The Howard Johnson Monterrey is by far the nicest HoJo I've seen. The rooms are large and clean, the staff courteous and efficient, and the price impossible to beat. For approximately US$60 a night, you get a great room in a terrific location with a substantial breakfast included. The hotel also offers Internet access (the first 15 minutes are complimentary) in the lobby. Our room had a mini-fridge as well as a microwave, and a handy safe for storing valuables. Highly recommended!

My favorite hotel in Monterrey has to be the Howard Johnson Gran Plaza Monterrey. No hotel in the city in any price range has a better location, and the Howard Johnson consistently gives me a comfortable room at affordable prices (I've never paid more than about $70 a night).

I absolutely love the free buffet breakfast with its wide range of food, including chilaquiles and huevos mexicanos. The coffee is good and strong, and I like getting a big carafe of it left on the table.

A definite winner in my book!

The hotel location is excellent. Museums and other central activities are within walking distance or short drive.

The rooms are on the small side, but well furnished with all amenities (ironing board, hair dryer, cable TV, air cond., etc). Unfortunately you need to insert your room key to turn on the electricity to your room. This can be a bit of a disadvantage since it can get quite hot in Monterrey and it's not always pleasant returning to a stuffy room which takes a while to cool up.

The staff is extremely friendly, and the onsite bar/restaurant is great, with entertainment most weeknights.

Try to explore the pedestrian mall just outside the side entrance a bit. Lots of activity and shopping there, and some good restaurants too. The enchiladas suizas at Sanborns are highly recommended!

Try not to get a room facing the street as drivers in Monterrey are honk-happy...virtually every driver there honks when lights turn green as if to help speed up traffic. Cabs will also honk at you to let you know they're available. Just acknowledge the honk if you need a ride and they will stop traffic (including reversing into oncoming traffic or cutting across several lanes)to fetch you.

The hotel always seemed to be active, mostly catering to business travelers (well, who else goes to Monterrey right? hehe)

If you leave a daily gratuity for housekeeping, you'll probably find extra goodies on the desk and in the refrigerator. The hotel does strictly account for all towels and washcloths left in room (a bit insulting) so it can be difficult to ask for extras.