You’ve probably seen the orange roofs while driving down I-40. For years, the Howard Johnson Greensboro NC sat right off Exit 217 on Veasley Street, a staple for budget travelers and people hitting events at the Greensboro Coliseum. But if you’re trying to book a room there today, you’re going to hit a brick wall. This isn't just a case of "under renovation" or a rebranding. It’s much more dramatic.
In late 2025, the city of Greensboro essentially declared war on the property.
Actually, "war" might be a light term. On October 16, 2025, a Guilford County judge signed a temporary restraining order that effectively killed the hotel's operations. This was a nuisance abatement case, which is legal-speak for the city saying a business has become so dangerous it's a public health hazard. Within hours, about 65 Greensboro police officers and 10 state Alcohol Law Enforcement agents swarmed the building. They weren't there for a noise complaint; they were there to shut it down for good.
Why the City Stepped In
Honestly, the stats are staggering. Between 2022 and late 2025, police responded to over 914 calls for service at 2004 Veasley Street. Think about that number. That is nearly one police call every single day for three straight years.
It wasn't just petty theft either.
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Court documents painted a picture of a "hotspot" for felony drug trafficking, prostitution, and serious violence. In the month leading up to the closure alone, investigators served warrants that turned up crack cocaine, meth, and fentanyl. By the time Judge Stephanie Reese signed the final order of abatement in December 2025, the Howard Johnson Greensboro NC was officially barred from taking new guests.
Local business owners were reportedly relieved. The activity at the HoJo was "bleeding onto" adjacent properties, causing issues for nearby hotels like the Wingate and Best Western.
The Safety Violations You Didn't See
If the crime wasn't enough to sink the place, the building itself was a literal tinderbox. Fire inspectors found a laundry list of "imminent hazards" that would make any traveler's skin crawl:
- Inoperative smoke detectors in numerous rooms.
- Faulty electrical wiring that was exposed.
- Unsecured gas lines.
- Numerous life-safety violations.
Basically, if the crime didn't get you, the infrastructure might have.
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Guest Experiences: A Downward Spiral
Before it was shuttered, the reviews for the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Greensboro Near the Coliseum were... well, they were brutal. While it used to be a decent spot for a cheap $55-a-night stay, the quality plummeted.
You'd see verified reviews from 2025 describing ripped-out outlets, blood stains on sheets, and "sticky" carpets. One guest, Delta, mentioned in July 2025 that they were harassed for money just walking to their room. Another traveler, Catherine, reported having no hot water and a toilet that wouldn't flush. It’s a far cry from the classic "Go Happy. Go HoJo" slogan that people remember from the brand's heyday.
The Human Cost
It's easy to look at a "nuisance" hotel and just want it gone. But when the police showed up to enforce the closure, they found families living there. For some, the Howard Johnson Greensboro NC was the only affordable housing left in their school district.
One resident, Andy Fox, told local news she was just a mother trying to stay afloat in a bad economy. She wasn't part of the drug trade; she was just stuck. The city's Behavioral Health Response Team had to be on-site during the raid to help relocate these displaced families. It’s a messy, complicated reality.
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What’s Next for the Property?
As of early 2026, the building at 2004 Veasley Street remains under a court order. Classio Hospitality, LLC, the deeded owner, has been legally blocked from operating.
Is it going to be demolished? That's the big question. Usually, when a property is hit with a "Final Order of Abatement," the owners have to prove they can completely remediate the nuisance or the property sits vacant until it's sold or leveled. Given the severe fire code violations—faulty wiring and unsecured gas lines—a simple "rebranding" isn't going to fix this.
Better Alternatives Nearby
If you were looking for the HoJo because of its proximity to the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center or the Greensboro Coliseum, don't panic. You have better (and safer) options:
- Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons: It’s literally right there. Much higher price point, but you won't have to worry about your smoke detector not working.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Greensboro Coliseum Area: Much more consistent quality and usually ranks high for cleanliness.
- DoubleTree by Hilton: Located on the same corridor but maintained much better.
Actionable Next Steps for Travelers
If you happen to find a stray listing for the Howard Johnson Greensboro NC on a third-party discount site, do not book it. Sometimes these automated booking engines (like some older GDS systems) take months to catch up with a permanent closure. You don't want to show up at 11:00 PM with a suitcase only to find the building boarded up and surrounded by police tape.
Check the official Greensboro City News portal or local outlets like WFMY News 2 if you're ever in doubt about a property’s status. For now, the orange roof on Veasley Street is a closed chapter in Greensboro’s hospitality history.
If you are looking for long-term affordable stays in the area, look toward the Piedmont Triad’s housing resource centers rather than budget motels, as the city is currently cracking down on several properties along the I-40 corridor to improve public safety.