So, you’re looking at a Howard Johnson Los Angeles stay.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a puzzle. If you pull up a map of L.A. and search for that iconic orange roof, you aren't going to find one single, massive "Howard Johnson Los Angeles" tower right in the middle of downtown. It doesn't exist. Instead, the brand—which basically invented the modern American road trip—operates as a constellation of properties scattered across the Greater Los Angeles area.
You've got a choice to make, and if you pick the wrong one, you’re looking at a two-hour commute in the legendary 405 parking lot.
Most people book these spots thinking they’ll save a buck while staying "near everything." But L.A. is huge. You need to know which HoJo fits your actual itinerary, or you're going to spend your vacation staring at brake lights.
The Reality of Howard Johnson Locations in Los Angeles
When people talk about staying at a Howard Johnson in this city, they are usually referring to one of three main spots: Torrance, Reseda, or Pico Rivera.
The Howard Johnson by Wyndham Torrance is probably the most popular "L.A. adjacent" pick. It sits at 3673 Torrance Boulevard. It’s about 10 miles from LAX, which sounds close, but in L.A. time, that’s 20 minutes on a good day and 50 minutes on a bad one. This location is a favorite for folks who want to be near Redondo Beach but can't justify the $400-a-night price tags on the water. It’s literally steps from the Del Amo Fashion Center—one of the biggest malls in America—which is great if you forgot to pack a swimsuit or just want a decent steak at a chain restaurant.
Then there is the Howard Johnson Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Reseda. This one is deep in the San Fernando Valley. If your goal is Universal Studios or Magic Mountain, this is your basecamp. If your goal is the Santa Monica Pier, rethink your life choices. The Valley gets hot. Like, ten degrees hotter than the coast. This property has that classic Art Deco vibe and a hot tub that actually works, which is a rare win in this price bracket.
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The "Disneyland Trap"
Don't let the search results fool you. The world-famous Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel and Water Playground is often lumped into L.A. searches. It’s not in L.A. It’s in Orange County.
If you book this thinking you’re going to Uber to the Hollywood Sign every morning, you’re going to go broke. It’s a phenomenal hotel—seriously, the "Castaway Cove" water park is better than some actual theme parks—but it’s for Disney travelers. Stay there for Mickey, stay in Torrance for the beach.
What it’s actually like inside a Howard Johnson Los Angeles property
Let’s be real for a second. Howard Johnson is a value brand. You aren't getting a Waldorf Astoria experience.
But here is the thing: Wyndham (the parent company) has been pushing a "Renew" program. You might walk into a room that feels like a 1994 time capsule, or you might get one of the newly renovated units with sleek grey flooring and USB ports everywhere.
- The Breakfast Situation: Most of these spots offer a "deluxe continental breakfast." In 2026, that basically means coffee, juice, cereal, and maybe some DIY waffles. It’s fine. It’s fuel.
- The Vibe: It’s a mix of business travelers on a budget and families who spent all their money on Dodgers tickets.
- Safety: The Torrance and Reseda locations are generally in suburban, safer pockets of the city compared to some of the budget motels you'll find in Hollywood or Downtown.
I’ve seen reviews where people complain about the "smell of cleaning products." To me? That’s a win. In a budget L.A. hotel, I want to smell the bleach. It means they're trying.
The Logistics of Staying at Howard Johnson by Wyndham Torrance
If you land on the Torrance location, you’re dealing with 3673 Torrance Blvd.
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Parking is free. In Los Angeles, free parking is basically a gift from the gods. Most hotels in the city center charge $45 to $60 per night just to let your car sit there. By staying at a HoJo, you’re essentially getting a free dinner every night just in parking savings.
You’re also about 2 miles from the sand. Redondo Beach is way more chill than Santa Monica or Venice. You can actually find a spot to put your towel down without getting kicked by a street performer.
Distance to Major Hubs (Typical Traffic):
- LAX Airport: 30–45 minutes.
- SoFi Stadium: 25–40 minutes.
- Downtown L.A.: 45–70 minutes (don't even try it during rush hour).
- Disneyland: 45 minutes (straight shot down the 91).
Howard Johnson Hotel & Suites Reseda: The Valley Choice
Located at 7432 Reseda Blvd, this spot is for the North-of-the-Hill crowd.
Reseda has a bit of a gritty reputation thanks to movies like The Karate Kid and Boogie Nights, but the hotel itself is a solid, gated-feeling property. They have a sauna. They have a fitness center that is small but functional.
The biggest perk here? Proximity to the Orange Line. It’s a dedicated busway that can get you toward North Hollywood, where you can hop on the Red Line subway to get to Hollywood or Downtown without driving. If you’re terrified of L.A. traffic, this is a secret weapon.
Why people still choose Howard Johnson in 2026
The travel landscape has changed. Airbnbs in L.A. have become insanely expensive once you add in the "cleaning fees" and "service fees" that double the price.
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A Howard Johnson Los Angeles stay is predictable.
You know you’re getting a microwave. You know you’re getting a mini-fridge. For a family traveling with kids who only eat specific chicken nuggets, that fridge is a lifesaver. Plus, Wyndham Rewards is a legit program. If you stay here for three nights, you’re halfway to a free night at a much fancier property in Vegas or San Diego.
Common Misconceptions
- "It's dirty because it's cheap." Not necessarily. These are franchises. Some owners take immense pride in their property. The Torrance location, for instance, consistently gets "Good" ratings (around 7.6/10) on major booking sites, which is high for a budget brand in a major metro.
- "I don't need a car." You absolutely need a car. Even with the Reseda busway, L.A. is a car city. Budget for a rental or a lot of Ubers.
- "It's near the Hollywood Walk of Fame." No. Just no. If a HoJo tells you it's "near" Hollywood, they mean 12 miles away. 12 miles in L.A. can take an hour.
Navigating the Booking Process
When you book a Howard Johnson Los Angeles stay, look at the specific city name in the address.
If it says "Pico Rivera," you’re east of the city near the 605. Good for Commerce Casino or visiting Whittier.
If it says "Fullerton," you’re in Orange County near the university.
If it says "Pasadena," you’re in the beautiful foothills, perfect for the Rose Bowl but far from the beach.
Check the "last renovated" date if you can find it in the fine print. The newer rooms make a massive difference in your quality of sleep. Also, ask for a room away from the main boulevard. Both Torrance Blvd and Reseda Blvd are loud. Sirens, modified mufflers, the whole L.A. symphony. A room at the back of the property is worth its weight in gold.
Actionable Insights for Your Trip
- Download the Wyndham App: Often, the "Member Rate" is $10-15 cheaper than Expedia or Booking.com. It adds up.
- Check the Deposit Policy: Some L.A. budget hotels require a $100-$200 incidental deposit on a credit card. Don't use a debit card unless you're okay with that money being "frozen" for a week.
- Map Your "Anchor" Destination: Before you click buy, put the hotel address and your main sightseeing spot into Google Maps. Set the "Arrive By" time to 10:00 AM on a Tuesday. If the travel time scares you, find a different location.
- Use the Fridge: Hit a nearby Ralphs or Vons. Eating every meal out in L.A. will cost you $100 a day per person minimum.
- Join the Rewards Program: Even if you never plan to stay at a HoJo again, those points can be used for gift cards or other Wyndham brands like La Quinta or Ramada.
Los Angeles is a city that rewards the prepared. If you treat your Howard Johnson Los Angeles stay as a strategic basecamp rather than a luxury destination, you're going to have a much better time. Use the money you saved on the room to pay for the "skip the line" passes at Universal. That's how you actually win at an L.A. vacation.