You've probably seen the orange and turquoise sign from I-85. It’s a landmark of sorts in Banks County. But let’s be real for a second. When you're looking up the Howard Johnson Commerce GA, you aren't searching for a five-star resort with a pillow menu and a valet. You're likely looking for a place to crash after a long day of shopping at Tanger Outlets or a home base while you're working a shift at the nearby SK Battery plant.
Honestly, the reviews for this place are all over the map. One person calls it a "hidden gem for the price," and the next guest is posting photos of a stained carpet from 1994. It’s confusing.
Is it actually worth the $65 or $75 a night? Or should you just keep driving?
The Reality of Staying at Howard Johnson Commerce GA
Located at 148 Eisenhower Drive, this property is basically the definition of a "budget" roadside motel. It’s a two-story building with exterior corridors—which means you park your car and walk right into your room from the outside. Some people love that for the convenience of loading bags. Others find it a bit dated.
The location is the biggest selling point. You are literally a 15-minute walk or a 3-minute drive from the Tanger Outlets. If you’ve ever tried to navigate that area during a holiday sale, you know that being that close is a massive win.
What You’re Actually Getting
The rooms are fairly standard for a HoJo. You’ll find a microwave, a mini-fridge, and a coffee maker in most units.
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- WiFi: It’s free. It works. Don't expect to stream 4K gaming, but for checking emails or scrolling TikTok, it’s fine.
- The Pool: There is a seasonal outdoor pool. It usually opens in June and stays open through September. It's nothing fancy, but on a 95-degree Georgia afternoon, it does the job.
- Breakfast: Here’s where it gets tricky. Historically, Howard Johnson was known for breakfast, but recently, many guests have reported that the "free breakfast" consists of coffee, juice, and maybe a granola bar. If you’re expecting a full spread of eggs and bacon, you’re going to be disappointed. Better to just walk over to the Starbucks or the Five Guys nearby.
The Good, The Bad, and The "Meh"
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: cleanliness.
In the travel world, "budget" shouldn't mean "dirty," but maintenance at older properties can be a gamble. Recent guest feedback from late 2025 and early 2026 suggests the staff is actually quite friendly. The front desk team often gets praised for being helpful when things go wrong.
However, the building is showing its age. You might run into a finicky AC unit or a shower curtain that has seen better days. It is an older property. Updates are happening, but slowly.
One thing people often miss? It’s surprisingly quiet despite being so close to the highway. Because it’s tucked slightly back behind the BP station and a few other buildings, the road noise isn't as aggressive as you'd think.
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Pet Policy and Accessibility
There is a lot of conflicting info online about pets. Some older listings say "pet friendly," but the most recent policies at Howard Johnson Commerce GA generally indicate that pets are NOT allowed, though service animals are always welcome. Always call the front desk directly before you show up with a Golden Retriever.
For accessibility, they do have ground-floor rooms and wheelchair-accessible parking. But keep in mind: there is no elevator for the second floor. If you have mobility issues, you must request a first-floor room during booking.
Why This Spot Still Matters
In a world where even a "basic" Marriott or Hilton Garden Inn can run you $180 a night in Commerce, this HoJo fills a gap. It’s for the traveler who just needs a bed.
If you’re in town for:
- Funopolis Family Fun Center: It’s less than a mile away. Great for kids.
- University of Georgia (UGA) Events: It’s about 20-25 miles from Athens. During home game weekends, everything in Athens is either $500 or sold out. Staying here is a legitimate "hack" to save a few hundred bucks.
- The Dragway: For those headed to the Atlanta Dragway (or what's left of the racing scene in the area), the parking here is huge. They have space for RVs, buses, and trucks.
Avoiding the "Budget Trap"
To have a good stay at the Howard Johnson Commerce GA, you have to manage your expectations.
Check your room as soon as you get the key. If the AC isn't blowing cold or the sheets look questionable, go back to the desk immediately. The staff is usually pretty good about swapping you to a different room if one is available.
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Don't rely on the hotel for food. You're surrounded by options. There's a Sonny's BBQ, a LongHorn Steakhouse, and plenty of fast food within a half-mile radius. Use the hotel for sleep, and use the neighborhood for everything else.
Actionable Advice for Your Trip
- Book Direct or via Wyndham: You often get better cancellation terms than through third-party "discount" sites.
- Request a Back Room: Rooms facing away from the main road tend to be quieter.
- Check the Seasonal Pool Dates: If the pool is a dealbreaker for you, call ahead. It’s strictly seasonal.
- Bring Your Own Toiletries: While they provide the basics, the quality is exactly what you'd expect from a budget motel. Bring your own shampoo if you're picky.
Ultimately, this hotel is a tool. It's a place to store your body while you do other things in North Georgia. It isn't the destination itself. If you go in with that mindset—and a pair of flip-flops for the shower—you’ll probably find the value you’re looking for.
How to Get There
Exit 149 off I-85. If you’re coming from Atlanta, turn left over the bridge. If you’re coming from South Carolina, it’s a right turn. You’ll see the BP station; the hotel is right behind it.
Pack light, shop hard at the outlets, and keep your expectations realistic.