I booked a room over the Internet, using the Howard Johnson Web Site and received my reservation number ect but when I arrived at the Hotel there was a sign on the door saying it was shut down!!!! I eventually made contact with a builder inside (with the help of a lovely Polish Taxi driver) who informed me that the Hotel had been closed for the past few weeks and we were not the first people to turn up expecting to stay there. I had to go and get another Hotel and when I contacted Howard Johnson Customer Services they told me that this Hotel was not on their list, they didn't have my reservation number but 'Thanks for letting us know!!!!!
Some customer service, my advice, stay well clear of Howard Johnson!!

I spent 20 days in usa on vacations, went to 5 hotels, and this is the rudest staff of all of them... They force me to pay for the safe, that i couldnt use, first becuase i don t want it, and second, becuase it was broken. The man in the valet parking is an idiot. When i chek in, i arraived, at 2:00 in the morning, the clerk was sleeping in a sofa in the reception, when i went to my room, i phone him, to wake me up at the morning, but he never answer the phone. The last day i have to take my flight at 8:00 and they have to call me at 6:00, they didn t do it, i almost miss my flight.
Stay away...

I stayed with a few friends at this hotel over christmas and new year just passed. I was brought up with the mindset- ' if you can't think of anything good to say, well dont say it'. But, the Howard Johnson hotel really took the biscuit.
The reception area was dull, the breakfasts were really poor value in return for what you paid. The actual main meals were very poor. better off ordering in pizza!
the pool was ok, and the guy on the bar there friendly enough. the rest of the hotel was a very uncomfortable atmosphere and reception team were very surly and it was even a chore to get a decent word of english out of them.
Room service was poor also- from what I cold see the floor was only threatened with a hoover maybe every 3 or 4 days and the beds were made up- that was about it. bins were allowed to over flow in the bedroom and bathroom. and the fact that the safe charge was added on despite not being used every day!
also- this is a 1st for me, if you make a phone call and type an incorrect number, you are charged of it even though you dont get through to anyone! 75cent just to lift the receiver!! and room service tips added to yuor bill. and the service shocking!!
I just hope anyone reading this has the good sense not to book into this hotel!!

We stayed at the HJ for 2 weeks over the christmas and new year break 2004, on arrival we found the service to be welcoming, and the lobby area had been decorated well, but basic.
The room allocated left much to be desired....It was run down, with damp smelling carpets, dirty curtains and the loudest airconditioning system you have ever heard!!
We requested to change rooms and were shown 3 others-all in a similar condition, some over looking the new building site next door (very noisy through single glazed windows)
We eventually took the least smelly room and made do with what we had.
The outside pool area is very good, set slightly away from the boardwalk away from straying eyes. The tikki bar is over priced, we had 1 baileys over ice and 1 soft drink, this cost $14!!!!!!
The location is good if you want a relaxing break just for the beach or sitting by a pool. All the shops/bars/clubs are situated approx 2.5 miles walk down the board walk - to South Beach.
You can find cheaper eating venues on 41st street (burger king/kfc/supermarkets etc)
If I was to go to miami again I would choose a different hotel, due to the condition of the rooms and the lack of facilities there and in the immediate surroundings.
If you are looking for a short break and dont mind basic rooms then HJ is ok for the money.