Overview
Howard Johnson Inn Vernon is located on Highway 97, two blocks from Vernon Recreation Complex and a 10-minute walk from the downtown core. In addition to free continental breakfast, this hotel offers a fridge and microwave or kitchenette in every room. These features may appeal to those wanting a hotel close to downtown, with the option of self-catering during their stay.

This 100% non-smoking hotel offers 28 rooms over two floors. Standard room features include a TV, a desk, a fridge, a microwave, a coffeemaker, an iron and ironing board, a hair dryer, air conditioning and either one king or two queen beds. Rooms with kitchenettes may feature either one queen bed or one queen and one double bed. Suites sleep from six to eight people and feature either one queen bed and two twin beds or two king beds and a kitchenette. Free Wi-Fi and local calls are available in every room. Pets under 20 lbs are allowed for an additional $10 per night.

Amenities at this hotel include an indoor pool, a hot tub and a sauna. Free parking and continental breakfast are available to all guests.

There are many local businesses within a a few blocks of the hotel, while Village Green Centre shopping mall and Vernon Jubilee Hospital are both a 5-minute drive away. Silver Star Mountain Resort and Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre are about a 40-minute drive away, while Kalamalka Provincial Park can be reached in about 25 minutes by car. Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is a 30-minute drive from the hotel. (All distances and travel time estimates: Google Maps)

Verified by hotel staff on January 7, 2013: no charge for local calls, 28 rooms, two floors, no business centre.

The Good
The reviews used for this analysis were mixed, with positive comments focusing on the location, the staff and the value.

Some guests felt the hotel was in an easy access location. Guests also appreciated having shops, restaurants and a grocery store nearby.

The staff were complimented by many guests for being friendly, helpful and welcoming.

Some guests felt that the hotel offered good value for the price they paid. Guests mentioned that the inclusion of a free continental breakfast, which some felt had a good selection, along with a fridge and microwave or kitchenette in every room added to the overall value.

The Bad
Reviews used for this analysis were mixed, with negative points focused on the age and cleanliness of the hotel.

Many guests felt that the hotel was in need of upgrades including replacement or updating of flooring, linens, air conditioning units, furniture, bathrooms and TVs. A few guests noted that their room seemed to have some recent updates like laminate flooring and new countertops but some felt that these upgrades were of poor quality.

Although some guests felt their rooms were clean and tidy, there were several complaints that the hotel needed a deep clean. Bathrooms, window sills, carpets, linens and air conditioning units were aspects that some guests felt were dirty.