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Summary of reviewsHoward Johnson by Wyndham Pigeon Forge is strategically situated along the bustling Parkway, offering guests convenient access to numerous popular attractions such as Dollywood and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This prime location is a consistent highlight and is well-appreciated by visitors eager to explore the vibrant surroundings, including nearby restaurants and entertainment options.
The hotel receives mixed reviews in other areas. Families often find the amenities, particularly the splash pad and heated pool areas, appealing for children. The outdoor pool with a water slide is frequently praised as a standout feature that adds an element of fun to the stay, and the spacious rooms are seen as a positive, providing ample space for relaxation.
However, the hotel faces challenges, notably in cleanliness and maintenance. Guests frequently cite issues with the cleanliness of the rooms, including reports of stained linens and unclean floors, mold, and the presence of pests such as bugs and roaches. The inconsistent availability and minimal offerings at breakfast leave many wanting more. The hotel's Wi-Fi service also garners criticism for its spotty and unreliable connectivity.
Staff interactions are similarly mixed, with some visitors appreciating the friendliness and helpfulness of individual employees, while others encounter impolite or unresponsive service. Accessibility presents another issue, as several guests report difficulties related to mobility, such as steep ramps and out-of-service elevators.
While the hotel does provide affordable accommodations with comfortable beds in a location close to key attractions, the recurring negative feedback concerning cleanliness, service, and maintenance issues suggests that potential guests weigh these aspects against the property's value and convenience when considering a stay. Overall, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pigeon Forge holds appeal for its location and family-friendly elements, though it could benefit significantly from improvements in service and facility maintenance. Show more
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Categories
Hotel with Parking
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pigeon Forge provides free parking for guests.
Cheap Hotel
This hotel offers affordable accommodation in Pigeon Forge. Its location provides easy access to local attractions, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Hotel with Outdoor Pool
This hotel is mentioned as having a water park available for guests.
Hotel with Indoor Pool
This hotel is listed as having an indoor pool.
Hotel near Golf Courses
Hotel near Ski Resorts
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Heated Pool Indoor Pool Panoramic View Pool Pool Water Slide Outdoor Pool
Business Hotel
Accessible Hotel
3-Star Hotel
Hotel with Pool Water Slide
Hotel with Panoramic View Pool
Hotel with Heated Pool
Room Types
Queen Room with Two Queen Beds - Non-SmokingThe quadruple room features air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower and a hairdryer. This quadruple room offers heating, a TV with cable channels and city views. The unit has 2 beds.
Queen Room with Two Queen Beds - Disability Access/Non-SmokingThe quadruple room offers air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower and a hairdryer. This quadruple room features heating and a TV with cable channels. The unit offers 2 beds.
Deluxe King RoomThe spacious double room features air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, as well as a private bathroom boasting a bath and a shower. This double room provides heating and a TV with cable channels. The unit has 1 bed.
Deluxe King Suite - Non-SmokingThis suite's special feature is the hot tub. This suite consists of 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and free toiletries. The suite provides air conditioning, a tea and coffee maker, heating, a TV with cable channels, as well as city views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
5.3
Rated
Location
Nestled strategically in the heart of Pigeon Forge, Howard Johnson by Wyndham offers an enviable location that many visitors appreciate. This hotel is ideally positioned along the bustling Parkway, providing easy access to a variety of popular attractions and dining hotspots. Its central location makes it an attractive choice for travelers eager to explore the vibrant surroundings, including proximity to Dollywood, the Titanic Museum, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Guests frequently highlight the convenience of walking to nearby attractions and enjoying the abundance of local restaurants and entertainment options. Despite some shortcomings in other areas, the hotel’s prime location remains a consistent highlight for guests, making it a preferred stopover for those visiting the area time and again.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pigeon Forge seems to have left many guests wanting. Originally advertised as a complimentary offering, guests frequently found there was no breakfast available, with no explanation provided by the hotel. When something was available, it typically consisted of minimal offerings such as granola bars, coffee, and on rare occasions, waffles and cereal. This lack of variety in the breakfast options and its inconsistency in availability seem to be recurring issues that disappointed guests during their stay. The limited breakfast hours and frequently depleted supplies, like milk for cereal or coffee, further added to the dissatisfaction for those attempting to take advantage of what was promoted as an inclusive breakfast.
Rooms
Upon reviewing the guest feedback for Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pigeon Forge, it is apparent that opinions on the rooms are overwhelmingly negative. While some guests acknowledged the spaciousness and comfort of the beds, the vast majority highlighted serious concerns with cleanliness and maintenance. Many reported that their rooms were dirty upon arrival, with issues ranging from stained sheets, unpleasant odors, and floors that hadn't been cleaned, often leaving guests' feet black from grime. Mold, bugs, and roaches were frequent complaints, indicating possible cleanliness and pest control problems. The lack of towels and basic amenities like toilet paper was another common issue, with guests mentioning having to repeatedly ask for these essentials.
In terms of room condition, many cited worn-out furniture, malfunctioning air conditioning, moldy bathrooms, and broken fixtures. The indoor pool was seen as a positive feature by some, although others found it small and unclean.
While some guests enjoyed the location and size of the rooms, others were dissatisfied with the overall dated appearance and upkeep of the property. Overall, the property's most consistent feedback relates to a critical need for a thorough deep clean and better maintenance across the board.
Beds
Travellers to the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pigeon Forge will find mixed experiences when it comes to the hotel's beds. Many guests found the beds to be quite comfortable, often noting that the mattresses provided a good night's sleep. However, this positive experience was offset by numerous reports of cleanliness issues. Guests frequently encountered stained and unwashed sheets, with some finding hair and other unpleasant marks. There were also troubling accounts of bed bugs and other pests, which severely impacted some stays. A handful of visitors mentioned the lack of proper linens and blankets, while others found the mattresses either too hard or too soft. Despite the comfort reported by some, there was a recurring dissatisfaction due to the inconsistency in cleanliness and overall maintenance of the bedding.
Cleanliness
The reviews of the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pigeon Forge portray a concerning picture regarding the hotel's cleanliness. Guests consistently report dissatisfaction, noting that the rooms often appear dirty and neglected. Floors are a frequent point of complaint, with many guests describing them as sticky, filthy, and seemingly uncleaned for prolonged periods, leaving their feet black. The presence of insects like cockroaches and reports of mold in various places, especially in bathrooms, further heighten concerns.
The condition of the linens and towels exacerbates the issue, with numerous instances of guests encountering stained or insufficient towels and bedding upon arrival. Several reviews also mention a disturbing lack of basic amenities such as towels and toilet paper.
Shared facilities such as the pool area and the property's exterior suffer from reports of being unkempt and, in the case of the pool, sometimes discolored or unsuitable for use. A stale or unpleasant odor is noted in several areas, contributing to an overall negative impression of hygiene.
While there are a few mentions of clean rooms and courteous staff, these positive experiences stand in stark contrast to the numerous detailed complaints regarding cleanliness and maintenance issues throughout the hotel. These reviews suggest that prospective guests consider the consistency of negative feedback when choosing their accommodation in Pigeon Forge.
Staff
When considering accommodation options, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pigeon Forge presents a mixed bag in terms of staff service based on guest reviews. There are a few bright spots in the feedback, with some visitors noting friendly and accommodating interactions from specific staff members. Names like Rose and Shantel are mentioned positively, complementing their welcoming demeanor and helpful nature. The staff, at times, have been described as friendly and approachable, making the location convenient for travelers due to its proximity to local attractions.
However, the overarching sentiment leans towards an unfavorable experience with the service team. Guest reviews consistently highlight issues with impolite and unprofessional behavior from numerous staff members. Complaints often include staff being rude, unhelpful, and occasionally even absent from their duties. There are frequent mentions of a lack of responsiveness, discourteous attitudes, and unprofessionalism. Some guests also pointed out specific instances where requests for basic services, such as towels or room cleaning, were met with reluctance or outright denial.
Overall, while there are sporadic commendations for individual staff members displaying warmth and efficiency, the prevalent experience conveyed by visitors is one of dissatisfaction with the staff's general conduct and service level at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pigeon Forge.
Wi-Fi
When staying at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pigeon Forge, travelers should be prepared for potential challenges with the Wi-Fi service. While the hotel offers free internet, many guests have reported difficulties with connectivity. Issues range from being unable to connect at all, particularly in guest rooms, to spotty or intermittent service after initial connection. Some guests expressed frustration about not receiving the Wi-Fi password, while others found that the internet was virtually nonexistent during their stay. On a brighter note, a few guests mentioned satisfaction with the Wi-Fi, noting that it worked well, albeit this seems to be less common. Guests should manage their expectations and perhaps consider alternative internet options if reliable connectivity is a necessity during their visit.
Pool
The pool areas at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pigeon Forge receive mixed feedback from guests, with a notable emphasis on positive features such as being heated, which provided warmth akin to a hot tub and was particularly enjoyable for children. The presence of multiple pools and a water slide is appreciated, with the slide being highlighted as the hotel's best feature and well-suited for entertaining the kids. The overall layout is convenient and provides a good location for guests to relax and enjoy outdoor seating. Despite some mentions of the indoor pool being small, many guests found it warm and comfortable. However, cleanliness issues are frequently noted, with mentions of pools being green, cloudy, or containing dirt and algae. Despite these drawbacks, many guests still found enjoyment in the pools, citing the heated indoor pool as a delightful experience. For those seeking poolside fun, especially during warmer months, the hotel's pools offer decent options, albeit with room for improvement in maintenance and cleanliness.
Parking
When visiting the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pigeon Forge, potential guests should be aware that parking is a shared experience among visitors. While some guests noted that they were able to park in front of their rooms or found parking to be generally good, many voiced concerns over the limited parking spaces available. The parking lots were often described as tight and challenging, particularly during busy times, and the situation was exacerbated on weekends. The overall condition of the parking area garnered criticism for being poorly maintained and cluttered, which contributed to an atmosphere that some found unsafe or uninviting. Despite these challenges, there was appreciation for the helpfulness of the staff member distributing parking passes, which added a positive touch to the experience. To ensure a smooth visit, those driving may want to plan ahead or consider alternate parking options nearby.
Family
The Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pigeon Forge offers appealing amenities for families traveling with kids, despite some mixed reviews. The splash pad and pool facilities are frequently highlighted as a hit among children, providing them with enjoyable water activities during their stay. The location is deemed convenient, further enhancing the family travel experience. Guests appreciate the spaciousness of the rooms, which provide ample space for children to play and unwind after a long journey. While some visitors note challenges with cleanliness and service, such as the availability of towels and unexpected charges, the helpful staff at the hotel attempts to mitigate these issues. Overall, the hotel presents itself as a viable option for families looking to create enjoyable and memorable experiences on their vacation.
3 Star
Howard Johnson by Wyndham in Pigeon Forge seems to have an inconsistent reputation among its guests. Many point out the hotel's advantageous location, noting its convenience to notable attractions such as the Titanic and Wax Museum. The rooms are described as generously sized with comfortable beds, providing a semi-updated experience. Additionally, the hotel offers affordability, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
However, numerous reviews express dissatisfaction, suggesting that the hotel fails to meet the expected standards of a three-star establishment, with cleanliness and service highlighted as areas needing improvement. Travelers mentioned disappointment with the breakfast service and found the overall state of the property to be below average for the Howard Johnson name. Despite its favorable location and value pricing, potential visitors might want to weigh these aspects against the critical feedback regarding the facility's condition and operational standards.
Accessible
Visitors to Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pigeon Forge have shared mixed feedback regarding the hotel's accessibility for guests with disabilities. Some guests noted challenges, such as a steep ramp to the second floor, which may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. Furthermore, issues like an out-of-service elevator and the unavailability of lower-level rooms presented difficulties for individuals with mobility limitations. It is implied that securing a handicap-accessible room could be a challenge, as some guests mentioned the difficulty of booking these specialized accommodations. While the feedback highlights several areas for improvement, it suggests that careful planning is necessary for travelers with mobility concerns.
Pool Water Slide
The outdoor pool at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pigeon Forge stands out with its appealing water slide, a feature that guests particularly appreciate. Many reviews highlight the water slide as the hotel's best characteristic, adding an element of fun that children especially enjoy. The pool itself is noted as nice, contributing positively to guests’ experiences at the hotel. Although specific mentions of the pool or slide are limited in the reviews, the available feedback suggests that the water slide is a valuable attraction, delighting families and making leisure time at the hotel more enjoyable.
Outdoor Pool
The outdoor pool at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pigeon Forge features an exciting water slide, making it an appealing option for families with children. The shallow water enhances safety and fun, especially for younger guests. Though some visitors had concerns about the cleanliness and condition of the outdoor pool's water, others noted that the pool and surrounding area were well-maintained once accessed. In addition to the outdoor offerings, the warm indoor pool provides an excellent alternative when the weather outside is less than ideal. Despite its smaller size, the indoor pool's heated water makes for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. While there may be occasional issues with maintenance, the outdoor pool's slide remains a standout feature for family fun.
Indoor Pool
At Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pigeon Forge, the indoor pool is a popular feature that both families and children seem to enjoy, even if it's smaller than expected. It provides a warm, comfortable experience and remains open until 11 PM, offering guests flexibility for their swimming schedules. Reviewers frequently praise its cleanliness, although there are occasional issues like excessive chlorine and a non-functioning bathroom at times. Despite these issues, many guests still view the indoor pool as the best part of their stay, appreciating its heated, inviting atmosphere akin to a hot tub. While the pool sometimes faces closures or maintenance, when operational, it becomes a favored attraction, especially with its adjacent small water park and pool slide, providing further enjoyment for visiting families.
Yes, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pigeon Forge has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Indoor Pool, Panoramic View Pool, Pool Water Slide, Outdoor Pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pigeon Forge.
No, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pigeon Forge doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pigeon Forge.
No, Howard Johnson by Wyndham Pigeon Forge doesn't have a gym.