Florida’s Gulf Coast is weird. One minute you’re staring at a $500-a-night resort with a "sand butler," and the next, you’re cruising past a neon-orange roof that looks like it hasn’t changed since 1974. That’s basically the vibe of the Howard Johnson Inn Clearwater.
Most people see that classic "HoJo" logo and immediately assume it’s a relic. A ghost of road trips past. Honestly? They aren’t entirely wrong, but they’re also missing the point. If you’re looking for a marble-floored lobby and an infinity pool, you’re in the wrong place. But if you want a room that costs less than a decent dinner in downtown Tampa, this spot on US-19 is a survivor for a reason.
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The Location Gamble: Why It’s Not Actually on the Beach
Let’s get the biggest misconception out of the way. If you book the Howard Johnson Inn Clearwater (officially known as the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Clearwater/Dunedin) expecting to step out of your room onto white sand, you're going to be bummed. You’re about 12 miles from Clearwater Beach. That’s a 20-minute drive on a good day, and roughly an eternity if you’re trying to cross the bridge during Spring Break.
However, the "Dunedin" part of its name is the secret weapon. It sits at 27988 US Highway 19 North. You’re actually closer to Honeymoon Island State Park—less than 10 minutes away—which many locals (including myself) vastly prefer over the chaotic tourist trap of the main beach.
What’s actually nearby?
- Westfield Countryside Mall: Literally a 13-minute walk. If you forgot your swimsuit or just want to catch a movie, it’s right there.
- Dunedin Fine Art Center: About 3.5 kilometers away. It’s a cool, quiet pivot from the typical Florida sunshine-and-citrus routine.
- The Food Scene: You’ve got a Curlew Crossing Shopping Center a 3-minute drive away. Plus, local legends like Hamburger Mary’s are within walking distance if you’re feeling adventurous.
The "Retro" Reality Check
When you walk into a room here, you aren't entering a time machine—well, maybe a little bit. It’s a two-story, exterior-corridor motel. That means you park your car right outside your door. For some, that’s "sketchy." For others, it’s the peak of convenience when you’re hauling three suitcases and a cooler full of Publix subs.
The rooms are classic. Don’t expect smart mirrors. Do expect a microwave, a mini-fridge that actually gets cold, and a flat-screen TV that probably has more cable channels than you have at home. Recent 2026 guest feedback from folks like Kathy and Brett (who stayed just this January) mentions the rooms are surprisingly clean. Brett even gave it a 10/10, though he did mention the "Construction on 19," which, let’s be real, is a permanent feature of Florida life.
The Good, The Bad, and The "No Hand Soap"
Recent stays have been a mixed bag, which is typical for a budget franchise. One guest, Jan, complained that coffee isn't ready until 8:00 AM. In the world of travelers, that’s a war crime. If you need caffeine at 6:00 AM to survive the drive to Busch Gardens (42 minutes away, by the way), you better bring your own or use the in-room coffee maker if your specific unit has one.
Then there’s the soap situation. Kathy’s stay in mid-January 2026 was great except for a total lack of hand soap. It’s these little quirks—the "no hand soap" or "rough towels" mentioned by another guest—that remind you this is a $70-a-night stay in a $300-a-night market.
Is it safe? Addressing the "Creepy" Factor
Travel forums are often brutal. You’ll see reviews mentioning "creepy people" or loud talking in the parking lot at 2:00 AM. Kenneth, a guest in early 2026, mentioned people smoking outside his room.
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Here’s the nuance: It’s a budget motel on a major highway. You get a cross-section of humanity. The property is non-smoking, and management usually responds to these complaints pretty fast, but if you’re looking for a gated-community vibe, you won't find it here. That said, it’s a "Travel Proud" certified property. This means they’ve gone through training to be inclusive and welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers, which is a nice touch of modernity for a brand that feels so old-school.
The Pool and the Morning "Grab-and-Go"
There is a pool. It’s outdoor. It’s clean. Usually.
The sundeck is a solid place to soak up the humidity, but since it's right near US-19, you’re going to hear the roar of traffic. It's not exactly a Zen garden.
As for the breakfast? It's "grab-and-go" or "light breakfast."
- Expect: Waffles (the self-serve kind that are weirdly satisfying), cereal, and maybe some biscuits and gravy if you're lucky.
- Don't Expect: An omelet station or fresh-pressed green juice.
- Pro Tip: If you're a breakfast snob, just head over to Dunedin. The local cafes there will blow your mind, and you’ll have saved enough on the room to afford a $20 avocado toast.
Technical Details for the Planners
If you’re actually booking the Howard Johnson Inn Clearwater, here’s the dry stuff you need to know. There are no elevators. If you have bad knees or a ton of gear, request the first floor. They have about 70 rooms.
The price fluctuates wildly. In the "cheap" months like October, you might snag a room for $60. Come March, when every baseball fan in the country descends on Florida for Spring Training (the Phillies play nearby at Spectrum Field), those prices can jump to $180 or more.
| Feature | The Reality |
|---|---|
| Check-in | 3:00 PM (They’re strict about this) |
| Pets | Generally no, only service animals |
| Parking | Free, but the lot can be tight for big trucks |
| WiFi | Free, usually decent enough for Netflix |
Why This Place Still Matters in 2026
In an era of "boutique" hotels that charge you a $40 "resort fee" for the privilege of sitting in a chair, the Howard Johnson Inn Clearwater is refreshingly honest. It’s a place to sleep. It’s a place to shower. It’s a place to keep your beer cold while you spend your day at Caladesi Island.
It’s not trying to be a lifestyle brand. It’s trying to be a roof over your head that doesn’t require a second mortgage. Honestly, in today’s economy, that’s almost heroic.
Actionable Insights for Your Stay:
- Request a room in the back. US-19 is loud. If you’re a light sleeper, the road noise will keep you up. The back of the property is significantly quieter.
- Check your soap. Based on recent reviews, it’s a coin flip. Toss a small bottle of Dove in your bag just in case.
- Honeymoon Island over Clearwater Beach. Seriously. Save the 30-minute traffic headache and go north to the state park instead.
- Download the Wyndham app. Sometimes the "member rate" drops the price by another $10, which is basically a free sandwich.
- Bring your own coffee. If you need a jumpstart before 8:00 AM, the lobby isn't going to help you.
If you go in expecting a budget experience, you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness and the "retro" charm. If you go in expecting the Ritz, you're going to have a bad time. Know what you're buying, and you'll find that this HoJo is one of the last great value spots left in Pinellas County.