Escape to NYC: Howard Johnson's North Bergen Getaway!
Escape to NYC: Howard Johnson's North Bergen Getaway! AKA: My Surprisingly Delightful Jersey Adventure (and Why You Should Book NOW)
Okay, folks, let's be real. When "Howard Johnson's" pops into your head, you probably don't think "luxurious escape." I certainly didn't. But let me tell you, this Escape to NYC: Howard Johnson's North Bergen Getaway completely surprised me. I went in expecting… well, let's just say I went in bracing for something. I left feeling… dare I say… recharged? And that's gotta count for something, right?!
This isn’t your typical hotel review. Consider this a slightly unhinged, totally honest, and hopefully helpful account of my stay. Grab a coffee (or a double espresso - you'll see why you might need it), buckle up, and let's dive into this Jersey-fied adventure.
First Impressions (and the Accessibility Angle - Very Important!)
Right off the bat, hello Accessibility! And not just the token "ramp at the door" kind. This Howard Johnson's actually seems to give a damn. The elevators were spacious and easy to navigate (big thumbs up for those with mobility issues). The Facilities for disabled guests weren't just listed; they were present and seemed functional. Seriously, a breath of fresh air from some of the "accessible" nightmares I've encountered.
The Check-in/out [express] was a lifesaver after a long drive. Plus, the Elevator helped with the luggage. And the Car park [free of charge] was a HUGE bonus. Finding parking in the city is a circle of hell, so this was a massive win.
Living the Suite Life (…well, Almost!)
My room? Okay, it wasn't a palace, but it was clean (a HUGE plus!), with Air conditioning, and perfectly functional! The Air conditioning in public area was a blessing and a lifesaver in the New Jersey heat. The Wi-Fi [free] worked flawlessly (crucial for my streaming habits). Complimentary tea and free bottled water appeared, which is always a nice touch, especially after fighting traffic to get there. I loved the Desk, which really helped me get some work done. I could see a great view of the NYC skyline and had all the amenities I needed. The Blackout curtains were perfect for sleeping in, and the Seating area let me chill out in the night.
Now, here's where it gets interesting. The room had all the essentials: Air conditioning, a Coffee/tea maker, a small refrigerator (for my emergency chocolate stash, obviously), and even some Internet access – wireless. Standard stuff… but it was well-maintained. And the Daily housekeeping staff kept things sparkling. Again, this isn't the Ritz, but it's comfortable, clean, and convenient.
Food, Glorious Food (and Drink!)
This is where things get a little… patchy. The Restaurants weren't exactly the Michelin-star type, but hey, this is Jersey, not Paris. The Breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was a buffet. Solid, with a decent Asian breakfast selection. They had your standard fare – eggs, bacon, toast, plus some Asian-inspired options that were… interesting. The Breakfast service was efficient. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was definitely required. There was also a Snack bar available so you were never really in trouble if you stayed on site.
I did appreciate the Room service [24-hour]. A late-night pizza craving? Sorted. But the star of the show? The Poolside bar. Sipping a margarita by the Swimming pool [outdoor], looking at the NYC skyline? Pure bliss, especially after a day of exploring.
Things To Do and Ways to Relax (…Sort Of!)
Okay, the "spa retreat" vibe isn't exactly what you'll find here. There's no masseuse, but there is a Fitness center if you’re the type to count calories. No spa/sauna, body wrap, or body scrub. This is a hotel, not a total paradise.
The best part? You’re literally a hop, skip, and jump away from NYC! I spent a whole day exploring. You’re close to public transport and even a Taxi service is easy.
Safety and Cleanliness (Because, Let's Face It, It's Important)
Alright, I’m a germaphobe at heart. This place actually made me feel pretty safe. They've got the Anti-viral cleaning products, the Daily disinfection in common areas, and the Rooms sanitized between stays. Seeing all this in action eased my mind immediately. The Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. The staff were all masked up and I saw some Staff trained in safety protocol, so that gave me a great feeling.
Here's the real kicker: You can also opt-out of room sanitization – that's smart to avoid the use of needless supplies. Plus, there's a Fire extinguisher, CCTV in common areas, and a Smoke alarm to keep you safe.
The Little Things (The Services and Conveniences That Matter)
This Howard Johnson really tries to hit all the key points. The Concierge was super helpful with directions and local recommendations. They have Laundry service, which is a lifesaver when you're traveling. Cash withdrawal and a Currency exchange option handy. Having a Convenience store on-site is a bonus if you need a midnight snack.
For the Kids and Family (Because You Need To Know!)
They are Family/child friendly, but don’t expect a full-on kids' club experience.
My Honest-to-Goodness Verdict
Look, the Escape to NYC: Howard Johnson's North Bergen Getaway! won't win any awards for luxury. But here’s what you get: a clean, comfortable, and conveniently located base of operations for exploring the glorious chaos of New York City. It works great for solo travelers like me, couples, or families. Seriously, it's a GREAT value for the money.
Let's Be Extra Specific (and a Little Unhinged!)
- The Worst Thing: The lack of a proper spa. I would have loved a sauna.
- The Best Thing: The proximity to NYC AND the free parking. That alone is worth the price of admission.
- My Biggest Surprise: How genuinely nice the staff were. Everyone was helpful and friendly.
- Quirky Observation: The hotel's lobby decor has a slightly retro vibe that I secretly loved.
SEO Goodies (Because, You Know, Google Likes That Stuff):
- Keywords: New York City hotel, North Bergen hotel, affordable hotel NYC, budget-friendly hotel, accessible hotel, free parking NYC, family-friendly hotel, best value hotel, Howard Johnson NYC.
- Keyphrases: "Escape to NYC," "Howard Johnson North Bergen review," "affordable NYC getaway," "accessible hotel near NYC," "hotel with free parking."
My Utterly Unsolicited Recommendation (and a HOT OFFER!)
If you're looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly, and surprisingly decent hotel that gets you close to the action without breaking the bank, then book this damn hotel. Seriously, book it.
And because you deserve a deal:
(I’m not affiliated with the hotel, but I wish I was!)
Book Your Escape to NYC at the Howard Johnson's North Bergen Getaway and Get:
- Free Parking! (Because you deserve it!)
- A complimentary bottle of water (To hydrate after all that sightseeing!)
- Exclusive Discount on your first breakfast at the hotel! (Because fuel is essential!)
Don't wait! This offer won't last forever! (I'm serious, these places book up fast!)
(Side note: Seriously, I'm still thinking about that pool. And the pizza. And how I might just go back this weekend…)
Unleash Your Inner Sultan: Kalyptus Luxury Camp, Marrakech
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this itinerary is about to get REAL. We're talking Howard Johnson North Bergen, NJ. Buckle in. I might digress. I might spill coffee on this thing. It's just… how it’s going to be.
Destination: Howard Johnson by Wyndham North Bergen, NJ. (A.K.A. My Temporary Existence)
Day 1: Arrival – A Symphony of “Meh”
- 3:00 PM: ARRIVAL. Ugh. Okay, this is it. The promise of a slightly above-average motel experience. I found myself actually thinking, “Well, at least it’s not the Bates Motel, right?” (I can’t help but think of psycho lately). The lobby…it has that familiar, slightly stale smell that seems to permeate all budget accommodations. God, is that… carpet? (I can’t do it. I hate carpet). Check-in was… efficient. The woman behind the desk, bless her heart, looked like she'd seen a thousand weary travelers just like me. I, and my slightly deflated dreams.
- 3:30 PM: The Room: Okay, here we go. I open the door… and… well, it's a room. A room, alright. The floral bedspread is… a choice. A very specific choice. The air conditioning unit whirs to life, a sound that feels like the soundtrack to my transient existence. The TV… okay, I need to find the remote, which is attached to the nightstand by a long, possibly germ-infested, wire. I think to myself, “I need a drink.” Immediately.
- 4:00 PM: Reconnaissance Mission: The vending machine. The holy grail. I'm on a quest for a bottle of water and maybe, just maybe, a bag of chips. I descend into the echoing, slightly creepy hallway. I reach the holy grail. The machine is… out of water. Are. You. KIDDING ME?! I settle for a Coke Zero and contemplate the state of the world (and this hotel's management).
- 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: The Great Relaxation Attempt. I try to unwind. Put on the TV. (The selection is… limited.) I try to read. (Distracted by the whirring AC and the nagging feeling that those sheets aren't quite as clean as they should be.) My phone starts to buzz with notifications. Oh my god, so many emails.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner. The local options are… well, let's just say, "eclectic." I drive around for about an hour, paralyzed by choice and a general sense of impending food-related doom. I end up at a diner. The coffee is strong, the waitress is a local legend, and the food is… exactly what you'd expect. Comfort food. (Okay, it wasn't bad actually).
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Back at the HoJo: I watch mindless TV. The AC unit continues its relentless humming. I start contemplating the origins of the floral bedspread, what kind of person would have chosen to go out there and say “Yes this is what everyone wants”. Is that a stain on the carpet? No, wait, it's just… a shadow. Everything seems a bit… off, you know?
- 9:00 PM: The Shower. Okay, this is the moment of truth. Will the water run hot? Will the pressure be… adequate? The answer: It's… fine. Barely. I feel a weird relief about that. A weirdly profound relief.
Day 2: Exploring (Or, As I Like to Call It, Finding Decent Coffee)
7:00 AM: Wake Up. The sun is peeking through the curtains. Okay. A new day.
7:15 AM: COFFEE. The in-room coffee maker is… questionable. The coffee tastes like… sadness. I am on a mission.
8:00 AM: The Quest for Caffeine: I venture out, determined to find a decent cup of coffee. This feels like the most important mission in my life at this moment. I end up at a local diner (again). (Why am I always in diners?). Their coffee is… passable. I read the news. The world feels… fine.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The City. I need to leave. The motel is closing in on me. I hit the highway; I hit the city. I got to see the best places. Walking in a park, then shopping a little. What a fantastic day!
12:00 PM: Lunch and Reflections. Back to the same diner, I order lunch. It's exactly the same.
3:00 PM: Back at the HoJo: I attempt to read, to work, to live. The whirring continues. The carpet… it looms. The Floral bedspread… I think I have a love-hate relationship. I started to write a diary, and I feel like everything will change.
6:00 PM: Dinner. I order Italian food. (It's delivered). It's… fine.
7:00 PM: TV and Existential Dread… The TV, the bed, the room…
9:00 PM: More Shower.
Day 3: Escape
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. The AC has defeated all hope for a good night's sleep. I contemplate a final coffee run. (No! I am strong! I will survive!).
- 9:00 AM: Check-out. The woman behind the desk, looks as though, she wants to go home. We exchange a weary smile of mutual understanding.
- 9:15 AM: I am free!
Final Thoughts:
Howard Johnson, North Bergen… you were… an experience. A flawed, slightly depressing, but ultimately… memorable experience. I survived. I got coffee. I will never forget the floral bedspread. I am ready for the adventure outside this city.
And that, my friends, is the truth of it. The messy, imperfect, hilariously human truth. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need a long, hot shower.
Yogyakarta's Hidden Gem: Luxurious 2BR Villa in Pentingsari (Full Board!)
Escape to NYC: Howard Johnson's North Bergen Getaway! - FAQ (Because You *Need* to Know!)
Okay, Seriously, Why North Bergen? Why Not Manhattan? ARE YOU CRAZY?
Alright, settle down, drama queen. Look, "Escape to NYC" is a *vague* concept, right? We weren't exactly rolling in dough for this trip. Manhattan, darling, is where dreams go to...well, empty your wallet faster than you can say "pre-theater dinner." North Bergen? It was practical. It was 'affordable-ish'. And, let's be honest, the Howard Johnson's promise of a "Getaway"? THAT got us. It felt like a secret, like we were in on something that the *real* New Yorkers weren't.
Plus, even if you're not paying NYC hotel prices, the journey itself can be an experience. Remember the time we thought we saw a rat on the subway? Pure New York magic. (Okay, maybe not magic. But definitely memorable.) Actually, on that subway ride, I did overhear two guys arguing about a pizza place. One passionately defended "Joe's Pizza" while the other was a "John's of Bleecker" guy. I wanted to jump in, so badly. It felt like a rite of passage!
The Howard Johnson's...Was It...Clean? And What About the Pool?!
Clean? "Clean" is a relative term. Let's just say it wasn't a hospital operating room. There were, shall we say, *character marks* on the walls. A few questionable stains on the carpet. But hey, you get what you pay for, right? And the bed? Comfortable enough after a long day of dodging yellow cabs and deciphering cryptic subway maps.
The pool, oh the pool! I envisioned a shimmering oasis. The reality? Well...it was *there*. I'm going to be honest, it was a little…green. The water had a certain…murkiness. We did NOT go in. I did see a kid drop a whole ice cream cone in it, though. That was…something. Let's chalk it up to "local color," shall we?
Okay, Fine. The Hotel Was...What It Was. But What About the Food?! Did You *Eat*?
Did we *eat*? Honey, we were in New York! Food is practically a requirement! The first night, we found this AMAZING little Italian place, a total hole-in-the-wall, in North Bergen. I mean, the red sauce? To *die* for! And the bread...oh, the bread! It was crusty on the outside, warm and pillowy inside. I swear, I could have eaten the whole basket myself. (I almost did.)
Then, of course, we had to hit up a classic NYC deli. Pastrami on rye? Yes, please! The sandwich was taller than my head and worth every single calorie. I remember, it was pouring with rain. I was standing in the doorway to escape getting wetter, when this older lady got right up to me and started going on about how the deli was "not what it used to be," but the pastrami was still "decent." It was so very New York
Transportation to NYC. Was It a Nightmare? Tell Me the Truth!
The bus. Ah, the bus. It was...an experience. Think sardine can meets Greyhound. And, believe me, it was COLD on the bus. The AC might've been blasting. I actually shivered the entire way. We all did. We huddled together, trying to stay warm, while staring out into the world . And a kid was playing the same video game on his phone for like, an hour. We were all going insane. It was a comedy of errors, really. But hey, we got there, right?
Here's the thing: You *have* to embrace the chaos. You can't be afraid to get a little lost. You will get turned around. You WILL end up on the wrong subway line. You will probably smell something questionable. But that's part of the adventure! Just…don't forget your MetroCard.
Did You Actually *See* Anything? Or Just the Inside of the Hotel and the Bus?
See things? Heck yes! We did the touristy stuff. Times Square (ugh, but necessary). Central Park (gorgeous!). The Statue of Liberty (impressive, even from a distance). We saw a Broadway show (which could have been slightly better, but that's another story). And we walked. Oh, did we walk! Our feet were screaming by the end of each day. But we walked and walked and walked, just soaking it all in.
And this is where it gets messy! I had this, moment. We were wandering through Chinatown, and I, a total fool, decided to try my hand at haggling (which I was, epically bad at). I wanted this, like, ridiculously large paper lantern! I wanted it SO BADLY! I thought I’d gotten a good deal. I got all excited, paid, and started walking out. Then I realized…it was broken. I swear, I felt like crying. The vendor was just…smirking at me. I felt defeated. And that feeling…that's New York too.
Okay, So, Would You Do It Again? The Howard Johnson's, the North Bergen, the Bus...the whole damn thing?
You know what? Absolutely. Even with the slightly greenish pool and the questionable bus rides. It wasn't perfect. It was far, far from perfect. But it was *ours*. And those imperfections, those quirks, the little disasters…those are the stories that stick with you.
Maybe not *right now*. I need a nap in a clean hotel, that has a pool that doesn't make my skin crawl. But, yeah. I'm already planning our next adventure. And you know what? I wouldn't trade that messy, crazy, imperfect Howard Johnson's getaway for anything. It was…well, it was something. And that's what makes it a true New York experience. Now pass the pizza, and let's plan the next escape!
