Finding a place to crash in the heart of Cajun Country usually goes one of two ways. You either drop three hundred bucks on a boutique spot in River Ranch, or you hunt for something that won't murder your bank account but also isn't a total disaster. Honestly, Howard Johnson Lafayette Lafayette LA occupies that weird, middle-ground space that most people overlook until they really need a solid deal.
It’s a budget hotel. Let’s just put that out there. If you’re expecting a five-star spa with cucumber water in the lobby, you're in the wrong zip code. But if you’re looking for a spot right off the Evangeline Thruway that gets you close to the boudin and the zydeco without a heavy price tag, this place is the real deal.
What You’re Actually Getting at Howard Johnson Lafayette
People get really dramatic about budget motels online. You've seen the reviews. One person says it’s a hidden gem; the next person acts like they stayed in a haunted barn. The reality of the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Lafayette is much more grounded. It’s a 40-room, two-story property that focuses on the basics.
Most of the rooms have been updated recently. We're talking new flooring—thankfully, no more of that 1990s floral carpet—and fresh mattresses. There’s something surprisingly comforting about a room that has a microwave and a fridge as standard. You don't realize how much you need those until you’re trying to heat up leftover crawfish from T-Coon’s at 11 PM.
The breakfast situation is... well, it’s a "to-go" vibe. Don't wake up expecting a full buffet with a chef making custom omelets. It’s usually juice, coffee, and a light snack to get you on the road. Basically, it’s fuel, not a culinary experience.
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Location: The Real Reason to Stay Here
Lafayette isn't a city where you want to be stuck way out in the suburbs if you’re here for the culture. This Howard Johnson sits at 2215 Northwest Evangeline Thruway.
Why does that matter?
Because you are literally minutes away from the Cajundome and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. If you’re in town for a Ragin' Cajuns game or a concert, you can get there in about ten minutes. It’s also right off I-10 and I-49. If you’re doing a cross-country haul or driving in from New Orleans or Houston, it’s one of the easiest properties to pull into and out of.
The Budget Traveler's Guide to the Area
When you stay at the Howard Johnson Lafayette Lafayette LA, you're positioning yourself for some of the best food in the South. Forget the hotel snacks. You need to head over to Johnson’s Boucanière in downtown Lafayette. It’s not related to the hotel, but the smoked meats there are legendary.
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If you've got a morning to kill, Vermilionville Living History Museum is about a 10-minute drive away. It’s a 23-acre site that actually shows you how Acadians, Creoles, and Native Americans lived back in the 1700s and 1800s. It’s way more interesting than it sounds, especially if you catch one of the live artisans doing traditional crafts.
- Proximity Check:
- Cajundome: 4 miles
- Acadian Village: 9 miles
- Lafayette Regional Airport: 10 minutes
- Downtown Lafayette: 2 miles
Addressing the "Elephant in the Room" (The Reviews)
Look, I’m not going to lie to you and say every single guest has a perfect stay. It’s a 2-star hotel. Some people have complained about noise because it’s near the interstate. Others have mentioned that the pool can be hit-or-miss depending on the season.
But here’s the thing: the management, led by folks like Harry Patel, is known for being actually responsive. That counts for a lot in this price bracket. If your AC is rattling or the Wi-Fi is acting up, they usually jump on it. It’s a family-run feel in a corporate-branded shell.
Is it Worth It?
If you are a solo traveler, a contractor in town for work, or a family on a road trip who just needs a clean bed and a shower, then yes. The price usually hovers around $55 to $65 a night. Compared to the $120+ you’ll pay elsewhere in the city, that’s a lot of extra cash you can spend on a nice dinner at Dwyer’s Café or a night out at the Blue Moon Saloon.
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The rooms are accessed via exterior corridors. This is old-school motel style. Some people love it because you can park your car right outside your door and move your luggage easily. Others find it a bit dated. It’s a preference thing.
Actionable Insights for Your Stay:
- Request a room away from the Thruway: If you’re a light sleeper, the road noise can be a bit much. The back-facing rooms are generally quieter.
- Verify the pool status: If a swim is a deal-breaker for you, call the front desk at +1 337-232-5500 before you book. Seasonal pools in Louisiana can be unpredictable.
- Use the fridge: Since the breakfast is light, hit up a local grocery store or a boudin shop and stock your in-room fridge.
- Check-in starts at 2:30 PM: They are pretty firm on this, though they’ll try to accommodate early arrivals if the rooms are ready.
Ultimately, staying at the Howard Johnson Lafayette Lafayette LA is about trade-offs. You trade luxury for location and price. For many, especially those who plan on spending 90% of their time exploring the music and food of Acadiana, it’s a trade that makes total sense.
To make the most of your visit, book your room during the week if possible; Monday nights often see the lowest rates, sometimes dipping into the high $40s. Always double-check your room's amenities like the microwave and coffee maker upon arrival to ensure everything is functional, as is standard practice for budget-friendly accommodations.