Escape to Montana: Unforgettable Stay at Howard Johnson Helena!
Escape to Montana: More Than Just a Room - A Helena Howdy-Do (Howard Johnson Style!)
Okay, folks, let's be real. When you hear "Howard Johnson," you might picture… well, you might picture something. Maybe a slightly faded, roadside Americana relic. But let me tell ya, the Howard Johnson Helena? It surprised me. I went expecting beige, and I got… well, not exactly vibrant, but definitely serviceable and, dare I say, charming in its own way. This isn't your five-star glitz-fest, but it's got its own Montana magic, especially after a brutal drive across I-90, that's for sure.
First Impressions (and Accidental Encounters with Accessibility):
Right off the bat, the accessibility felt… well, actually accessible. I'm talking ramps and elevators, which made carting my overstuffed luggage (and, let's be honest, my perpetually caffeinated self) a whole lot easier. The elevator was a godsend, especially after that highway slog. Didn't try the facilities for disabled guests specifically, but the visible efforts were a giant thumbs up. Even the exterior corridor situation – sometimes a deal-breaker – was surprisingly… okay. Felt safe. Always a plus.
Internet and Those Pesky Wi-Fi Woes:
Alright, tech junkies, listen up! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! Seriously, in this day and age, it should be a given, but you know how it goes. The Internet itself? Mostly reliable. I managed to livestream a particularly embarrassing Zoom meeting without crashing, so that's a win. I did notice there was Internet access – LAN though it remained unused. Wi-Fi in public areas was also available, but I'm a creature of in-room connection, so I didn't test those waters.
Cleanliness and Safety - AKA My Germaphobe Inner Child Felt…Relieved:
COVID, ugh. Let's just say, I'm slightly obsessed with hand sanitizer. The Howard Johnson Helena took things seriously-ish. The anti-viral cleaning products were a plus. They had hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and staff wearing masks. Plus, rooms were sanitized between stays, which, as a germaphobe, I really appreciated. The whole cashless payment service was handy, too, cutting down on germ-swapping. They even had those little individually-wrapped food options… I think I got a mini-chocolate bar out of it. Every little bit helps when you’re a worrier, right?
Food, Glorious Food (and the Quest for Breakfast):
Okay, the food. This is where things get… interesting. Breakfast in room? Not applicable, unfortunately. (Though, I did sneak in some of the breakfast pastries I'd grabbed from the buffet. Don't tell anyone!) What's available? Breakfast [buffet] was the star of the morning show. Basic, but filled the void, with staples like cereal, toast, and some surprisingly decent scrambled eggs. Asian breakfast and Asian cuisine in restaurant wasn't on offer – Helena is not exactly a hotbed of Asian cuisine to be clear. Western breakfast and Western cuisine in restaurant – it was there. The coffee shop sold coffee and tea, essential for my survival. And, to be fair, the coffee/tea in restaurant hit the spot. Coffee/tea maker? Thank god, in the room.
During the day, the snack bar was a lifesaver. The restaurants weren’t exactly Michelin-star quality, but the menu had enough options to satisfy. Didn't see a vegetarian restaurant, but there were vegetarian options. The bar was okay, nothing special. Poolside bar was absent, which was a shame. The room service [24-hour] was a comforting thought, although never tested. Speaking of food, that bottle of water they give you on arrival? Such a small thing, but really does make a difference – especially when you’re dehydrated from a long drive.
Relaxation and Recreation – Did I Find My Zen?
Okay, let's be honest. The fitness center at a Howard Johnson isn't exactly a state-of-the-art gym. It was the right size, I saw someone doing some deadlifts, and it was enough to get a good sweat going. The pool with view was a nice touch… of the highway. The swimming pool [outdoor] was there, and actually quite refreshing. Other ways to relax? Well, no Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Spa, Spa/sauna, or Steam room. No Massages, either. You're not gonna come here for the luxury spa experience, let's put it that way.
My Room: The Sanctum of Sanity
My room wasn't huge, but it was clean and comfortable. Air conditioning was a must, battling that Montana heat. The blackout curtains were a life-saver when I wanted to sleep in. The extra long bed was a godsend for my six-foot frame. They had daily housekeeping, which was great. Wi-Fi [free], again, huge plus. Coffee/tea maker – check. A refrigerator, too, which I filled with snacks. The desk was perfect for working on my laptop. The bathroom was standard, but hey, it had a shower with good water pressure, and that's all I really need. No bathtub unfortunately. Not a hotel, but it had a good mirror.
The "Things to Do" and Escaping the Hotel Bubble:
Helena itself, of course, is the real star. The hotel's location is a convenient base for exploring the area. Check out the gift/souvenir shop on your way out to get something to remember your stay. Car park [free of charge] felt luxurious to me. The hotel provides car park [on-site], which is handy.
Services and Conveniences – Beyond the Basics:
They had a concierge, who was helpful with directions. Daily housekeeping was reliable. A laundry service I put to use, which was a lifesaver. They had an elevator, which I used. They offered luggage storage, which was great. Cash withdrawal, when you needed it.
Business Travelers and the (Probably) Rare Special Event:
If you're there on business, they have the basics: Meeting/banquet facilities, business facilities, meetings, and your usual Xerox/fax in business center. They could host indoor venue for special events and Outdoor venue for special events, with audio-visual equipment for special events.
For the Kids?
I didn't travel with kid, but they did have family/child friendly available.
The Verdict: Montana Magic with a Side of Howard Johnson Charm
Look, this isn't the Four Seasons. But it's clean, comfortable, and genuinely tries to make your stay pleasant. The staff were friendly, the location was convenient, and the price was right. It's a solid choice for a road trip stop, a quick getaway, or a base for exploring the beauty of Montana. It's not perfect, but the imperfections are part of the charm. Would I stay again? Absolutely. Especially after that long drive. It's an escape to Montana, alright – Howard Johnson edition. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're going to Helena, Montana, and we're doing it right. Which, let's be honest, probably means a glorious train wreck of good intentions and questionable decisions. Here we go…
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Helena, Montana - A Chaotic Journey
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panic (aka "Where's the Damn Room Key?!")
- 3:00 PM: Arrive at Helena Airport. You know, the kind where you practically trip over tumbleweeds and the baggage claim is about as exciting as watching paint dry. Grab my rental car – a slightly dented Ford Focus named Mildred. (Don't ask; I’m sentimental about cars.)
- 3:45 PM: Arrive at the Howard Johnson. The lobby is…functional. Think "budget-friendly comfort." The woman at the desk, bless her heart, seems to have seen it all – from a thousand bewildered tourists to a stray pack of wolves. (Okay, maybe not wolves. But the weary look in her eyes is telling.)
- 4:00 PM: Check into the room. Okay, it smells vaguely of chlorine and regret. The air conditioning is protesting loudly. But hey, it has a bed and a TV, and that's all that really matters, right? (Famous last words, I know.)
- 4:15 PM: Commence minor freak-out. Where's the room key?! (Turns out it was in my pocket. Don't judge.)
- 4:30 PM: The "essential" first task: find all the snacks and drinks I packed. (Priorities, people!)
- 5:00 PM: Decide to wander around a little. The neighborhood seems charmingly quiet.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at "The Brewhouse." Oh man, the burger was incredible, but the beer…well, let’s just say Montana breweries have some serious competition. My opinion? Strong.
- 8:00 PM: Crash in bed. The siren song of cable TV beckons. Watch something with questionable acting, and drift off, dreaming of wide-open spaces and avoiding bear attacks.
Day 2: Gold Rush and Ghostly Encounters (and a Near Disaster with the Laundry)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up, slightly disoriented. Sunlight is streaming in. Decide the day can be good.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The continental buffet is what you'd expect: lukewarm coffee, questionable pastries. But, hey, it's free, and I'm not complaining.
- 9:00 AM: Head to the Montana Historical Society Museum. I'm not usually one for museums, but this place is actually fascinating! The exhibits on the gold rush are particularly gripping. I could almost feel the exhaustion and the dreams of those long-ago prospectors sweating it all out.
- 11:00 AM: Explore Last Chance Gulch, which is probably the most fun part of Helena. The history! The architecture! The slightly spooky vibe. I got lost, and actually, it was really cool.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local cafe. The food is hearty, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the service is slow. (But that's okay; I have time to kill. And a strong coffee.)
- 1:30 PM: A Guided tour of the "Old Montana Prison" - Oh. My. God. This was the most incredible, spine-tingling, and unsettling thing I've done in years. The guide, bless her heart, knew every gruesome detail. The cells were small, the stories were heartbreaking, and the ghost stories? Well, let's just say I'm not sure if I'll ever get a good night's sleep again.
- 4:00 PM: Laundry time! (Yes, even on vacation, adulting happens. Sigh).
- 4:15 PM: A near-catastrophe in the hotel laundry room involving a rogue sock, a very stubborn washing machine, and a sudden surge of panic. (Outcome: Clothes, thankfully, are mostly intact.)
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a diner. Ordered a massive plate of comfort food and spent an hour lost in thought.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Stare out the window at the darkness. It's quiet, serene, and just a little bit lonely.
Day 3: Scenic Drives and The Bitter Taste of Departure
- 8:00 AM: The hotel breakfast. The pastries taste even worse than yesterday (possibly because I consumed three).
- 9:00 AM: Drive along the scenic byways. The Montana landscape is gorgeous—rolling hills, massive skies, vistas that make you feel small and grateful all at once.
- 11:00 AM: Stop at a roadside attraction or two, depending on my impulse to find a quirky gift for my friends and family.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch somewhere with a view. I swear, the sandwich I ate tasted better than anything I have tasted in a while; maybe it was that view.
- 3:00 PM: A bit more exploring. Feeling a little sad that it's almost time to leave.
- 4:00 PM: Pack my bags. Attempt to shove everything back into the suitcase. (Fail miserably.)
- 5:00 PM: Reflect on how much I’ve enjoyed Montana and prepare for the flight.
- 6:00 PM: Final dinner at a restaurant.
- 8:00 PM: Depart for the airport.
- 9:00 PM: Return the rental.
- 10:00 PM: Back to the airport, board the plane, and head back to reality.
The Verdict:
Helena, Montana, is a mixed bag. The hotel was a bit rough around the edges, but it served its purpose. The food was decent. The people were (mostly) friendly. And the memories? Priceless. I laughed, I cried (okay, mostly because of the prison tour), and I ate way too much. But that's what a good trip is all about, right? The highs, the lows, the near-disasters, and the moments that stick with you long after you've packed up your bags and said goodbye. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to start planning my next adventure…and maybe buy some better luggage.
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Escape to Montana: Howard Johnson Helena - The Unfiltered Truth!
Okay, spill it. Is this place *really* an "escape"? I mean, it's a Howard Johnson, right?
Alright, alright, let's be real. "Escape" might be a *slight* overstatement, like calling a leaky faucet a "refreshing waterfall experience." But here's the thing: Helena, Montana, itself *is* an escape. And the Howard Johnson? Well, think of it as a… *reliable vessel* to experience that escape. Let's face it, you're not heading here for a Michelin star dining experience (though the complimentary breakfast… we'll get to that). You're here for the Rockies, the history, the quirky charm of Montana. And, honestly? After a day of hiking or ghost town hunting, a familiar, slightly dated, but *clean* room? It hits the spot. My first thought? "Thank God for the AC, this heat is KILLING me!".
What are the rooms like? Are we talking '70s chic or…
'70s chic? Oh, honey, that's putting a *positive* spin on it. Let's just say the decor has a certain… *timeless quality*. Think: patterns that could induce a seizure if you stared too long, and furniture that's seen better days (I swear, that desk was older than I am!). BUT, and this is important: the room was CLEAN. Like, really, surprisingly *clean*. And the shower? Surprisingly decent water pressure. Look, after a day trekking through God's country (which, Montana definitely is), you're not exactly looking for a spa-like experience. You're looking for hot water and a comfy bed. And the bed? Solid. I slept like a log. My only fear? Waking up with the rug pattern burnt into my eyelids.
That complimentary breakfast… what's the *deal*?
Okay, the breakfast… *sigh*. Here's a confession: I judged it. I *pre-judged* it. I walked in, looked at the suspect muffins and the seemingly-plastic fruit, and internally groaned. But… and this is a big BUT… the coffee was *surprisingly* drinkable. Not gourmet, mind you. Not artisanal. But it was HOT, and it had caffeine. And sometimes, that's all a weary traveler needs. The waffles? Well, let's just say they were made from a machine that looked like it was designed by a mad scientist. I didn’t dare to try them. I went for the cereal, hoping it was still fresh, and praying it wouldn’t lead to a sugar crash before I could hit the hiking trail. If you're expecting a culinary masterpiece, you're in the wrong place. If you're expecting fuel for your adventures? It'll do the trick, even if the "fruit" looks a bit… embalmed.
What about the location? Is it actually convenient for exploring Helena?
Oh, absolutely. The location is a *win*. Seriously. You're close to everything. Downtown Helena? A hop, skip, and a jump. Hiking trails? Easy access. The history? Blew my mind. I'm talking the Reeder's Alley, the State Capitol building. After a full day exploring, I just want to be close, I don't want to drive back 20 minutes. One day I wandered away and I was walking to the capitol, it was easy and safe.
Okay, let's get real: What *really* surprised you about this place?
Alright, buckle up, because this is where it gets *weird*. Remember that front desk lady I was checking in with? She was super helpful, it's always nice after a long drive. The thing is, after I got my room, I went back because I didn't understand what I saw. It turns out that she would also be the breakfast lady, and the one responsible for the laundry. I found this so curious. She was also named "Ruth". But really, what completely blew my mind was the *genuine hospitality*. I'm talking beyond-the-call-of-duty friendly. Not the fake, forced smiles, but the real deal. Like, "Hey, are you doing okay? Need a refill?" kind of friendly. It's a small thing, but it made a big difference. It made you feel like you're part of the Montana thing. I was talking to some other guests, and they felt it too. That was absolutely refreshing, I mean, this is Montana, after all, and I found the place to be welcoming.
Any downsides? Besides the decor and potentially suspect muffins?
Well, yeah. It's not the Ritz-Carlton. The pool? I didn't try it, but it looked… functional. The Wi-Fi? Hit or miss. And parking, well, that was a bit of a Tetris game sometimes. Also, the road noise at night could be a bit much. But honestly? Those were minor inconveniences. No place is perfect. And really, you're here for the *experience* of Montana, not the hotel's perfection.
Rating time! On a scale of "Avoid at all costs" to "Absolutely book it," where does this place land?
Okay, so here's the deal: if you're looking for a luxurious, Instagram-worthy stay, this ain't it. If you're a traveler with a penchant for a certain '70's aesthetic. I'd give it a solid… 7 out of 10. (My rating for the place is 7, although, the people are solid 10s!) It delivers, it's clean, and it's a great basecamp for exploring Helena and the glorious landscapes of Montana. And the best part? It's probably not going to break the bank. You're there to adventure, not to sit in your room, so give it a shot. Just pack some earplugs for the road noise.
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