Howard Johnson Hotels

Howard Johnson is a well known hotel chain in the United States, especially for those of us that are over the age of 40. The Howard Johnson name actually became famous from its large chain of restaurants. The original owner, Howard Deering Johnson, opened his first restaurant in Quincy, MA, not exactly a big city name, but one that became well known after a Eugene O’Neill play was moved there from Boston after the mayor of the city refused to allow it to be performed there. Many people stopped at Howard Johnson’s, loved the food, and spread the word.

After building and franchising over 400 restaurants by 1954, they opened their first motor lodge in Savannah, GA. The corporation hired designers for the project, as they wanted to make sure they had a design they could take all over the United States to be known for. Within 7 years they had 88 motor lodges in 32 states, most of them situated near one of their restaurants to help enhance the traveler’s experience.

Today, Howard Johnson Hotels are owned and operated by Wyndham Worldwide’s – Wyndham Hotel Group, which encompasses more than 7,000 hotels in 66 countries. Brands under the Wyndham Hotel Group include: Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Ramada Worldwide, Days Inn, Super 8, Wingate, Baymont Inn & Suites, Microtel Inns & Suites, Hawthorn Suites, Howard Johnson, Travelodge and Knights Inn.

Those of us who are a little older, still remember “Going to Ho Jo’s”…learn more about Howard Johnson by visiting www.hojo.com

See Also:

Wyndham Worldwide – www.wyndhamworldwide.com

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