Howard Johnson Express Inn by Wyndham Airport

The Howard Johnson Express Inn by Wyndham Airport, located at 709 Phillips Ln, Louisville, KY 40209, USA, is a hotel operating under the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts umbrella, generally positioned as a budget-friendly option for travelers. For inquiries, you can reach them at (502) 363-9952 or +1 502-363-9952. Falling within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category, this establishment aims to provide essential services and convenient access for guests, particularly those utilizing the Louisville International Airport.

The hotel's primary environmental advantage is its location near the Louisville International Airport (SDF). This proximity is designed to appeal to travelers seeking quick and easy access to air travel. It is situated on Phillips Lane, a commercial thoroughfare that provides connections to major roads and local attractions. Guests can expect the immediate surroundings to include other hotels, fast-food restaurants, and various commercial businesses typical of an airport-adjacent area. While convenient for airport access, the area might not offer a vibrant pedestrian experience or extensive natural landscapes.

Being near the airport, guests should be aware of the potential for aircraft noise, which is a common characteristic of hotels in such vicinities. While the hotel does not provide an airport shuttle service, its close proximity makes taxi or rideshare options quick and affordable. Beyond the airport, the hotel is within a reasonable driving distance of key Louisville attractions such as the Kentucky Exposition Center, Kentucky Kingdom, and Churchill Downs, though these are not directly walkable from the property.

Customer reviews regarding the hotel's physical environment paint a concerning picture. Guests have described the hotel itself as "extremely ran down" and in poor condition. Specific complaints include dirty-looking towels, broken beds, non-existent water pressure at sinks, noisy showers, and the unusual and unhygienic placement of coffee pots in bathrooms. The hallways are also noted as potentially being dirty, with one review mentioning "dirt all in the hallway in front of the room door" (though this specific quote was from a different hotel review, the sentiment about cleanliness issues is echoed by other reviews for this property, specifically mentioning roaches and bed bugs). The overall impression from multiple reviews is that the building's physical state is significantly deteriorated.

As an Express Inn by Wyndham, the Howard Johnson brand typically focuses on providing fundamental amenities at an economical price point. Standard features generally include:

• Complimentary Wi-Fi: Free internet access is typically offered to all guests.
• Complimentary Breakfast: Howard Johnson Express Inns usually provide a complimentary "Rise & Dine" breakfast, often a simple continental spread.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Many Howard Johnson locations are pet-friendly, though guests should always confirm specific fees and policies directly with the hotel.
• Basic In-Room Amenities: Rooms are usually equipped with a television, phone, and a private bathroom. Some rooms may include a mini-fridge and microwave, but this varies by location.
• 24-Hour Front Desk: To assist guests with check-in/check-out and other needs.

However, customer reviews suggest significant discrepancies between expected basic amenities and the actual experience at this specific location. Issues reported include:

• Cleanliness and Pests: Numerous serious allegations of bed bugs, roaches, and generally unclean conditions, with towels looking dirty and the hotel not being cleaned correctly.
• Room Condition: Descriptions of broken beds, extremely low water pressure, and continuously noisy showers. The placement of the coffee pot in the bathroom is also highlighted as unsanitary and disgusting.
• Customer Service: The customer service is repeatedly described as "atrocious," "very rude," and giving a sense of being "rushed to leave." Specific incidents include being locked out of rooms due to deactivated key cards prematurely, being interrogated about room numbers and check-out times upon re-entry, and staff being unhelpful with billing issues, such as trying to charge for extra days after an early check-out. There are also concerning allegations of racism and the hotel not being "kid-friendly."
• Food Quality: One review explicitly states that the "food is old," likely referring to the complimentary breakfast.

These issues suggest a significant divergence from the standard expectations of even a budget hotel, especially concerning hygiene and guest service.

As a Wyndham property, Howard Johnson Express Inn by Wyndham Airport participates in the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program. This program allows members to earn points for stays, which can be redeemed for free nights, gift cards, or other travel benefits. Wyndham Rewards also offers member-exclusive rates.

Common promotions and offers typically available across the Wyndham portfolio, which may apply to this hotel, include:

• Member Discounts: Exclusive rates for Wyndham Rewards members.
• Seasonal Sales: Various promotions throughout the year offering discounted rates for bookings made during specific periods.
• Senior and AAA/AARP Discounts: Special rates for seniors (60+) and members of AAA/AARP.
• Military Discounts: Discounted rates for active and retired military personnel.
• Advance Purchase Rates: Savings for booking a certain number of days in advance.

To access the most current promotions and ensure eligibility for any discounts, it is always advisable to check the official Wyndham Hotels & Resorts website directly or contact the hotel. Given the significant negative feedback, prospective guests should carefully weigh the potential savings against the reported issues before booking.

Based on the provided customer reviews, the Howard Johnson Express Inn by Wyndham Airport appears to offer a very challenging guest experience. The feedback highlights severe issues that go beyond typical budget hotel limitations. These include:

• Hygiene and Pests: Allegations of bed bugs, roaches, and general uncleanliness are major red flags that directly impact guest health and comfort.
• Facility Condition: Reports of broken beds, poor water pressure, and general disrepair indicate a lack of maintenance and upkeep.
• Customer Service: The consistent reports of rude, unhelpful, and even discriminatory staff interactions, including accusations of racism and unfriendliness towards children, are deeply concerning. The experience of being locked out of a room prematurely and struggling to regain access is also a serious operational failure.
• Misleading Information: While not explicitly stated for this hotel in the provided reviews, the experience of being charged extra despite early check-out indicates potential billing transparency issues.

For local users searching within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category and prioritizing affordability, this hotel might appear as an option. However, the overwhelmingly negative and severe nature of the customer reviews, particularly concerning cleanliness, safety, and staff conduct, warrants extreme caution. It is crucial for prospective guests to carefully consider these widespread issues. While budget hotels often come with fewer amenities, the reported problems here—such as pest infestations, broken facilities, and hostile staff interactions—are fundamental deficiencies that can significantly detract from any stay, regardless of price point. Many reviews explicitly state "Do not recommend" or "Stay Away." Given the available information, potential guests are strongly advised to explore alternative accommodations, even if it means spending slightly more, to ensure a safer and more comfortable experience.