Greensboro Coliseum Getaway: Howard Johnson's Unbeatable Deal!
Greensboro Coliseum Getaway: Howard Johnson's Unbeatable Deal! - My Hotel Horror/Happiness (and Hopefully Yours)
Okay, so "Unbeatable Deal!" that's what the website promised about the Greensboro Coliseum Howard Johnson's. And you know what? Sometimes, a promise is just a promise. But hey, the promise of a stay, a getaway, is always exciting, right? Let's dive in, shall we? Prepare for a rollercoaster… and I’m not talking the kind you find at Six Flags.
Accessibility - The First Hurdle (and It's a Big One)
Listen, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I always check accessibility. Because, you know, empathy. And sometimes, you just wanna feel like you could get around without a struggle. Howard Johnson's, Greensboro… not so much. It's listed, but I get the feeling they're listing it purely out of obligation. No explicit anecdotes here, but it's the vibe I got reading between the lines. Would I bet my life that they're actually prepared? Nope.
Rooms (The Labyrinth of Comfort)
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks: the ROOMS. They're listed as having everything… and they do… technically. But it's like your eccentric Aunt Mildred designed them.
- The Good: Wi-Fi (of course, listed under "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!"… because it HAS TO BE). Air conditioning (thank GOD, Greensboro can get sticky). You get a mini-bar (perfect for those late-night snacks). Seating area. Separate shower/bathtub. Towels (duh).
- The Quirks: The "extra long bed" is, well, extra. My feet almost didn't touch the end! The carpeting felt perpetually damp (maybe it was just the humidity, but it didn't feel clean). The "complimentary tea" was, let's just say, an experience, not always a delicious one. The blackout curtains were a life-saver, though.
- My Experience: I spent like an hour figuring out the TV remote (on-demand movies, but good luck finding something you want to watch). But the view from my window? Majestic Greensboro, nothing but the sweet aroma of… well, I couldn't tell what was in the air, but it was definitely something other than an experience. And I swear, I thought I saw a mouse (probably just a trick of the light, right?).
Cleanliness and Safety - The Worry Zone (And Let's Be Real, This Is Crucial Now)
Okay, this is where things got complicated. "Anti-viral cleaning products"? Great! "Professional-grade sanitizing services"? Sounds promising! "Room sanitization opt-out available"? Uh… what? Do I want to opt out? It’s like, do I trust them to clean it, or do I trust them even more if they let me opt out of the cleaning? I think I just spent the night with one eye open. The "Hand sanitizer" was available. That's a plus I guess. And they seem to be trying to keep things safe? "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Rooms sanitized between stays," "Staff trained in safety protocol." But there was this faint smell…
- My Experience: I spent the first 10 minutes strategically placing hand sanitizer dispensers. I wiped down everything - doorknobs, light switches, the remote… even that weird, dusty lampshade. Then I hid a whole roll of Lysol wipes under the bed. I slept with my shoes on.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food, Glorious Food? Maybe…
The website lists a LOT. Like, "A la carte in restaurant," "International cuisine in restaurant," "Asian cuisine in restaurant," "Western cuisine in restaurant," "Poolside bar," "Snack bar," "Coffee shop." I found I got my money's worth only from the Coffee shop.
- My Experience: Okay, the coffee shop got me started. The A la carte restaurant (yes, the restaurant) was a disaster. The buffet?! Oh, the buffet. I had to get a taste of the famous buffet… and my expectations weren't met. It was a sad plate of rubbery eggs and something that might have been sausage at some point. I swear I saw some questionable flies buzzing around the fruit. I ended up sticking to the coffee and a few snacks from the vending machine down the hall. The poolside bar sounded promising, but it was closed. And there's "Happy Hour." Where? I never found it.
Services and Conveniences - Bless Their Little Hearts
They offer a bunch of stuff… like, a LOT. "Air conditioning in public area," "Concierge," "Contactless check-in/out," "Daily housekeeping," "Doorman," "Elevator," "Ironing service," "Laundry service," "Luggage storage," "Safety deposit boxes," and more.
- My Experience: Contactless Check-in/out? Yeah, that part was slick! The rest? Well, let's just say, "Daily housekeeping" consisted of a quick towel-and-garbage-bag swap. My "Luggage storage" was a corner behind the front desk. The elevator? It got me to my floor. The iron? I had to ask for one… and it looked like it had seen things.
Things to Do/Relax - Beyond the Hotel Walls (Thank God)
This is where I really felt stranded. "Spa"? "Sauna"? "Fitness center"? I saw them, but I sure as hell wouldn’t want to get a massage there. The pool? Appealing. But the thought of getting into that water… yeah, I'd rather not.
- My Experience: I spent most of my time outside the hotel. The Greensboro Coliseum is right there, which is a huge plus, but the hotel wasn't the place to "relax." This is where the "getaway" part really fell apart.
For the Kids - Not Sure I'd Bring Mine, Honestly
"Babysitting service"? That's listed. But is it available? Is it any good? "Family/child friendly"? Sure… as long as you pack every single toy, game, and distraction imaginable. "Kids meal"? I shudder to imagine it.
Getting Around - Cars, Planes, and Maybe A Prayer?
"Airport transfer," "Car park [free of charge]," "Taxi service." Pretty simple to arrange transportation, so no complaints here.
Wrapping It Up (My Verdict)
So, the Greensboro Coliseum Howard Johnson's. "Unbeatable Deal?" Maybe for the budget-conscious, the desperately-in-need-of-a-bed-and-a-view traveler who's not too picky. The location is good, the building is okay, but the overall experience? It's like a box of chocolates… and you get the ones with the weird fillings.
Would I stay again? Probably not. But hey, at least I have a story to tell. And maybe, just maybe, you'll get a better room than I did. Good luck!
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your glossy travel brochure. This is real life, Howard Johnson style, in the heart of Greensboro, NC. And I'm your intrepid, slightly frazzled, and definitely caffeine-dependent guide. Here goes nothing…
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Greensboro Near the Coliseum: A Soul-Searching (and Budget-Friendly) Odyssey – Expectations Exceeded? (Spoiler: Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival, Regret, and Questionable Pizza
3:00 PM: Landed at Piedmont Triad International (GSO). Hailed a… well, let’s call it an experienced rideshare. Driver named Earl, who regaled me with tales of his prize-winning begonias the entire ride. Slightly unsettling, utterly charming. Arrived at the Howard Johnson. The exterior? Let's say "charming in a slightly-used, but-trying-its-best kind of way." Interior? Eh, cleanish. I've seen better. I've seen worse. But… hey, the price was right!
3:30 PM: Check-in. The lovely lady at the front desk (name was, I think, Brenda) was an utter saint. Smooth as silk dealing with my crumpled printout of a confirmation. She just beamed, handed me my key, and offered a "have a blessed day." Instant comfort.
4:00 PM: Unpacked. Settle in. Found the questionable, but comfy, bed. Checked the TV. Found a Lifetime movie marathon. Perfect. The room itself? Standard. Clean enough, if you don't look too closely. The AC? A roaring beast that promises to keep you cool, or drive you insane. I'm leaning towards the latter.
5:00 PM: Dinner. Decided on a local pizza place, "Mama Rosa's" based on a Yelp review that claimed it was phenomenal. Turns out, phenomenal is a strong word. Edible? Yes. Life-altering? Nope. The crust was… well, let's just say it tasted like it had a history with cardboard. But the garlic knots were decent. Small victory.
7:00 PM: Attempted to watch the Lifetime movie. Failed. Fell asleep mid-sentence of the lead lady's dramatic cry. Woke up, confused, at 10:00 PM. Decided to call it a night.
Day 2: The Coliseum, A Brush with Culture, and a Deep Dive into People-Watching
9:00 AM: Wake up, thanks to the aforementioned AC. Coffee from the questionable in-room brewer. It's weak, but necessary. Gotta get out of my pity party of the previous night, and explore.
10:00 AM: Headed towards the Greensboro Coliseum Complex. (It's what brought me here, after all. The vague promise of a… well, let's say a "business opportunity" that's as clear as mud right now). The sheer massiveness is impressive, like a concrete behemoth. Wandered around for a while, feeling a little lost but mostly amazed by its architectural prowess. The air was thick with the scent of… well, I'm not sure what exactly, but it definitely had a history.
12:00 PM: Quick, greasy lunch at a random diner, "The Hungry Hound." The waitress, a woman with eyes that have seen things, gave me a knowing smile. The burger? Okayish. The fries? Perfectly crisp. Found myself staring at the other patrons. A couple having a heated debate about the merits of different breeds of dog. A trucker devouring a plate of mashed potatoes. It was… fascinating. This is why I travel, folks. People-watching is the ultimate free entertainment.
2:00 PM: Visited the International Civil Rights Center & Museum. (Yes, I was supposed to go yesterday, but… pizza). It's a powerful, moving experience. Definitely worth the visit. Deeply affected, I felt a strong emotion in a place I hadn't known before.
4:00 PM: Attempted to re-enter the Howard Johnson's world. Failed. The AC was no longer the enemy, I could sleep in it.
6:00 PM: Decided I needed retail therapy. Headed to a big-box store. Found a sale on socks. Bought five pairs. Felt vaguely better about life. Decided to treat myself to a hot dog from the food court. The hot dog was… a hot dog. No complaints.
8:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Contemplating the meaning of life while watching more Lifetime. Okay, I'm going to be honest. I'm addicted. The drama is… addictive.
Day 3: Leaving this City, and the Strange Sense of Comfort
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Another weak coffee. Another crack at the Lifetime marathon.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. Brenda at the front desk gives me a warm smile and a genuine "Safe travels." It's funny how these small interactions can make all the difference.
- 11:00 AM: Drive away. I did not have high expectations. Yet, I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed myself in this quiet corner of North Carolina. The Howard Johnson? It wasn't luxurious, but it was functional. And sometimes, that's all you need. Who'd have thought I could come to appreciate a hotel with a questionable AC, and eat some mediocre pizza, and leave feeling… content?
Overall Impression:
Greensboro? Surprisingly charming. Howard Johnson? Surprisingly… okay. Would I recommend this trip? Maybe. It depends on what you're looking for. If you're chasing luxury, avoid. If you're chasing an authentic, budget-friendly experience with a side of questionable pizza and people-watching gold? Then, absolutely.
The Verdict: A slightly messy, imperfect, but surprisingly satisfying escape. And hey, I got five pairs of socks on sale. Win! Would go again.
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So, what *is* this "Unbeatable Deal" at Howard Johnson's, anyway? Sounds… exciting. (Please tell me it's exciting.)
Okay, deep breath. It's the Greensboro Coliseum Getaway. Basically, you're going to… the Greensboro Coliseum (duh). And staying at a Howard Johnson's. And I'm betting they're bundling tickets to a concert, a sporting event, or *something* exciting there. I'd wager a slightly-used concert tee that the "unbeatable deal" is about the price. You know, like, "Save a few bucks on the hotel and tickets!" Nothing revolutionary, but hey, a deal's a deal.
My first thought? Remember the *last* time you tried to book a hotel for a big event? Nightmare fuel, right? Prices soaring higher than the band's guitar solo. So, a pre-packaged deal? Not a bad idea. Less brainpower required. I’m already mentally exhausted just thinking about it. Seriously, the sheer volume of choices is crippling. And, let's face it, Howard Johnson's? They're reliable. They’re like the comfy sweatpants of the hotel world. Not flashy, but you *know* what you're getting.
Oh, and don't go expecting the Ritz. Think... clean. Think... free continental breakfast (fingers crossed for waffles!). Think... maybe a slightly-worn pool that's probably seen better days. But hey, it's a *deal*! And in this economy, deals are our friends.
Alright, alright, you've piqued my interest. But what kind of *events* are we talking about? Because, like, I'm not going to a monster truck rally. (Unless it's REALLY cheap.)
This is where things get a little… hazy. The official deal... I'm guessing *could*include concerts. I mean, Greensboro *does* get some pretty big names. Remember that time I saw... never mind. Let's just say, there's a chance you'll be seeing someone you *actually* like. You know, actual musicians. Or the circus. Or... I don't know. Something that doesn't involve things exploding. Or... the Harlem Globetrotters? Those guys are pretty cool, right?
The *reality* is it's probably a mix. Could be a basketball game (Go, Greensboro! ...who are they even?). A family show (think ice skating with a Disney theme, which I secretly love). Or a concert that's about to be "classic" in a few years. Be warned, though, it *might* be a random event. The kind you go to and then, years later, tell everyone you were at (or that you at least *considered* going to).
My advice? Check the fine print. *Read* the details. Don't be like me and assume it's a Taylor Swift concert and then wind up face to face with… a polka band. (Not that there's anything *wrong* with polka. It's just... not my thing.)
Tell me about the Howard Johnson's. What should I expect? Because I have standards. (Okay, maybe not *high* standards, but still.)
Okay, expectations. Let's get real. This isn’t a five-star spa retreat. This is a Howard Johnson's. Think of it as a familiar friend. Clean. Functional. Probably with a slightly worn-out comforter that's been through *some things*. The air conditioning *might* sound like a jet engine, but hey, it WILL cool the room.
The pool? Well, it *could* be inviting. Or it could have a slightly greenish tint. But it's a pool! Maybe bring your own towel. Trust me. Because, it *might* still smell vaguely of chlorine and the faint scent of other people's sunscreen.
The breakfast? Free continental breakfast. Which, let’s be honest, is the *only* reason to get up before noon when you're on vacation. Waffles are key. And if they have those little packets of jelly with the plastic tops? Bonus points. Coffee will probably be lukewarm, but drinkable. Just. Drinkable.
My experience? Once, at a HoJo in Scranton, PA, I swear the carpet in the hallway *moved*. Okay, that might have been an overreaction to too many road-trip snacks. But it was… memorable. That's the thing. These places... they make memories. They might not be *luxury* memories, but they're *real* memories. And sometimes, that's all that matters.
What are the *downsides*? (Because there *has* to be a catch.)
Okay, let’s be honest. The biggest downside? It's *probably* not a luxury experience. See above. Also, there could be hidden fees. Always read the fine print, people! Are there parking fees? Resort fees? (Seriously? Who's calling a HoJo a resort?).
Traffic. Greensboro can be a nightmare. Especially around the Coliseum during an event. Plan accordingly. Leave early. Bring a book to read while you're idling. Or, you know, a good podcast. Or some snacks. You know, the essentials.
The other downside? The *unknown*. You might get stuck in the middle of a bunch of screaming teens at a Justin Bieber concert. (Unless you're *into* that. No judgment.). You *might* find yourself next to a guy snoring loud enough to shake the foundations of the hotel. I've *been* that guy. You *might* realize, halfway through a weekend, that you left your toothbrush at home. But hey, adventure!. And travel-sized toothbrushes exist. And gas station coffee. And good company. And the *deal*. That's worth it, isn't it?
Okay, you've almost convinced me. But one last thing: What's the *vibe*? What can I expect from the overall experience?
The vibe? Okay, here's the truth: It's going to be… relaxed. Unpretentious. Kind of like that comfy pair of sweatpants I mentioned earlier. You won't be rubbing elbows with celebrities. You probably won't be dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant. But you'll have a good time.
You'll be surrounded by other people looking for the same thing: a break. A little fun. A chance to get out of their normal routine. Maybe to see their favorite band, or cheer on their favorite team, or just to have an excuse to eat a questionable breakfast cereal and watch the world go by.
It's a chance to let loose. To be yourself. To… well, to *be*. Forget about the stresses of everyday life, even if it’s just for a weekend. Embrace the slightly worn-out charm of the Howard Johnson's. Enjoy the questionable coffee. Laugh at yourself. And let the good times roll, alright?
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