Bottom line do not stay here! I was under the impression by booking on the Howard Johnson Express website that I would be staying in a Howard Johnson Express. Apparently that's not how things work in San Jose. The name of the hotel is now Hotel Elan even though I booked through Howard Johnson Express. I was given no indication that this was the case. Strike one. My husband and I were going to bring our dog with us since the hotel is pet friendly. I called to ask what the rate was and got an answer that began with...umm I'm not sure. I think it's just $10 and you tell the front desk staff when you check in. So instead of taking her word for it (and possibly getting stuck w/o a pet friendly room) I emailed the contacts listed on the Howard Johnson Express website (which was also the email listed on the confirmation email I received) and received no response. Strike two. We made other arrangements for our dog and stayed by ourselves at the hotel. Upon check out the hotel tried to charge us almost $30 more than what I agreed to pay on line. I argued and the front office lady did some "recalculation" and charged me less. However it was still more than I agreed to pay originally. I mentioned this again and she said and I quote: "It's only a few dollars more. And I can't do anything else". I responded, "I don't care if it's a penny more. That is not what I agreed to pay and I will be instituting a charge back with my credit card company". Strike three. I will not be staying here again and I may not stay at a Howard Johnson again for that matter. Plus there were numerous hookers and transients milling about in the parking lot. Not acceptable.

I wish I had read trip advisor first. I thought it would be fine as my friends had stayed here last year but didn't complain. They didn't have good reviews either. The room smells. I mean, I do not think I can sleep here it smells so bad. I've got the window open and air conditioner on full blast although I'm a little concerned about having the window open in this neighborhood. There is a chair by the front door that is so filthy, a BART train seat looks cleaner than this chair. I did see the maid put new sheets, blankets and spreads on thank goodness. I'd leave if I could, but it's paid for and all the other hotels are booked for the holiday.

I am not happy.

I had to leave after walking in. Smoky rooms, sticky furnature, and prostitution happening in the room next door. I never even brought my luggage in from the car and they would not refund my money after 10 minutes of being there. Called the manager April Gusmen -she should be fired for her zero customer service skills. She called me a liar, was exceptionally rude, and hung up on me. The worst part is, when I called Howard Johnson corporate office to complain. They said this hotel is no longer owned by them, and this location is out of compliance for not changing their signs yet! STAY AWAY!!!! The manager says non of it is her problem and refuses to give contact info for her supervisor.

So let me say this on reference too a comment before this! Clerk @ front desk was great and fast on checking us in. Nice big lobby and clean. The staff in the morning was also great. ( G.M April)
Me and my husband wanted too get away and relax with a nice jet tub room and we did that here Room was nice and clean. Staff service was super! we will be back !!