The Middletown Howard Johnson's is a well-run but older property. Though the address is Middletown it is about a mile from the Newport city line, a five-minute drive to the downtown waterfront and ten minutes to the Mansions. Because it is not in Newport itself prices are much lower than far inferior choices a mile or so away.

The hotel is located on a commercial strip near lots of strip malls, car dealerships, and both chain and local restaurants. The "view" from our first floor room was the parking lot and the office supply store next door. It is a place to sleep while touring Newport, nothing more, but it does its job well. From the outside the hotel is undistinguished but the inside is fine.

The room itself (we had a "deluxe" room which is about $10 more than the standard) was obviously renovated fairly recently. It was very nicely decorated and equipped -- mini fridge and microwave, coffeemaker, two phones, attractive furnishings -- but was on the small side. The bed was not terrible but not great either, same goes for the pillows. Climate control worked well but the airconditioner was noisy.

Check-in staff was friendly and efficient. We left the hotel at 9 or so and when we got back late afternoon the room had been cleaned. On the minus side, we did move the ottoman and found a newspaper underneath it dated ten days before, so clearly they do not move the ottoman when they vacuum the room -- not a big deal, but still . . .

The indoor swimming pool was very nice and not crowded though we were there midweek while school was still in session. Though the pool is indoors there is a lot of glass and it is sunny and connects to an outdoor patio. There is also a large jacuzzi which was very nice and a sauna which we did not use.

The HoJos is managed and owned by the same people as the next door Hampton Inn and the Residence Inn under construction. They do a nice job and provide nice value -- we stayed in the Hampton some months ago and it was very nice as well.

When comparing the two properties take note that the HoJo does not provide free breakfast though continental breakfast for hotel guests only is available at the connected Applebees for $3.99 a person, so factor that into the cost comparison.

All-in-all, an excellent and reasonably-priced option in an expensive area.

This was a great place to stay for those who's looking to save on hotels. Nice people. Low price. Pretty close to attractions. I would stay here again.

I have stayed at this hotel a number of times and am consistently pleased. The rooms are large, clean and pleasant and for the price it's a great deal.
A new hotel is being built next door so construction noise could be a problem during the week.

My husband and I stayed at the Howard Johnson Inn for a 1-night getaway. We were a little skeptical, because it is not the type of hotel we usually choose.

We were very pleasantly surprised. The room was very clean, and very comfortable. It also had a microwave and refrigerator. The pool, hot tub and sauna were just what we needed for our stay. They were very clean and warm. There also was an Applebee's Restaurant attached to the hotel, where we had a terrific dinner.

When we left, my husband asked when we could return again. We both plan on returning soon. For the price, we could not have asked for anything more.

The people at the front desk were terrific.