Howard Johnson by Wyndham Toms River

For local users exploring options within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category in the Toms River area, the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Toms River, located at 955 Hooper Ave, Toms River, NJ 08753, is a property that warrants a careful and objective assessment. While it offers certain amenities and a convenient location, recent guest experiences indicate a need for potential visitors to manage their expectations. The hotel can be reached by phone at (732) 908-7694 or +1 732-908-7694.

Regarding its environment, the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Toms River is presented as a two-story motor inn with 96 rooms, originally built in 1965 and last renovated in 2024. Official descriptions mention a garden area and an indoor pool. However, recent customer reviews from 2025 present a less favorable picture. One review specifically states, "The presentation of the hotel was very rinky-dink," suggesting that the overall aesthetic and upkeep may not align with expectations set by promotional images. Another review unequivocally describes the rooms as "gross" and notes a pervasive "smell like pee" in their room. This indicates a significant concern regarding the cleanliness and overall maintenance of the property's environment. The hotel also features communal spaces like a lobby with free newspapers and a coffee/tea area.

In terms of services, the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Toms River advertises a range of offerings. These include a 24-hour front desk, ensuring staff are available for guest inquiries and assistance, and services such as dry cleaning/laundry. The hotel provides daily housekeeping, though the effectiveness of this service is brought into question by guest reviews on cleanliness. For dining, the hotel reportedly has an on-site restaurant (The Grove, offering American fare), a bar/lounge, and offers complimentary continental breakfast. Room service is also available for limited hours. However, one recent reviewer expressed strong reservations about the on-site dining, stating, "I didn’t even waste my time ordering from the restaurant because if the presentation is bad. I can only imagine what the food was like." This suggests a perception of low quality that impacted their willingness to utilize the food services.

Among the features of the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Toms River, one notable aspect is its indoor pool. While the hotel officially states it has an indoor pool open from 8 AM to 9 PM, a very recent review (from 2025) reported the pool was "locked" and contained "still water," appearing as though "the filter hasn’t been turned on for days." This raises serious concerns about the pool's functionality, cleanliness, and availability, indicating it may not be a reliable amenity for guests. The hotel also offers complimentary WiFi access throughout the property, which is a standard expectation for travelers.

Guest rooms are stated to include air conditioning, private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries and hair dryers, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffee/tea makers, irons/ironing boards, and a 32-inch HDTV with cable channels. Some rooms reportedly feature balconies or patios, and cribs/infant beds are available on request. However, real customer feedback contradicts some of these implied comforts. A reviewer mentioned that "The AC barely works, or doesn't," and that "The mattresses are pretty much sheet metal," suggesting significant issues with basic room functionality and comfort. The issue of a "toilet running water the entire night" also points to maintenance deficiencies.

A key feature that could appeal to local users is the hotel's pet-friendly policy. Howard Johnson by Wyndham Toms River allows two pets (both dogs and cats) of any size in designated rooms for an additional fee of $50 for the first night and $25 for each additional night, plus a $100 deposit per stay. Service animals are exempt from fees. Pets cannot be left unattended. This is a significant advantage for travelers with companion animals, and the hotel provides a "large grassy area with waste stations next door to the pet-friendly rooms, and waste bags are available at the front desk." This amenity might be the only redeeming quality for some, as one reviewer explicitly stated, "The only reason it got 2 stars is because it accepts dogs."

The hotel is also described as offering free self-parking, including for RVs, buses, and trucks. For business travelers, a business center and two meeting rooms are available, with approximately 1200 square feet of meeting space. Other amenities include an ATM/banking service. The check-in time is 3:00 PM, and check-out is 11:00 AM. Early check-in may be available for an additional fee. The minimum check-in age is 21.

In terms of location, the hotel is situated near several local attractions. It is conveniently located minutes from the beaches and boardwalks of Seaside Heights (approximately a 16-minute drive) and Point Pleasant. The Ocean County Mall is a short 2-minute drive away (1.3 miles), and Community Medical Center is also nearby. Other attractions mentioned include The Ritacco Center, Knuckleheads Comedy Club, and various golf, sailing, and scuba diving opportunities in the vicinity. For those interested in local culture and ecosystems, educational opportunities are also mentioned.

When considering promotional information, it is crucial to juxtapose official descriptions with actual guest experiences. While the hotel is part of the Wyndham brand and might offer standard chain promotions, recent reviews suggest that the actual experience may not align with typical brand expectations or online images. Given the strong negative feedback from recent guests, including issues with cleanliness, non-functional amenities (like the pool), uncomfortable bedding, and general disrepair, any promotional claims should be viewed with caution. One reviewer's desperate plea, "Don’t waste your money on this one," and the suggestion that it should be a "last resort" if other options are unavailable, highlight significant concerns about value for money, despite potentially competitive pricing.

It is important for potential guests to objectively assess the current condition of the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Toms River based on the most up-to-date and unfiltered feedback. While the property may offer a pet-friendly policy and a convenient location to some attractions, the recurring themes of poor room quality, maintenance issues, and unfulfilled amenity promises in recent reviews indicate that it may not provide a comfortable or satisfactory stay for all travelers, especially those seeking a higher standard of accommodation.