger of doom? Do I dare touch it? I spend a good five minutes wrestling with the duvet cover. I'm starting to sweat, which is not a good start to the trip. But hey, at least I unpacked before I had a conniption.
- 3:00 PM - Vending Machine Vendetta: The vending machine beckons. The snacks… a glorious array of processed delights. I stare at the chips, seriously deliberating between the Cheetos and the BBQ Lays. Finally, I choose the Cheetos. Happiness is a crunchy orange cloud. This is the high point of the trip so far.
- 3:30 PM - Oklahoma City Exploration - or Attempted Exploration: Feeling fueled by artificial flavoring, I attempt to venture out. First stop: The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. I’ll admit, it's a moving experience. My voice cracks when I read some of the memorials. Wow. That was heavy. Time for some light relief.
- 5:00 PM - Dinner Disaster (or Triumph?): I decide to try out a local diner that has been praised for its burgers. The service is… enthusiastic. The burger is monstrous, dripping with grease, and absolutely delicious. My arteries are protesting. I'm pretty sure I saw my cholesterol levels spike mid-bite. But honestly? Worth it.
- 7:00 PM: The Great Blanket Debate, Part Two: Back in the room. The blanket situation continues to haunt me. I throw it on the floor and make a bed nest with the extra pillow and put on the TV.
- 9:00 PM - Channel Surfing and Existential Dread: Flick through channels. There’s some amazing reality TV, then a cheesy action flick. I find myself staring into the abyss, wondering if I should embrace my inner sloth and just watch TV all night or try and be a productive adult. The siren call of the remote is strong.
Day 2: Culture, Conundrums, and Questionable Choices
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast of Champions (or Regret): The HoJo breakfast: A symphony of lukewarm scrambled eggs, processed mystery meats, and the suspiciously enticing scent of stale coffee. I choke down a waffle and vow to find a REAL breakfast place later.
- 9:00 AM - The Cowboy Experience: Head to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. It's bigger than I imagined! I'm not gonna lie, it's pretty cool. The art! The history! I even found myself momentarily fantasizing about galloping across the plains on a majestic stallion. (Reality check: I'm terrified of horses).
- 11:00 AM - The Bricktown Boat Tour (And My Discomfort with Boats): Bricktown. It's a charming little tourist trap. I'm slightly claustrophobic; I'm not sure what possessed me to take a boat tour. I spend most of the tour secretly hoping the boat won't capsize.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch and Local Flavor: Find a cute restaurant. The server looks at me with a curious look. I may have been a bit disheveled. I order the chili. It's fiery, delicious, and confirms my suspicion that Oklahomans know how to cook.
- 2:30 PM - The Art Instinct: Head to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art to see some actual culture. I don't understand half of it, but it's a pleasant change of pace from the chaos of the past few hours.
- 4:00 PM - Shopping Spree (Because Why Not?): Oklahoma City is a giant shopping mall. Okay, not really, but I hit up some little boutiques. I buy a pair of boots, which I'm pretty sure I don't need. But what the heck. Live a little.
- 6:00 PM - The Casino Chronicles: I'm not a gambler. But I decide to check out one of the local casinos. I lose five bucks playing the slots. The flashing lights are starting to make me dizzy.
- 8:00 PM - The Return of the Room and the Embrace of Unhappiness: Back at the HoJo. The blanket situation is still unresolved, which isn’t a good sign. I stare out the window. Realizing I haven’t showered today. Uh oh.
Day 3: Farewell, Oklahoma (and My Sanity?)
- 9:00 AM - The Grand Exit: Attempt to pack. The suitcase is overflowing. I probably packed three different sweaters and a book I never read. It's time to go. I hand over the keycard.
- 9:30 AM - The Breakfast Redemption: I stopped at a place with actual breakfast (pancakes). I'm so happy.
- 10:30 AM - Airport Time: My flight is delayed. On the bright side, the airport has free Wi-Fi. I send a bunch of emails and attempt to finish my book.
- 1:00 PM - On Our Way: Goodbye, Oklahoma City. You were weird, wonderful, often baffling, and sometimes a greasy burger fueled nightmare. But I'll admit, I kinda liked it. And hey, at least I survived the blanket.
So, there you have it. My HoJo adventure. Flawed, messy, and undoubtedly punctuated by moments of existential pondering. But hey, isn't that what travel is all about? Until next time, Oklahoma! You crazy, beautiful place.
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Howard Johnson OKC: FAQ - (Or, Things I've Wondered, Mostly)
Okay, Seriously, Is This Place *Actually* an Oasis? Don't Lie.
The Pool! The Pool! Is It Open, Clean, and Actually, You Know, Swimmable?
What's the Deal with the Breakfast? Free? Good? Edible?
Is the Wifi Reliable? Because, You Know, the Internet.
What's the Parking Situation? Overflowing? Nightmare Fuel?
Are There Restaurants Nearby? Or, You Know, Do I Need to Pack Provisions?
How About the Rooms? Clean? Dated? Haunted by the Ghosts of Eighties Tourism?
Okay, spill the TEA: Tell me ONE good story from your stay (if any).
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