Escape to Oregon's Hidden Gem: Howard Johnson's Roseburg Roseburg (OR) Awaits!
Escape to Oregon's Hidden Gem: Howard Johnson Roseburg – My Surprisingly Good Adventure!
Alright, alright, before you roll your eyes and think "Howard Johnson's? Really?", hear me out. My recent trip to Roseburg, Oregon, was… unexpectedly delightful. And you know what? This Howard Johnson's, the one that's often overlooked, actually made it a big part of that delight. Prepare for a slightly chaotic, totally honest review.
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- Meta Description: Looking for a surprisingly good stay in Roseburg, Oregon? This review dives deep into the Howard Johnson's, exploring its accessibility, amenities (hello, pool with a view!), dining options, and more. Find out if it's the perfect escape, quirks and all!
First Impressions & The Little Wins (and the slight stink… let's be real):
Pulling up, it is a Howard Johnson's. Don't expect a sleek, minimalist vibe. It's got that classic, slightly faded charm. The exterior corridor, though not ideal in torrential Oregon rain, actually works – you get that instant feeling of being on a mini-adventure.
Accessibility:
Okay, this is HUGE for me, as my grandma uses a wheelchair. Winner! The Howard Johnson’s scores high here. We easily found accessible rooms, and the ramps and elevators were a godsend. The front desk staff (more on them later) were super helpful in directing us. They even offered a room closer to the elevators when asked! I'm giving a solid 5 stars here.
On-Site accessible restaurants / lounges:
I'm not gonna lie, the onsite restaurant wasn't Michelin-star material. But! It was accessible, and that's what matters. The food was perfectly acceptable, and the prices were reasonable. There's a bar area, too, although I didn't spend much time there.
Cleanliness and Safety – The Pandemic Edition:
This is where things get interesting. I'm a borderline germaphobe these days, and I was REALLY scrutinizing this. The Howard Johnson's clearly takes cleaning seriously. They offered Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. I saw staff wiping down surfaces constantly! My room definitely felt clean. The Individually-wrapped food options were a nice touch, and the Safe dining setup was reassuring. 4.5 stars for safety! The only reason it isn't a perfect score is because, let's be frank, some of the cleaning products have a slightly… clinical smell. Not a huge deal, just an observation!
Rooms – The Comfort Zone (with a few bumps):
My room was surprisingly spacious. Air conditioning was a lifesaver with the Oregon humidity. It had Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (a must!), plus a Coffee/tea maker and Refrigerator, which are essential for my sanity. The bed was comfy (not the super-luxury kind, but perfectly acceptable), and the Blackout curtains were a blessing. The Safety/security feature and Smoke alarms are crucial.
- The Imperfect Bits: OK, the decor is a little dated. Some of the furnishings showed their age. There were a few frayed edges. The bathroom, while clean, could use a facelift.
- The Emotional Reaction: I loved the *Wake-up service. Needed it. But I loved it.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – More Than You Think:
Okay, the food options weren't vast, but they were there!
- Breakfast [buffet]: A standard, mostly uninspired buffet, but hey, it’s included, and there were plenty of options.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Always necessary.
- Even a Snack bar: handy for late-night cravings. I didn't see any Asian cuisine in restaurant, though, nor any Vegetarian options.
- My Stream of Consciousness Rambling: Actually, speaking of snacks… I ended up making a friend at the vending machine one night - who knew that a bag of chips could lead to a 30-minute conversation about the meaning of life? Roseburg vibes, baby!
Services and Conveniences – The Little Extras That Matter:
- Excellent Front Desk: The staff was incredibly helpful. They really went above and beyond.
- Cash withdrawal: Always convenient.
- Elevator: A lifesaver.
- Laundry service: Thank goodness!
Things to do, ways to relax – Did Someone Say Spa?!
- Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view: The outdoor pool was a total surprise! It wasn't huge, but it was clean, and the view was actually pretty darn good (looking out over some greenery). I did not see any Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom or anything like that, my bubble was burst! What was I thinking? It's a Howard Johnson's, not a five-star resort, come on!
- Fitness center: Nothing amazing, but it was there. I didn't exactly get my workout on, but it's good to know it's there.
- Massage: No massage availability, which left a small hole in my heart.
For the Kids - A Family-Friendly Vibe:
It felt family-friendly. I didn't travel with kids, but I saw plenty of families, and the atmosphere seemed welcoming.
Getting Around:
- Car park [free of charge]: Parking was easy and free.
- Car park [on-site]: Yes, on site!
Final Verdict – Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. The Howard Johnson's Roseburg isn't perfect, but it's clean, accessible, comfortable enough, and the staff is fantastic. For the price, it's a steal. It’s a perfect home for a road trip, a respite spot from the Oregon rain, and a great base for exploring the surrounding area. Plus, it has that charming, slightly quirky vibe that makes a trip memorable. I’m giving this a solid 4 stars, and a huge thumbs-up for accessibility and those awesome staff! Don't expect a luxury experience, but do expect a pleasant surprise!
Brockville Getaway: Unbeatable Days Inn Deals!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to plan a trip to the Howard Johnson in Roseburg, Oregon. Let’s be honest, nobody chooses Roseburg. You end up in Roseburg. And that's where the adventure truly begins. Here goes… my honest-to-goodness, probably-a-little-too-honest itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival, Existential Dread, and Questionable Pizza
1:00 PM - Arrival & The Great Lobby Assessment: Okay, so we land (driving, obviously, because who flies to Roseburg?) and pull up to the hallowed halls of the HoJo. First impressions? Well, it's… a hotel. Let's just say the decor hasn’t been updated since, oh, I don't know, the Reagan administration? The lobby carpet looks like it's seen some things. Probably a lot of wet dogs.
- Emotional Reaction: A faint whisper of "Oh god, what have I done?" crosses my mind. But hey, at least the air conditioning is working. That’s a win in my book.
1:30 PM - Check-in & Room Reconnaissance: The check-in clerk is… well, they’re there. Efficiency isn't their best suit, but hey, at least they didn't ask me to join Wyndham Rewards program, I would have gone crazy. The room? Kinda smells like… something. Possibly cleaning fluid. Possibly despair. Let's not dwell.
2:00 PM - The Pool Debacle: Okay, people. This is where things got real. I decided to take a dip in the pool. I went there. The water was green and slimy, and the bottom was covered in, well… I'll spare you the details. Let's just say it was NOT a refreshing experience.
- Quirky Observation: The pool noodles looked particularly forlorn, like they were waiting for a purpose. The pool itself seemed to be trying to swallow the entire world.
5:00 PM - The Hunt for Sustenance: Pizza Edition: Roseburg isn't exactly a culinary mecca. Google tells me there's a "family-style" pizza place nearby. I steel my nerves, order a large pepperoni (because, hey at least I know what I'm gonna get), and pray for the best.
- Anecdote: The pizza arrived. Let's just say the crust was… sturdy. And the cheese? Well, I think I saw a ghost of a mozzarella smile at me, but it was hard to tell. I ate it anyway, because at this point in the day, survival is the only goal.
Day 2: Nature, Navigational Mishaps, and the Search for Decent Coffee
8:00 AM - Coffee Quest (and the Hotel Breakfast Blues): Okay, the hotel breakfast is included, but let's be real, it's not exactly gourmet. I attempt to drink the coffee, but it tastes like a brown-colored water with a hint of regret.
- Rambling Thoughts: You know, I bet some people like this coffee. Maybe they’ve lost their tastebuds. Maybe they’re secretly aliens who thrive on brown-tinted despair. I don’t know, man.
9:00 AM - Exploring the Umpqua: (or, at least, trying to). I decide to venture out into nature. The Umpqua River looks lovely, or at least, the photos online look lovely. Okay, the roads are windy. I get a little car-sick and end up lost for a solid hour.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated frustration. I swear, Google Maps has a personal vendetta against me.
12:00 PM - The Lunch Dilemma (or, "Where does one eat around here?") After my navigational adventure, I'm starving. I end up at a diner down the road.
2:00 PM - The Return and the Reflection: Back at the HoJo. I sit on the bed, feeling a strange mixture of exhaustion and melancholy. The view from the window? A parking lot. But hey, at least there's a functioning television.
- Opinionated Language: Honestly, this is a long day. And I'm starting to question all my life choices that led me to Roseburg.
Day 3: Departure (Hallelujah!)
8:00 AM - Final Coffee Attempt (and the Last Breakfast Stand): Same coffee. Same despair. I load up on the dry cereal, because at this point, I'm running on spite.
9:00 AM - Goodbye, Roseburg: I pack up my stuff, say a silent prayer of thanks for the functional air conditioning, and check out.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy. Freedom!
9:30 AM - The Escape: I hit the road, leaving Roseburg in the rearview mirror, and hoping that the next stop on the road, however modest the hotel, will be somewhat more charming than my experiences in the HoJo.
So there you have it. The honest, messy, and probably slightly exaggerated story of my trip to the Howard Johnson in Roseburg. Was it perfect? Absolutely not. But it was an experience. And hey, at least it's a story to tell. Good luck with your own adventure!
Palo Alto/Menlo Park/San Jose Getaway: Your Dream Residence Inn Awaits!
So, Roseburg… Why Howard Johnson's? Seriously?
Okay, look, I *get* the skepticism. "Howard Johnson's?" You’re picturing orange roofs and questionable carpet, right? And maybe that's not entirely wrong, history is in a way. But here's the thing: I'm a sucker for nostalgia, and this particular HoJo is a survivor. It punches way above its weight class in the 'charmingly retro' department. It's like finding a time capsule, complete with… well, motel-style practicality. But the pool! OMG, the pool. Remember those days? And the fact that it still exists, practically pristine, is a victory in itself.
Alright, alright, you have my morbid curiosity. What's the *actual* Howard Johnson's experience like? Is it… clean?
Clean enough! Look, let's be honest, it's not the Ritz. But it's not *scary* clean, right? The rooms are… functional. Think old-school motel, but with a dose of genuine effort to make it comfortable. My room had a view of the parking lot, which, okay, wasn’t *exactly* scenic, but hey, I didn't book the Presidential Suite (if one even existed!). The beds were surprisingly comfortable, the AC worked like a champ (essential in Oregon summers!), and the staff? They're genuinely nice. Like, the kind of nice where you feel like they actually *care* you're there. That, to me, outweighs any minor dusty corners. I wouldn't bring a microscope, but I wouldn't wear hazmat gear either, if that helps.
Okay, you mentioned the pool. Spill the beans. What's the deal?
The pool. Ah, the pool. Okay, picture this: It's a hot summer afternoon. You’ve been driving for hours. You check in, and you immediately CHANGE. No unpacking, no second glances. Swim trunks on, flip-flops, boom. You sprint to the pool, and… it actually IS like the pictures. The sun dappling on the water, the iconic HoJo orange and turquoise, a surprisingly effective filtration system… I spent *hours* there. Just floating, reading a trashy paperback (guilty!), and letting the world melt away. Seriously, that pool is worth the price of admission alone. One day, I was there and there was a whole family of three generations from the same family, just making the most of it, and it reminded me of how simple life once was.
What about the food? Is there a restaurant? And if so… should I eat there?
Okay, so this is where things get… interesting. There IS no actual *Howard Johnson's* restaurant attached to this one. My heart kind of sank a little. They were known for their ice cream!
But, Roseburg has some decent options! I had some great tacos one night in the city, and a hearty breakfast down the road to start another day. So, no, you won't find butter-fried clams and all that, but don't despair! Do a little research, explore. You'll stumble upon something that at least hits that post-road-trip craving. Maybe. I mean, your mileage may vary. I was actually craving that old style of food, so I can't say that was my favorite experience.
Roseburg, in general… what's there to do besides swim and eat (or *not* eat) at the motel?
Roseburg is… well, it's Roseburg. Small-town Oregon charm. But don't dismiss it! The Umpqua River valley is stunning. Seriously, the scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile. There's fishing, hiking (umpteen trails!), and wine tasting. Yes, wine! The Umpqua Valley AVA is a thing, and the wineries are surprisingly good. Plus, the pace of life is… slower. You can relax, breathe, and just *be*. I took a drive along the river one day, and I swear, I could feel my blood pressure lowering. It’s a good escape from the city, let's say that!
Why should I *actually* stay at the Howard Johnson's in Roseburg over a chain hotel?
Okay, here comes the big one. The *why*. Let's be real. It's not about the amenities. It's not about the gourmet breakfast buffet (because there isn't one). It's about something… different. It's about a sense of place. It's about supporting a bit of history, an independent business trying to survive. Plus, it's quirky, charming, and memorable. I mean, how many people can say they stayed in a *Howard Johnson's*? It's an experience. A story. A conversation starter. And let’s be honest, it’s usually cheaper than the shiny corporate options. It might not be perfect, but it’s *real*. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need on a road trip.
And, honestly, the pool. The freakin' pool! I'm still dreaming about that pool...
Any last-minute tips before I book this blast from the past?
Pack your flip-flops! And a sense of humor. Don't expect perfection, but expect something… authentic. Bring a book for the pool! And maybe a backup snack for the restaurant situation. And for goodness sake, don't forget the sunscreen! Mostly, go with an open mind, and embrace the oddness of it all. You might just surprise yourself and actually have a really, really good time. And if you see me there, at the pool, floating… wave! I'll probably be the one with the book and a goofy grin.
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