Howard Johnson by Wyndham San Marcos

Hotels
•
Howard Johnson
6.9 (523 reviews)
1601 Interstate 35 North , San Marcos , us

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
24-hour front desk
Room service
Heating
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great/convenient location (near outlets and freeway)
Friendly/helpful staff in multiple reviews
Some rooms remodeled, spacious and comfortable beds
Last-minute room availability
Reasonably priced / affordable for some guests
Cons:
Significant cleanliness issues (bad odor, dirt, reports of bed bugs)
Poor/limited breakfast and beverage offerings
No elevator / stairs problematic for mobility and wheeled luggage
Room issues: AC problems, slow-draining shower, squeaky/movable bed
Service inconsistencies (unanswered calls) and billing complaints (extra charges, temporary holds)

Categories

Cleanliness
4.8
Multiple reviews mention very bad odors, dirty rooms, bed bugs, stained futon and worn towels — overall cleanliness is a clear concern.
Service
8.5
Several guests call staff 'very amable'/'friendly' and owners went above and beyond in one review, but there are isolated complaints about unanswered calls and inconsistency.
Location
10
Repeated positive mentions: convenient freeway access, very close to outlets and generally described as a great location.
Room Quality
7.4
Mixed: some rooms remodeled and spacious with comfortable beds, while others had issues (squeaky/movable bed, AC problems, slow-draining shower, missing coffee pot).
Amenities
6
Basic amenities present but limited: continental breakfast is sparse and low variety, small coffee cups, no elevator (stairs only) — adequate but lacking in quality and accessibility.
Value for Money
7
Several guests found the price reasonable and affordable, though others felt overcharged (extra $25, temporary $50 charge) and disappointed by what was advertised vs provided.
Food and Beverage
4.5
Consistently negative mentions about breakfast: advertised hot breakfast not provided, mostly cereal/oatmeal/toast and poor variety/quality.
Overall Experience
7
Mixed overall: some guests loved remodeled rooms and location and would return, while others were deterred by cleanliness and limited amenities; overall a modestly positive but uneven stay.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-08-07 21:25

Property Description

Convenient Location
Situated just off Interstate 35 and a mere 1 km from Texas State University - San Marcos, Howard Johnson San Marcos offers easy access to key attractions.

Comfortable Accommodation
Each room at Howard Johnson San Marcos features a microwave, refrigerator, cable TV, and air conditioning, ensuring a cozy stay for every guest.

Relaxing Amenities
Guests can unwind by the outdoor pool, stay connected with free WiFi, enjoy a complimentary breakfast to go, and even make use of the barbecue area during their stay.

Ready to experience comfort and convenience at Howard Johnson San Marcos? Book now for an unforgettable stay!

Important information:

You must show a valid photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all special requests cannot be guaranteed and are subject to availability upon check-in. Additional charges may apply.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: AUS

Location

Property Accessibility

Public Area
  • Ramp: No
  • Entrance Leveled: No
  • Pet Friendly: No
Reception And Restaurant
  • Reception Hearing Accessible: No
  • Reception Wheelchair Accessible: No
  • Restaurant Wheelchair Accessible: No
Elevator
  • Elevator Audio Signals: No
  • Elevator Braille Numbers: No
  • Elevator Contrasting Buttons: No
  • Elevator Visual Signs: No
Show all accessibility features

Guest Reviews

6.9
Based on 523 reviews
Cleanliness: 4.8
Service: 8.5
Location: 10
Room Quality: 7.4
Amenities: 6
Value for Money: 7
Food and Beverage: 4.5
Overall Experience: 7
G
Guadalupe • solo_traveller • us
10
Pros:

Friendly staff

Cons:

Room and staff

2026-09-12 • via Nuitee
D
Diana • solo_traveller • us
10
2026-09-12 • via Nuitee
W
Westen • couple • us
5
Ghetto
Pros:

Cheap

Cons:

Non smoking room with burn holes in the blanket and only provide one little packet of shampoo and one towel that was so rough and barely soaked up water

2026-09-11 • via Nuitee
C
Cassandra • couple • us
1
Staff was rude and did not have the room ready before check-in, the bed was HORRIBLE and we couldn’t sleep because of it
Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

Everything… but it’s way more rundown in person than on their site…

2026-09-11 • via Nuitee
M
Myrna Marina • solo_traveller • mx
10
2026-09-10 • via Nuitee
B
Brendon • extended_group • us
1
2026-09-10 • via Nuitee
J
Jalen • couple • us
8
2026-09-09 • via Nuitee
T
Torres • couple • us
2
2026-09-09 • via Nuitee
S
Steohanie • solo_traveller • us
4
Ok but not ok
Pros:

That our dogs were allowed to stay for 17 extra per day. Pretty cheap.

Cons:

The AC worked and didn't its like it had an attitude lol the room was hot. It was clean and nice but bro it was hot. Also, breakfast! Guys it was almost too ripe bananas and apples. Cereal but the milk was a gallon milk that was ontop of ice in a bowel and some.veey small muffins. They said it was a continental breakfast ..... I couldn't

2026-09-08 • via Nuitee
T
Taija • couple • us
9
Great stay
Pros:

It was good enough to get you going

Cons:

Decor Pillows could be cleaner stain on towel

2026-09-08 • via Nuitee
J
Jessica • couple • us
5
2026-08-20 • via Nuitee
A
Anna • solo_traveller • us
10
2026-08-16 • via Nuitee
D
DeAndre • couple • us
7
2026-08-15 • via Nuitee
C
ceccibel • couple • us
8
Execelente
Pros:

👌

Cons:

👏🏻

2026-08-14 • via Nuitee
K
Kimberly • solo_traveller • us
8
2026-08-13 • via Nuitee
D
Daniel • solo_traveller • us
10
An hidden gem, easily an 10 in all catagories
Pros:

Clean , safe , comfortable , near all desired locations

2026-08-13 • via Nuitee
I
Irma • extended_group • us
10
2026-08-10 • via Nuitee
G
Gonzalo • extended_group • us
9
Overall we had a pleasant stay.
Pros:

The location was great, everywhere we needed to go was nearby. The beds were comfy.

Cons:

The property could use a little update & the towels were a bit worn out & should be replaced.

2026-08-07 • via Nuitee
M
Maria • solo_traveller • us
2
2026-08-05 • via Nuitee
W
Walpool • solo_traveller • us
7
Only for one night
Pros:

The price

Cons:

They had a basket for you to drop your keys at checkout. She was friendly check in but as friendly when I woke her to checkout.

2026-08-03 • via Nuitee