Do not stay at this hotel if you want to enjoy your stay and feel safe. I can see why I got such cheap rates. The cops came to the hotel multiple times every day. The cab driver from the airport felt bad that I was staying at this hotel. I was woken up multiple times every night by the people in the neighborhood. There were people passed out on the steps and in front of the hotel. There is nothing in walking distance worth going to. I would advise paying a little more and staying in another city. My room at the hotel was the only place that was half way decent, but I didn't take a trip to stay in my room the entire time.

This hotel is far away from Seattle for a tourist. The location is safe, but there is not much around. There is a shopping center (Kent Station) with a movie theater and restaurants about a 30-minute walk away (or short bus ride). The free Internet was reliable and stable, but you do have to logon again after a certain amount of time w/o activity.

The downfall, to me, was the lack of customer service. I requested two days in a row to move to a non-smoking room, which I thought I booked. I gave up asking after the second day because I was either told that the non-smoking rooms were sold out or that I could pay more for a non-smoking room with two beds (other chains I've stayed at would not have charged for this kind of switch). The hotel was not that crowded when I was there, so I did not understand the lack of non-smoking rooms...unless they have only five.

In any case, I can't really recommend the hotel because of the inability or unwillingness to accommodate a simple request for a non-smoking room, but the amenities were fine. The bed was fine. Just have a car if you plan on visiting the sights around Seattle. Seattle (city, lakes, suburbs, etc.) is relatively spread out, in my opinion. Bus service is good on the weekdays, but it can take a lot of time to get around.

While it would have been more expensive to stay downtown or closer to downtown, I probably would have done that, but the HoJo in Kent is a good value for those who can't afford (don't want to pay for) overpriced downtown Seattle hotels (I've seen cheaper prices for quality centrally-located European hotel rooms).

I stayed at the Howard Johnson Kent, Wa May 11 to May 15 2010. The room was not fancy, but clean and the bed was very comfortable. However, on the last day of my stay, the water was ice cold and so I was unable to take a shower. Not good. I did not try to take my shower until nearly checkout time and the other days had taken it around 8am so maybe they only have limited hot water. I originally booked through Hotel.com for a very reasonable rate and asked to stay one additional night. I was quoted one price and then when I went to the desk to pay, the lady said that she would give it to me for $10 less which I thought was very nice of her. However, when I went to cancel the room after finding that I had been given incorrect information, the man said I had been charged $6 above the original quote.
They have an outdoor pool and I promised my grandchildren they could swim. I drove 30 miles to pick them up and when we got back to the hotel they said the pool was not open, but would be open the next day. So, the next day I called before I went to pick the grandkids to verify that the pool was open and was assured that it was indeed open, I got back to the hotel with the grandkids and the pool was closed for maintenance. I asked for a refund and went to another hotel.
There was a Denny's directly across the street and a Mexican restaurant next door. It was only 1 block off of the 167 freeway and easy access. I thought that the bed was comfortable. The room had a small refrigerator, an iron and ironing board and a hairdryer.
For the price I would stay there again, but don't plan on the pool and take your shower early.

I am in my room right now as I am writing this review. I don't normally write reviews but after the recommendation I received from a friend to stay here, and after reading the negative review left for this hotel in August, I had mixed feelings! This hotel is spotless. The curb appeal is nice when you drive in. The location is great. Right off of I-167 and 84th Street in Kent WA. Once you close the door, there is no noise! I am in a king size room. The room is extremely clean. It is an older property but I overlook "old for clean" and this room is great. There is a fresh coat of paint on the walls, and the outside door has been newly painted. The curtains are new it looks like. The carpet is clean even in the corners! The bedspread is clean and tidy and the beds are new. The shower has a new rounded curtain rod and curtain and the shower tub is spotless. The gentleman that checked me in said that they are ordering new TV's that are coming in shortly. I am on the computer writing this on line and the WIFI works great from my room. Even down to the little things like the Howard Johnson hotel directory on the desk is new and there is a fresh pad of paper and a pen that works by the phone! Every light bulb works and the shades are even pointed in the right direction. The housekeeping staff here is fantastic! I will definitely be back. You cannot beat the price and the service. Next time I stay here, I will write again and let you all know if I have the same experience!