Howard Johnson by Wyndham Athens

For individuals and families exploring the "Hotels Near Of Me" category in Athens, Georgia, the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Athens, located at 2465 W Broad St, Athens, GA 30606, USA, presents itself as an economical and practical lodging option. Part of the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts portfolio, this property aims to provide essential comforts and amenities for a value-conscious stay, with recent renovations enhancing its appeal for various travelers.

The Howard Johnson by Wyndham Athens is strategically situated on West Broad Street (Highway 78), a primary thoroughfare in Athens, offering convenient access to various parts of the city. While located on a main road, the hotel is set back far enough that guests, particularly those in rooms further back, have reported that highway noise is not a significant disturbance. This location provides a good balance between accessibility to major attractions and a relatively quiet immediate environment. The hotel is approximately 2.5 to 3 miles from the vibrant downtown Athens and the University of Georgia (UGA) campus. This proximity makes it a suitable choice for visitors attending university events, football games at Sanford Stadium, or exploring Athens' renowned music scene and dining establishments. While not directly in the pedestrian-friendly core of downtown, guests have noted that some restaurants and taverns are within walking distance, including a Mexican restaurant next door to the lobby. Crosswalks are available for crossing the main highway, though sidewalks may be interspersed with walking through grass or parking lots, indicating a mixed pedestrian experience. The surrounding area offers a mix of commercial establishments and access to local points of interest like the Farmers Market and Bishop Park. The property features three buildings/towers, and being a Wyndham brand, it often strives to maintain certain standards for its exterior and common areas.

The Howard Johnson by Wyndham Athens provides a range of amenities designed to offer comfort and convenience to its guests. A key feature is the complimentary "on-the-go" breakfast served daily from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM. While described as simple and consisting of prepackaged goods (e.g., packaged muffins, cereals, coffee, bananas), it provides a convenient and free start to the day. For recreation, the hotel offers a seasonal outdoor pool, typically open from June to October (pool access from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM), providing a refreshing option during warmer months. Guests appreciate that the pool "looked nice" even if it was too cold to use during their stay. The hotel offers free WiFi in public areas and in-room, ensuring guests can stay connected. For business needs, there is a business center and a computer station available. The front desk operates 24-hours, providing assistance with check-in (from 3:00 PM to midnight) and check-out (by 11:00 AM), as well as a front-desk safe and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self-parking is available on-site, including options for larger vehicles, which is a significant advantage. The hotel has implemented eco-friendly practices, including the use of eco-friendly toiletries and cleaning products, energy-saving switches, LED lighting, and recycling programs. It also features a grey water recycling system and aims for 100% renewable energy use, and has policies against single-use plastics for certain items. While pets are generally not allowed, service animals are welcome free of charge. The hotel does not have elevators, with upper floors accessible by stairs only.

The Howard Johnson by Wyndham Athens offers 100 accommodations, with guest reviews indicating that many rooms have undergone recent remodels, including the removal of carpeting, which is often a positive change for cleanliness and allergy concerns. Each room is equipped with essential amenities for a comfortable stay. These typically include a microwave, refrigerator, and coffee/tea maker for convenience. For entertainment, rooms feature cable television, and free in-room WiFi is available. Guests also find an in-room safe, a desk, and ironing facilities. The private bathrooms typically feature a shower, with some guests specifically praising the "very nice shower." Eco-friendly toiletries are provided. Air conditioning and climate control are standard, allowing guests to set their preferred room temperature. Guest reviews mention the effectiveness of the room's AC fan option in masking hallway noise, indicating a generally quiet environment once inside the room. Rooms are non-smoking, contributing to a fresh atmosphere. While specific room configurations may vary, options with king beds (some with sofa beds) or two double/full beds are common, catering to different travel groups. The property has undergone renovations, with a last renovation year noted as 2015 on some platforms, though guest reviews suggest more recent updates, indicating ongoing efforts to improve the guest experience. Daily housekeeping is provided, and guests can request a change of towels and bedsheets.

As a Wyndham property, the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Athens participates in the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program, offering guests points and benefits for their stays. This is a primary promotional tool, appealing to frequent travelers. The hotel promotes its affordability and essential amenities, making it attractive to budget-conscious travelers, including those visiting for events, concerts, or university activities where room prices might fluctuate significantly. Promotional messaging emphasizes the "free on-the-go breakfast," "seasonal outdoor pool," and "free WiFi and self-parking" as key value propositions. Guest reviews, while noting some aspects of the hotel as "outdated" or needing "a touch of updating" in older sections, frequently praise the cleanliness of the remodeled areas and the pleasant, friendly, and courteous staff. The convenient location with nearby dining options (including a Mexican restaurant next door) is also a strong point. Despite being a budget-friendly option, guests generally find it to be a "good little spot" and would recommend it, highlighting the value for money. The hotel aims to provide a solid, no-frills experience with a focus on core amenities and friendly service, making it a viable consideration for those searching within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category for an affordable and convenient stay in Athens, GA.