Reviews Howard Johnson Plaza on Kingsway

Jun 24, 2008
We searched many hotels in vancouver and we founf HOward johnson plaza hotel. when we arrived there the staff was very friendly, Manager came out at the fron desk and welcome us at the hotel. All thee information were provided. Rooms were small but nice & clean and we were very much satisfied with the price and service we received.

May 15, 2008
After a wonderful cruise to Alaska, we stayed at the Howard Johnson Plaza before we flew home to the UK. It wasn't chosen by us but by the agent we did the package with. I had read some poor reviews for this place but as it was only two nights we took the risk.
When we arrived the desk manager was abrupt and un-welcoming. After hanging about for half an hour we were given a room on the 7th floor. Not a bad room at first sight but the bed linen looked grey and creased, had the linen been changed? we don't know but didn't want to stay as the safe was broken. After a word with duty manager she tried to sort the safe out but gave up and gave me three keys for other rooms on the same floor. We found a room with a working safe and clean bedding and moved all our stuff over.
We heard a few complaints from other guests, rooms not being cleaned, safes not working. One old gentleman told me that as he had no credit card the manager said rudely " You will give $100 " , "What did you say" the guest asked, the manager repeated his demand, "And you will say please" said the guest. "I don't need you to teach me manners and if you don't like it get out" The guest backed down and gave him the money.
We asked for a taxi to be booked to go to the airport "$30 plus $15 for the luggage I was told by the Manager , when challenged about the luggage charge he backed down, we heard of another couple being charged $50 in an unmetered taxi booked by the hotel
The area surrounding the hotel isn't great but we didn't encounter any problems ourselves. Due to advise from others we stayed close by at night. The Salt and Pepper Grill was great for breakfasts and evening dinner, the fish and chips are great. The hotel bar was handy for a drink without going out at night
I couldn't find anything at all that I liked about the Howard Johnson Plaza, and will book my own accomodation in future