**Wichita's BEST Airport Hotel? Howard Johnson by Wyndham Review!**
Wichita's BEST Airport Hotel? Howard Johnson by Wyndham Review! (A Whirlwind of Airport Adventures and Uncertain Noodles)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the REAL, messy, and probably slightly caffeinated rundown on the Howard Johnson by Wyndham near Wichita's airport. Forget sanitized travel brochures – this is a dive headfirst into the swirling vortex of airport hotel life, complete with questionable breakfast buffet choices and the lingering scent of… well, let's just say "hotel."
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First Impressions: The Arrival and the Great Exterior Corridor Mystery
Right off the bat, let's be honest, the exterior corridor gives you a… unique vibe. Think classic roadside Americana meets a slightly faded dream. But hey, at least you're not trapped inside a gleaming, sterile skyscraper. The air, even in Wichita, feels… more out here. The exterior corridor, though? It’s a double-edged sword. On the one hand, easy access to your room and a breath of fresh air. On the other… potential for noisy neighbors or the gentle symphony of luggage wheels echoing down the hall.
But let me tell you, getting into the hotel was pretty smooth. They offer contactless check-in/out. Score! I'm not much of a hugger anyway, and this is perfect for avoiding that awkward "Oh, they're reaching for my hand?" moment.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (Like a Bag of… Unsorted Hotel Amenities)
Now, listen up, because accessibility is important. They claim to have facilities for disabled guests, which is a huge plus. I didn't have the opportunity to thoroughly test this, but it's something to inquire about if you need it. There’s also an elevator, which is a lifesaver if you're not keen on climbing stairs.
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Rooms: The Fortress of Slightly Questionable Cleanliness
Let's talk rooms. They offer a LOT. And that’s… overwhelming. I had the standard non-smoking room because, well, I’m not a smoker. Air conditioning? Check. Desk? Yup. Coffee/tea maker? Blessedly, yes. Free Wi-Fi? (Cue angelic choir) YES! The Wi-Fi [free] with internet access – wireless worked flawlessly even when I was attempting some really intense streaming of… well, let’s just say it involved a lot of cats.
Now, the elephant in the room (or, you know, the slight dust bunny under the bed): cleanliness. I'm not going to lie, I've seen cleaner rooms. The daily housekeeping is nice in theory, but the execution… let's just say it could be more thorough. I'm thinking “Hotel Expectations vs Reality” here. It was clean enough to not make me want to run screaming into the night, but I'd definitely pack some sanitizing wipes next time.
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Dining: The Buffet of… Adventures (and Possible Regret)
Ah, the buffet. The heart and soul of the budget hotel experience. Here's the thing. The Breakfast [buffet] is… well, it exists. You can get your Western breakfast, your Asian breakfast (maybe? I think I saw some… mysterious-looking noodles), and a whole assortment of things that will either bring you joy or immediate regret.
My "Noodle Incident":
Picture it: me, bleary-eyed, and navigating a landscape of lukewarm scrambled eggs and slightly rubbery sausage. I spy a container of what appears to be noodles. I'm a sucker for noodles. I grab a generous helping. Take a bite. It… was not what I expected. I’m not going to go into detail. Let’s just say it’s the kind of experience that makes you question your life choices. Luckily, there was coffee/tea in the restaurant, because I needed a whole lot of caffeine after that. Thank goodness for coffee shop, because after the noodle incident I needed a lot of coffee. If you're more adventurous than me, and if you are willing to A la carte in restaurant.
The hotel also has restaurants, bars, and a poolside bar, depending on what you are feeling like.
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Things to Do (or Not Do): The Spa/Pool Conundrum
They claim to have a swimming pool, an outdoor pool, and a pool with a view (I’m guessing it’s not of the Eiffel Tower). This would have been great, and I’d have been so glad to throw my weary body in. The website said the pool was closed for some reason. I think. I'm not sure. I’m starting to feel that blurry-hotel-life-fog washing over me. I was also desperate for a spa visit, maybe a massage or a body scrub. The website mentioned a gym/fitness center. But, alas, this was another area where the reality of the travel gods played a prank on me. No pool, no spa, no nothing.
Services & Conveniences: Your Wallet's Best Friend (or Worst Enemy?)
They offer the usual suspects: Daily housekeeping, laundry service, dry cleaning, elevator, air conditioning in public area. They even have a convenience store if all else fails and you need some emergency snacks. There is car park free of charge and airport transfer, which is absolutely essential if you're catching a flight. They also offer a cash withdrawal machine… but who uses cash anymore?
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Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-19 Considerations (Because 2020-Present)
The hotel claims to have taken all the precautions: Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, hand sanitizer, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, staff trained in safety protocol, etc. They even offer room sanitization opt-out available and individually-wrapped food options (thank goodness, after the noodle incident). I didn’t see anyone actively spraying down surfaces, but I suppose the illusion of safety is sometimes enough.
For the Kids: Because… Parents
They claim to be family/child friendly (I’m not a parent, so I can’t personally vouch for it) and have babysitting service for all those busy bees.
Getting Around: Navigating the Concrete Jungle (or at Least, the Airport)
Airport transfer is a lifesaver. I can't stress this enough. You don’t want to be wandering around the Wichita airport at 3 AM looking for a taxi.
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The Verdict (Drumroll Please…and a Plea for Better Noodles)
Okay, so… is the Howard Johnson near Wichita’s airport the best hotel? That's… a loaded question. It's not perfect. The cleanliness could be better, and the food… let’s just say it's an adventure. But, it has Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, it's got an airport shuttle, it has convenient amenities, and it's a solid option for a quick overnight stay. Overall, the value of the hotel is worth it.
Final Thoughts (and a Noodle-Free Future)
Would I stay there again? Probably. Especially if my flight is delayed and I need a place to crash. Just… maybe I’ll pack my own snacks. And definitely avoid the noodles.
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the chaotic, beautiful, and probably slightly stale world of my Wichita adventure, based out of the ever-so-charming Howard Johnson by Wyndham Wichita Airport. Prepare yourselves for a real-life, pants-were-almost-forgotten-at-home kind of travel log.
Day 1: Arrival & the Airport Apocalypse (and a desperate plea for caffeine)
- 1:00 PM: Arriving at the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport. Okay, so I thought I was organized. Apparently, my "organized" means "slightly less frantic than usual." Found the luggage carousel and immediately felt the familiar wave of panic: Did I pack socks? Did I remember my toothbrush? (Spoiler alert: I did. But only because I triple-checked.)
- 1:30 PM: Uber to the Howard Johnson. "Airport view," the website chirped. Let's be real, it's probably more "parking lot with a distant glint of a plane." Which, fine. Expectations managed. The hotel lobby? Standard. Smelled faintly of chlorine and ambition.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in… Smooth as butter. (Is that the adjective I was going for? I am already tired.) But the room… it's fine. Clean-ish. That's the important bit. I need to find coffee, and fast. Black, strong, and intravenously administered would be ideal.
- 2:30 PM: Armed with a lukewarm, instant coffee from the lobby, attempting to assemble my sanity and the information on where to eat. Google Maps got me to a diner with a 5-star rating… and the waitress seemed to have a bad day. Food was edible, but the ambiance was an angry cat.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the hotel, slightly grumpy, utterly reliant on a nap. The beds are… bouncy. I'll be dealing with that.
- 6:00 PM: Ah, nap complete. I feel… marginally human. Think about dinner. Is there a decent pizza place nearby? Or, am I just going to eat whatever is within walking distance? Deciding… Decisions, decisions.
Day 2: Wichita's Wonders (and a Quest for the Perfect Cheesecake)
- 8:00 AM: Woke up to a symphony of… nothing, actually. Quiet. Which, after the inner turmoil of the coffee quest, is actually nice.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Free continental, which is code for "carbs in a sad, brown package." Ate it anyway.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The Exploration begins! First stop - Exploration Place. I am not a children's museum person, but it was on the list of “must see”. Some exhibits were cool, and it kept me entertained.
- 1:30 PM: Lunch at a random cafe that looked cute. Chicken salad sandwich, because why not? The service was slow, which gave me ample time to people-watch and judge the other patrons.
- 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM: The quest for the best cheesecake in Wichita. Started at some place that was recommended on Trip Advisor. The first slice was okay, I’m a harshest critic. But the people watching was on-point. Second location, closed. Third location, a bakery, and their cheesecake was… amazing! Found it. This is my Wichita highlight. Worth the journey.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a barbecue joint. Ribs. I’m not sure I'm worthy, but I ate them anyway. They were fantastic.
- 7:00 PM: Return to hotel. The bed calls to me.
Day 3: Farewell (and a lingering scent of airport terminal)
- 9:00 AM: Check out. I'm leaving. Already. The room is eerily tidy. Did I even live here?
- 10:00 AM: Airport security. The usual circus. Shoes off, liquids out, existential dread setting in as I consider the implications of leaving Wichita.
- 11:00 AM: Boarding time. I’m ready.
Quirky Observations & Emotional Reactions:
- The air conditioning in the hotel is a symphony of whirs and rumbles.
- I have a sneaking suspicion that the hallway carpet is older than me.
- The only thing I hated about Wichita was leaving.
- I feel like I need to take a vacation from my vacation.
Imperfections & Messiness:
- I didn’t make it to the Botanica, Wichita Gardens. I am ashamed.
- My phone died twice. Blame the caffeine.
- There were at least three moments when I seriously considered just staying in the hotel and ordering room service for the remainder of the trip.
So there you have it. My slightly messy, often hilarious, and definitely imperfect Wichita adventure. I can’t wait to do it again. Or maybe not. I need a nap.
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Wichita Airport HoJo: The Good, the Bad, and the…Well, You're There. Let's Dive In!
Okay, Spill the Tea! Is This Howard Johnson Actually *Good*?
Alright, alright, let's be real. You're coming to Wichita. You're probably connecting. Maybe delayed. The bar is…low. And, honestly? The Howard Johnson near the Wichita Airport…it's a mixed bag. It's not the Ritz, folks. It’s the "I really need a shower after that flight" kind of place.
My first time was during a massive blizzard. I was stranded! This place? It was a blinking beacon of hope. I was cold, hungry, and my luggage smelled faintly of airplane peanuts. They had a *working* lobby heater. That was a win. But let me tell you, the elevator...it could use a good stiff drink itself. Very slow, very questionable sounds.
So, good? Define "good". Adequate? Usually. Clean-ish? Yep. Memorable? Oh, you bet. Especially if you get a room in the back facing the highway. Sweet dreams!
What's the Vibe Like? Is It…Dumpy?
“Dumpy” is a strong word. Let's go with "vintage charm." Think… grandma's house, if grandma collected slightly mismatched furniture and the air conditioning was perpetually on the fritz. The lobby *tries* to be welcoming. There's often a continental breakfast with the standard fare: stale bagels, questionable coffee, and miniature boxes of cereal that seem to predate the internet. I swear, I saw a Frosted Flakes box from the early 90s last time!
The staff? They're usually pretty friendly, bless their hearts. They've seen things, I'm sure. Delayed flights. Whiny kids. People who've clearly forgotten how to pack. They're survivors, these people. And that, my friends, is a certain kind of charm in itself.
Let's Talk Rooms. What Can I Expect?
Okay, the rooms… It’s a lottery, honestly. You might get a remodeled gem. Or you might get a room that's seen better days. The beds are typically… functional. Not necessarily plush. Think "firm support," which is their nice way of saying, "it might feel like sleeping on a slightly lumpy plank." The pillows? Bring your own. Seriously. Those things are flat and thin. You'll need two.
Bathrooms. Clean-ish. The water pressure can be… variable. Sometimes it roars like a waterfall, sometimes it’s a sad little trickle. And the temperature? Prepare for extremes. Freezing cold, or scalding hot. There's no in-between. My advice? Test before you commit! Last trip I swear the showerhead was aimed directly at the wall. I eventually got wet, but it wasn't pretty.
The air conditioning? Crucial. Especially in a Kansas summer. It might clank and groan, but it *usually* works. I once had a room where the A/C sounded like a dying dinosaur. But hey, at least it kept me coolish.
And the carpet! Oh, the carpet.... it often has a pattern. Like, a REALLY busy pattern. It's there to hide things. And it probably works. Don't look too closely.
Is the Free Airport Shuttle Actually Useful?
YES! Absolutely. It's the reason to book this place. Especially if you are flying into Wichita late at night (which, let’s be honest, you probably are if you're considering this hotel!). It’s a small shuttle, sometimes a bit cramped, and the driver… Well, the drivers are usually incredibly patient. And that’s what counts! It can be a lifesaver after a long day of travel.
Pro-tip: Call them the second you land, the pickup times can vary based on demand. One time I waited *forever*! Learn from my mistakes!
The Breakfast. The HORROR. What's It Really Like?
Oh, the breakfast. They *try*. It's the quintessential "continental breakfast" experience. Expect pre-packaged everything. Bagels that are somehow simultaneously rock-hard and stale. A waffle maker that may or may not actually work (I've had experiences on both ends of the spectrum - sometimes you get a perfectly golden waffle, other times you get a vaguely pancake-shaped lump). The coffee? Let's just say it's best described as "brownish water."
The fruit? Usually a selection of bruised bananas and maybe some sad-looking apples. I've seen worse. But I've also seen MUCH better. My advice? Lower expectations. Eat a snack on the plane. Or, if you're desperate, raid the vending machine the night before.
I remember one time, I got there just as they were refilling the orange juice. It was neon orange. Seriously, it glowed. I swear I saw a science experiment going on right then and there. I opted for water. Smartest decision of the trip.
Anything *Good* to Eat Nearby? Or Do I Need to Resort to Gas Station Sushi?
Okay, let’s be real, you're not exactly in a culinary mecca. Your options are… limited. There's not a whole lot within walking distance. A couple of fast food joints are close, which will do in a pinch. You'll probably end up driving. The good news? Wichita has some decent options. You'll need a car (or a rideshare), but you can find some solid BBQ, a decent burger, or maybe some good Tex-Mex depending on your mood and how far from the airport you're willing to go.
My advice: Plan ahead! Do some research before you arrive. Or just accept the fact that you're going to eat fast food. And hey, even a sad burger tastes good after a long day of travel, right?
Should I Stay Here? Give Me the Bottom Line!
Okay, here's the deal. If you need a place near Wichita airport and you're on a budget, and especially if you are using the free airport shuttle, then the Howard Johnson is a solid choice. It’s not luxurious. It's not going to be the highlight of your trip. But it's convenient. It's usually clean enough. And it *works*.
If you’re expecting a five-star experience? Run. Hotel Search Today
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