Howard Johnson by Wyndham

Founded in 1925 by Howard Deering Johnson, Howard Johnson by Wyndham—affectionately known as "HoJo"—stands as one of the most iconic hospitality brands in American history. What began as a single ice cream parlor and soda fountain at a corner pharmacy in Quincy, Massachusetts, evolved into a legendary roadside institution that defined the American road trip for generations.

Today, Howard Johnson by Wyndham is a global hotel brand with approximately 300 hotels across 15 countries, spanning North America, South America, Asia, and the Middle East. As part of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts—the world's largest hotel franchising company with over 8,000 hotels globally—the brand benefits from the strength and reach of one of hospitality's most powerful networks.

The brand's heritage is deeply rooted in American travel culture. In the 1950s, Howard Johnson expanded from restaurants into motor lodges, becoming synonymous with family road trips along America's newly built highways. At its peak, the restaurant chain was the largest in the United States, serving more meals outside the home during the 1960s than any organization except the U.S. Army. While the last Howard Johnson's restaurant closed in 2022, the hotel brand carries forward that legacy of warm, dependable hospitality.

For guests seeking dependable, value-oriented accommodations, Howard Johnson by Wyndham delivers a warm and friendly experience every visit. The brand's positioning—"A Smile in Every Town"—reflects its commitment to optimistic, community-centered hospitality. Guests can expect complimentary Wi-Fi and a free breakfast item with every stay, and many locations offer additional amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, and pet-friendly accommodations.

In recent years, the brand has undergone a significant transformation through the RENEW initiative—a comprehensive guest room redesign that honors Howard Johnson's iconic aesthetic while introducing modern amenities and contemporary style. The new rooms draw inspiration from mid-century modern design, featuring the brand's signature orange and turquoise colors alongside sleek furnishings, custom artwork, and enhanced connectivity for today's travelers. Hotel owners have invested over $40 million in this refresh, marking the brand's largest design update in more than 25 years.

Loyalty is rewarded through the Wyndham Rewards® program, where members can earn and redeem points for free hotel stays, airline miles, and gift cards. The program's strength is evident—one in every two guests at Howard Johnson's economy hotels is a Wyndham Rewards member.

With a century of memories and nostalgia behind it, Howard Johnson by Wyndham continues to evolve while staying true to its core mission: providing a clean, affordable, and welcoming place where families and friends can create lasting memories. As the brand's leadership puts it, "When you give happy, you get happy"—a philosophy that has guided HoJo from a small ice cream parlor to a globally recognized hospitality icon.

Howard Johnson by Wyndham’s FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) embodies a playful and nostalgic mid-century modern aesthetic, reimagined for today’s traveler. The brand’s largest design refresh in over 25 years represents a multi-million dollar investment in elevating the guest experience.

Key FF&E elements include:

• Signature Design & Color: The design thoughtfully marries retro charm with contemporary style, featuring signature orange and turquoise accents throughout the room. A playful, decorative marshmallow wall mirror serves as a focal point, adding a touch of whimsy.

• Furniture & Decor: Guestrooms are furnished with sleek, vinyl-upholstered headboards. The space is further defined by bold-colored bedding and colorful, retro floor-to-ceiling custom abstract art, which showcases the brand's iconic gate lodge roofline.

• Modern Technology: The design seamlessly integrates modern connectivity with high-tech amenities, including lamps equipped with USB ports and backlit mirrors, catering to the needs of on-the-go travelers.

This thoughtfully curated FF&E package creates a distinctive and inviting atmosphere that sparks conversation and delights guests, offering a familiar yet entirely new experience.