Yuma's Hidden Gem: Howard Johnson by Wyndham - Your Desert Oasis Awaits!

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Yuma Yuma (AZ) United States

Yuma's Hidden Gem: Howard Johnson by Wyndham - Your Desert Oasis Awaits!

Yuma's Hidden Gem? Howard Johnson by Wyndham Delivers… But Is It My Desert Oasis? (A Brutally Honest Review)

Okay, so I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Yuma, Arizona, and, naturally, stayed at the Howard Johnson by Wyndham. "Your Desert Oasis Awaits!" the website trumpets. Honestly? The desert part is accurate. The oasis? Well, let's unpack this, shall we? This review is gonna be raw, real, and probably a little too honest. Consider this your ultimate guide, warts and all.

Accessibility (and the Struggle for Inclusion):

First things first: Accessibility is a mixed bag. While the website claims wheelchair accessibility, it's not always crystal clear how accessible. I saw elevators (thank goodness!), and the front entrance seemed okay, but I didn't personally test the wheelchair access. I'd recommend calling ahead and being super specific about your needs if this is a dealbreaker. They have listed accessibility features like "Facilities for Disabled Guests" but do they work as intended? I have no way to know firsthand, I am just letting you know about claims I have seen on the website and in other reviews.

On-Site Dining & Lounging: The Search for Sustenance:

Alright, the eats. This is where things got…interesting. I'll be honest, the "Restaurants" listing on whatever booking site you are using, promising multiple options, is a bit optimistic. There's likely one restaurant on site, or a very limited selection. Don't expect a Michelin-star experience. What is available is probably pretty standard – a basic breakfast buffet is probable, and other meals. You could try your luck with a la carte options, but manage your expectations. I saw no mention of an Asian Breakfast, although that might be a perk, and I'm down for an Asian meal. They have a bar, great, and a Poolside Bar, and Coffee Shop - all the essentials for a relaxing trip.

I’m a huge fan of a pool-side cocktail, and I got excited about the “Poolside Bar.” My vision was all tropical vibes and vibrant drinks, but I didn't stay long enough to try it. I did notice a "Snack Bar," but I'd recommend stocking up on your own snacks if you’re picky!

My Room and the Battle for Comfort:

Now, the room. The website made it sound luxurious, but the reality was…well, it was clean. Basic, but clean. Thank god for the air conditioning! Yuma is hot, people. Scorching. And yes, there was free Wi-Fi in all rooms! which is a massive win. It also had Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN, which is cool. Don't get your hopes up for super-speed gaming, though. More like checking emails and scrolling. There was also a coffee/tea maker, which is an absolute necessity for me. I'm not a morning person, so a decent cup of coffee in the room is a deal-maker. Coffee and free Wi-Fi make a great combination for my needs.

Here are the details, as I experienced them:

• Air conditioning: Essential. Praise be. It worked.
• Bathroom: Private, fine.
• Blackout curtains: Yes! Crucial for sleeping in.
• Coffee/tea maker: Check. Saved my sanity.
• Desk: Okay for working, if you must.
• Hair dryer: Present.
• Mini bar: Listed.
• Refrigerator: Excellent for chilling those desert-thirsty drinks.
• Safe: I used it.
• Wi-Fi: Free and functional. A win!
• My main issue, frankly, was the lack of "character." Think functionality over personality. You didn't feel particularly pampered by the decor and so on.

Relaxation & Recreation: The Oasis…Maybe?

Okay, so the potential for relaxation is there. They boast a "Swimming pool [outdoor]," which is essential for surviving the Yuma heat. There's also a "Fitness center," though I admit, I didn't check it out. The thought of sweating more after a day in the desert…nope. They are boasting a "Spa/sauna," with a sauna, steam room, and possibly a massage. The pool might be a highlight, and the website shows a "Pool with view."

The promise of a massage? Sounds pretty heavenly after a long day exploring.

Cleanliness and Safety: Are We All Surviving the Pandemic?

This is where I gave them serious points. They're taking the pandemic seriously. They claim…

• Anti-viral cleaning products: Good.
• Daily disinfection in common areas: Promising.
• Hand sanitizer: Available everywhere.
• Individually-wrapped food options: Smart.
• Rooms sanitized between stays: Heartening.
• Staff trained in safety protocol: Necessary!

They also had CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, which is always a plus for peace of mind.

Services & Conveniences: The Perks & the Quirks

They offer a decent selection of services.

• Business facilities: Present (Xerox/fax), though I didn't use them.
• Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
• Concierge: Available, didn't see them.
• Daily housekeeping: Appreciated.
• Elevator: Yes, thankfully.
• Dry cleaning and laundry service: Useful.
• Gift/souvenir shop: Present.
• Luggage storage: Always a good thing.
• Safety deposit boxes: Secure.

I saw a Convenience store on site, so that's handy for forgotten essentials. And, of course, a Front desk [24-hour].

For the Kids:

I noticed Babysitting service and Family/child friendly listed on the website. So it's worth checking out.

Getting Around:

They provided Car park [free of charge], which is excellent. Parking fees can nickel and dime you these days, but this is great. They also have Airport transfer, and Taxi service, if you want them.

The Verdict: Desert Oasis…or Decent Stopover?

Let's be real. The Howard Johnson by Wyndham in Yuma isn't a luxurious resort. But if you're looking for a clean, comfortable, and conveniently located place to stay while exploring the area, it delivers. It's more of a decent stopover than a true desert oasis. If you're on a budget, or need a pet-friendly place, or you just need a basic, functional room, it's a solid choice.

My final advice: Go in with realistic expectations. Don't expect a spa day, and be prepared for a somewhat basic experience. But it's likely your needs will be met, and you’ll survive the Yuma heat in relative comfort.

Keywords: Howard Johnson Yuma, Wyndham Yuma, Yuma hotels, Arizona hotels, desert hotels, Yuma lodging, accessible hotels, free Wi-Fi, swimming pool, Yuma review, honest hotel review, Yuma travel, family-friendly hotels, clean hotel, [add relevant keywords based on your specific experience or the hotel’s offerings – e.g., pet-friendly, breakfast, spa, fitness center, etc.]

Metadata:

• Title: Howard Johnson by Wyndham Yuma Review: Your Desert Oasis? (Honest & Detailed!)
• Description: A brutally honest and detailed review of the Howard Johnson by Wyndham in Yuma, Arizona. Find out if it lives up to the hype, covering accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, and more. Is it your desert oasis?
• Keywords: Howard Johnson Yuma, Wyndham Yuma, Yuma hotels, Arizona hotels, desert hotels, free Wi-Fi, pool, accessible hotels, honest review, Yuma travel, family-friendly, spa, fitness center, breakfast, pet-friendly
• Author: [Your Name] - A Traveler (or a travel journalist)
• Date: [Date of Review]
• Rating: (e.g. 3 out of 5 stars)

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Howard Johnson by Wyndham Yuma Yuma (AZ) United States

Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into my… ahem… experience at the Howard Johnson in Yuma, Arizona. This isn't your perfectly curated travel blog, folks. This is more like… well, imagine a slightly manic, caffeine-fueled travel diary written on hotel stationery with a pen that's constantly running out of ink.

The Yuma Jamboree: A Howard Johnson Horrorshow and… Maybe A Little Happiness?

Day 1: Arrival and the Great Parking Lot Panic

• 1:00 PM: Arrival. (Or, I guess “attempted arrival” is more accurate.) Pulled up to the Howard Johnson, which, from the outside, looked… well, it looked like a Howard Johnson. You know, the classic orange facade, the vaguely optimistic signage. My initial thought: "Okay, this is… adequate." But then… the parking lot. Oh, the parking lot! It was a swirling vortex of SUVs, giant trucks (Yuma is a truck town, apparently), and what I can only describe as "questionable vehicle choices." I circled. I swore. I eventually squeezed into a space that was legally a space, but functionally the size of a postage stamp. My first emotional reaction? Pure, unadulterated rage. Followed quickly by the desperate hope I wouldn't get a dent.
• 1:30 PM: Check-in. And the Great Key That Didn't Work. Twice. The front desk clerk, bless her heart, looked about as enthusiastic as a caffeinated sloth. Gave me a key. Went to my room. Key didn't work. Back to the sloth (I mean, front desk clerk). New key. Didn't work. Internal screaming. Third time was the charm, but honestly, I almost demanded a room upgrade just out of principle. I mean, come on!
• 2:00 PM: Room Inspection. The Carpet of Wonders (Not). The room itself… well, it was clean-ish. The bedspread looked like it had seen some things. And the carpet. Oh, the carpet. I’m pretty sure I could have identified every single color that had ever been spilled on it. But, hey, the AC worked, and that was a big plus, considering the Yuma heat. I threw my backpack on the bed, and immediately noticed a suspiciously sized stain. Deep sigh. Note to self: bring bleach next time.
• 3:00 PM: Poolside Procrastination. The pool. Ah, the pool. It wasn't the sparkling oasis the pictures promised, but… it was water, and I was desperate. I spent an hour there trying to convince myself I wasn’t completely stressed out by the aforementioned car situation and the carpet of doom. Failed. But at least the sun was warm!
• 6:00 PM: Dinner at… Somewhere. I needed food. Desperately. After a brief, panicked search on my phone, I ended up at a local diner. It was… fine. The kind of fine where you eat it, and then instantly forget what you ate. The waitress was a character, though. She called me "honey" approximately 8,000 times and told me all about her cat, Mr. Whiskers. Honestly, Mr. Whiskers might have been the highlight of my day.

Day 2: Desert Dreams… and More Hotel Shenanigans

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast. The Continental Caper. Free breakfast, baby! Now, I'm not a picky eater, but the "continental breakfast" at the Howard Johnson was… well, let's just say it was an adventure. The scrambled eggs looked suspiciously yellow, the muffins were rock hard, and the coffee tasted like sadness. I powered through. Fuel is fuel, right?
• 8:00 AM: The Great Desert Escape. Finally! Time to enjoy Yuma, the actual reason I came. I took a hike in the desert. The landscape was epic. The silence was… intense. The sun was brutal. I managed to take some beautiful photos, but I was also sweating like a sinner in church.
• 12:00 PM: Back to the Room. And the Great Laundry Situation. I went back to the hotel, hoping for a clean oasis of air conditioning. Nope. I tried to do laundry. The machine ate my quarters. More internal screaming. I spent an hour trying to get my money back. Gave up. Had a mild existential crisis in the hallway about the meaning of life and clean underwear.
• 2:00 PM: Afternoon Adventure! (Or, The Search for Something Worth Eating.) I went out again, determined to find something truly delicious. I did a lot of driving, driving, and driving, till I thought I had found something authentic. Food truck! I was elated! Unfortunately, it turns out that the food truck closed a month prior. I ended up back at the diner, getting some grub.
• 6:00 PM: Poolside Redemption (Maybe). I went back to the pool. I swear I watched the same couple kiss in the pool for an hour. It was… something. Mostly, I just sat there and tried to ignore my laundry-related woes. I failed.

Day 3: Departure and the Long, Hard Truth

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast: The Cereal Coma. Ate the bland cereal. Felt numb. Didn't even bother with the rest of the breakfast.
• 8:00 AM: The Great Exit and the Parking Lot Duel. The dreaded parking lot. It was a challenge to navigate. I nearly reversed into a truck! I escaped, but it wasn't pretty. My car is at the moment, safe and sound.
• 9:00 AM: Goodbye, Yuma. Goodbye, Howard Johnson. I left Yuma. I am now on the road. It was bittersweet. Mostly, I was just relieved to be done with the Howard Johnson, and I might just write the hotel a poem.

Final Thoughts:

Look, would I recommend the Howard Johnson in Yuma? Probably not. But, did it give me stories? Absolutely. It had its moments… and moments of pure, unadulterated frustration. But that's travel, right? It’s not always perfect. It's messy, it's unpredictable, and it’s often hilarious. And, honestly? I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

So, if you’re looking for a five-star experience, maybe avoid the Howard Johnson. But if you're looking for an adventure, a few laughs, and a story to tell for years to come? Well, then, maybe it's exactly what you need. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go find a laundromat… and perhaps a therapist.

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Howard Johnson by Wyndham Yuma Yuma (AZ) United States```html

Yuma's Hidden Gem: Howard Johnson by Wyndham - Your Desert Oasis Awaits! (Brace Yourself... It's a Ride) - FAQs You *Actually* Want

Okay, Okay... Is this place *really* a "Hidden Gem"? Because those often turn out to be, well, *not* gems. More like... partially buried pebbles you trip over.

Alright, let's be honest, "Hidden Gem" is a loaded term. And yes, my initial *reaction* upon seeing the Howard Johnson sign in Yuma, Arizona, was more along the lines of, "Oh, *this* is how it ends. In a slightly faded, orange-roofed motel on the side of a desert highway." But here's the thing: it *kind of* is. Like, a diamond in the rough, but the rough is... well, you get it. It's not the Ritz, people! But it's clean, the staff is surprisingly friendly (more on that in a minute!), and for the price, you're getting a solid, comfortable stay in a town that can get *brutally* hot. My advice: Don't expect a spa, but *do* expect a decent place to crash after a day baking in the desert sun.

The pool... is it a sparkling oasis or a green algae-infested lagoon of despair? Be brutally honest. My vacation hinges on a pool.

Alright, pool-obsessed friend, let's talk aquatic realities. The pool? It's... good. Not spectacular. Not Instagram-worthy. But *good*. It's clean. They actually *do* maintain it! I saw a guy with a net and everything! Granted, sometimes there's a rogue leaf or two, a testament to the desert wind’s relentless nature, but nothing that’ll give you the heebie-jeebies. It's a perfectly acceptable place to cool off after a day of exploring (or just sweating). I spent one particularly brutal afternoon practically glued to the pool's edge, watching the sun beat down. Honestly, it was pure bliss. Just... don't expect Olympic-sized. It's a motel pool.

The Breakfast... Free Breakfast, or "Free Breakfast"? I've seen both, and the gap is vast. Describe the breakfast experience for me.

Oh, breakfast. The eternal gamble of budget travel. Look, it's *free*. Which, in this era, is a victory in itself. Don't expect gourmet anything. Think: waffles (waffle iron included, which is surprisingly satisfying to operate, even at 7 AM), instant oatmeal (bleh), cereal, maybe some bagels (if you're lucky, and they haven't all been snagged by the "professional breakfast eaters"), and the usual coffee that could probably strip paint. The thing is, I actually *liked* it. Okay, not *liked* it liked it. I *tolerated* it. And, most importantly, it fueled me for a day of adventures. There was one morning, I swear, a kid poured THREE bowls of cereal and spilled milk EVERYWHERE. And the staff? Just smiled and cleaned it up. That kind of laid-back, "we've seen it all" attitude is what makes this place special.

Tell me *everything* about the staff. Are they friendly? Are they robots? Are they just trying to get me to leave?

The staff! Okay, this is where the "gem" part really shines. The staff here are *gems*. Honestly. They’re incredibly friendly, helpful, and genuinely seem to care. I had a dead car battery (which, by the way, is PAR for the course in the Arizona heat). Honestly, I wouldn't have blamed them if they'd just shrugged and handed me a phonebook. But no! The woman at the front desk (I think her name was Maria? Or maybe Mary? Anyway, the one with the amazing smile), not only directed me to a local mechanic, but even called them to check their availability. Little things like that... make a HUGE difference. I'm not going to lie, by the end of it I felt like I'd known them for years. They're not robots; they're human, and that's a rare and wonderful thing. And they definitely aren't trying to get you to leave because... well... they're probably used to repeat visitors.

What's the room situation like? Clean? Creepy? Is there a chance of a rogue cockroach convention?

Alright, let's address the elephant in the room (or, more accurately, the potential roach in the room): cleanliness. The rooms are CLEAN. Notice I didn't say "spotless." I'm not sure anyone's achieved "spotless" in the desert. They're kept up, aired out, and comfortable. Creepy? No. Though the AC units can have a bit of a hum that might take a few minutes to get used to. I think I even heard a very *faint* creak in the floorboards one night, but that could very well have been my imagination fueled by the coffee. As for roaches? I didn't see any. And believe me, I'm *obsessively* checking for those guys. So, yeah, the rooms are a definite win. The beds are surprisingly comfortable after a long day of hiking. My only gripe? The pillows could be a little firmer. But hey, you can't win them all.

Is there anything to *see* around there? Does Yuma even *have* things to do? Help me.

Yes! And yes! Yuma is surprisingly rich with things to do, even if it doesn't *look* like it at first glance. You've got the Yuma Territorial Prison (definitely worth the visit - creepy, but fascinating), the Colorado River, the Yuma Palms Regional Center which is a good place to get any last minute forgotten items. And don't forget the proximity to Quartzsite if you're into interesting roadside attractions! I spent an afternoon wandering through the historic downtown area, which was charming, if a little quiet. There are some great restaurants, too. Do your research and plan ahead, and you won't be disappointed. I even took a day trip to the Imperial Sand Dunes! Honestly, Yuma will surprise you with its hidden depths. And, of course, the Howard Johnson serves as a good basecamp for all that exploration.

Okay, final verdict: Should I stay here? Be brutally honest (again).

Look, if you're the type of person who expects luxury and perfection, skip it. Go pay triple somewhere else. But... if you're traveling on a budget, need a clean, comfortable place to crash, appreciate friendly service, and can embrace a bit of desert charm, then YES. Absolutely. Stay here. I actually *liked* the Howard Johnson in Yuma. That's not something I write lightly. It's a solid, reliable option, with a touch of genuinely welcoming hospitality. It's a "hidden gem," in its own slightly faded, orange-roofed way. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need. Just go in with the right expectations. And pack your own, slightly firmer pillow.

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Howard Johnson by Wyndham Yuma Yuma (AZ) United States

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Yuma Yuma (AZ) United States

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