Finding a place to crash in Fort Myers shouldn't feel like a high-stakes gamble. Honestly, though, with the way Florida hotel prices have skyrocketed lately, it kinda does. You're searching for Howard Johnson Fort Myers because you want that sweet spot—something that doesn't smell like a locker room but also doesn't cost as much as a mortgage payment.
It’s a brand we all know. That orange roof is basically a piece of Americana.
But here’s the thing: Not all HoJos are created equal. In the Fort Myers area, specifically looking at the locations along Tamiami Trail (US-41), you’re dealing with a very specific type of Florida hospitality. It’s functional. It’s usually budget-friendly. It’s also, if we’re being real, a bit of a throwback to a different era of roadside motels.
The Reality of Staying at Howard Johnson Fort Myers Locations
When people talk about the Howard Johnson Fort Myers, they are usually referring to the Howard Johnson by Wyndham Fort Myers FL, situated at 13051 Bell Tower Drive. This isn't just some random spot on the map; it’s positioned right near the Bell Tower Shops. That matters. Location is usually the primary reason anyone picks this specific hotel over the dozens of others lining the strip.
You’ve got easy access to the beaches—about a 20-minute drive depending on how much the seasonal traffic wants to ruin your day—and you’re close to the Spring Training facilities.
Let’s talk about the vibe.
It's a mid-range, economy-focused property. You aren't getting white-glove service or a curated salt-water infinity pool. What you are getting is a place to sleep. The rooms typically feature the standard Wyndham-era decor: neutral tones, functional desks, and those bulky pillows that people either love or absolutely despise.
✨ Don't miss: Omaha to Las Vegas: How to Pull Off the Trip Without Overpaying or Losing Your Mind
Why People Choose This Spot Over the Fancy Resorts
Price is the obvious driver. During the "Season"—which is basically January through April when the "Snowbirds" descend upon Southwest Florida—hotel rates in Fort Myers Beach or Sanibel can easily cross $400 a night. Staying inland at a place like Howard Johnson can cut that bill in half.
It's smart. Save on the bed, spend on the stone crab and the boat rentals.
Another factor is the proximity to the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox Spring Training stadiums. JetBlue Park and Hammond Stadium are a short Uber ride away. Fans don't want to pay beach prices when they’re just going to be at the ballpark all day drinking overpriced domestic beer and watching rookies chase fly balls.
Breaking Down the Amenities: What’s Actually There?
Don’t expect a five-course breakfast. Most Howard Johnson locations offer a "Rise + Dine" light breakfast. Think muffins, cereal, coffee that's strong enough to wake the dead, and maybe some fruit if you get there early enough. It’s basic. If you’re a breakfast snob, you’re better off walking over to one of the nearby cafes in the Bell Tower area.
- The Pool Scene: There is an outdoor pool. It’s clean, it’s functional, and it gets the job done when the Florida humidity hits 90%. It isn't a "resort" pool. Don't expect a poolside bar or a DJ.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi is free. Is it fast enough to stream 4K movies while three people are on Zoom calls? Probably not. Is it enough to check your email and post a photo of your tan? Yeah, usually.
- Pet Policy: Many Howard Johnson locations are pet-friendly, but always—and I mean always—call ahead. Policies change faster than the Florida weather.
The rooms themselves are generally spacious. You’ll find a microwave and a mini-fridge in most units. This is a game-changer for families who don't want to spend $80 on dinner every single night. Grabbing some groceries at the nearby Publix and sticking them in the fridge is the ultimate pro-move for the budget traveler.
The Post-Hurricane Ian Context
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. Hurricane Ian, which hit in late 2022, changed everything in Southwest Florida. While the inland hotels like the Howard Johnson Fort Myers didn't take the catastrophic storm surge that wiped out the beach properties, the entire region felt the impact.
🔗 Read more: North Shore Shrimp Trucks: Why Some Are Worth the Hour Drive and Others Aren't
Many hotels served as housing for FEMA workers, insurance adjusters, and displaced locals for a long time.
This means two things for you as a traveler in 2026. First, many of these hotels have seen "forced" refreshes—new carpets, new paint, or updated HVAC systems because of the heavy use or minor damage. Second, the area is still recovering in spots. You might see construction. You might hear a hammer at 8:00 AM. That's just the reality of Fort Myers right now.
What Guest Reviews Actually Say (The Unfiltered Version)
If you spend an hour scrolling through TripAdvisor or Google Maps reviews, you’ll see a pattern. The 5-star reviews usually praise the staff and the location. People love being able to walk to a movie theater or a restaurant at Bell Tower.
The 1-star reviews? They usually complain about "tired" decor or the occasional maintenance issue like a leaky faucet or a finicky AC unit.
It’s an economy hotel. The trick to enjoying your stay at the Howard Johnson Fort Myers is managing your expectations. If you expect the Ritz-Carlton, you’re going to be miserable. If you expect a safe, clean, air-conditioned room that leaves you with more money to spend on charter fishing trips, you’re going to have a great time.
Navigating the Fort Myers Area from US-41
The Howard Johnson is located on or near US-41, which locals call the Trail. This is the central nervous system of the city.
💡 You might also like: Minneapolis Institute of Art: What Most People Get Wrong
- Heading North: You’ll hit the Downtown Fort Myers River District. It’s undergone a massive revitalization. Think brick streets, art galleries, and some truly fantastic rooftop bars like the one at the Luminary Hotel.
- Heading South: You’re going toward Estero and Bonita Springs. This is where you find the Miromar Outlets and Coconut Point.
- Heading West: This is the road to the Gulf. Take Gladiolus Drive or Cypress Lake Drive to get toward the Sanibel Causeway or Fort Myers Beach.
Traffic on 41 can be a nightmare. Seriously. Between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, it’s a parking lot. Plan your day around it. If you’re staying at the Howard Johnson, try to be back at the hotel or already at your dinner destination before the rush hits.
Practical Tips for Your Stay
- Join the Rewards Program: Howard Johnson is part of the Wyndham Rewards ecosystem. Even if you only stay once a year, the points add up. Sometimes they offer "book two nights, get one free" promos that are actually worth the three minutes it takes to sign up.
- Check the "Hidden" Fees: While HoJo is usually transparent, always check for "resort fees" or "parking fees." In Fort Myers, parking is usually free at these types of motels, but it never hurts to double-check your booking confirmation.
- Ask for a Top Floor Room: These buildings aren't always soundproofed perfectly. Being on the top floor means you won't hear the family of five above you doing jumping jacks at 6:00 AM.
- The Coffee Situation: The in-room coffee is... well, it’s hotel coffee. There’s a Starbucks nearby at Bell Tower if you need a real caffeine hit to start your day.
Is it Safe?
This is a common question for any budget-friendly hotel in a major metro area. The Bell Tower area of Fort Myers is generally considered a "better" part of town compared to some of the older sections of North Fort Myers or the industrial areas. It’s well-lit and surrounded by high-end retail and dining.
Like anywhere, use common sense. Don't leave your laptop sitting on the passenger seat of your car overnight. Keep your door locked. The Howard Johnson Fort Myers maintains standard security protocols, and because it’s a high-traffic area, there are usually plenty of people around.
The Final Verdict on Howard Johnson Fort Myers
Is it a destination hotel? No. You aren't going to tell your grandkids about the amazing architecture of the Howard Johnson.
But is it a solid choice for a spring training trip, a business stopover, or a budget-conscious family vacation? Absolutely. The location near Bell Tower gives you a level of convenience that you won't find at some of the more isolated hotels further south. You’ve got food, shopping, and entertainment within walking distance, which is a rare commodity in the car-centric sprawl of Florida.
The rooms are what you expect. The service is generally friendly. The price is right.
In a world where everything seems to be getting more expensive and more complicated, there's something almost comforting about a Howard Johnson. You know what you're getting. There are no surprises, just a place to hang your hat while you enjoy the Florida sun.
Actionable Next Steps
- Verify the Location: Ensure you are booking the Bell Tower Drive location if you want to be near the shopping district, as other Howard Johnson-affiliated properties may appear in "Fort Myers Area" searches but be much further away in cities like Cape Coral or North Fort Myers.
- Call for Construction Updates: Before finalizing a non-refundable rate, call the front desk directly. Ask specifically if there is any active renovation work happening on your floor during your stay dates.
- Download the Wyndham App: This often gives you access to "member-only" rates that are $10–$20 cheaper than what you’ll find on the big travel booking sites.
- Plan Your Transit: If you don't have a rental car, check the local LeeTran bus schedules, though ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are plentiful in this part of Fort Myers and usually arrive within 5–10 minutes.
- Check the Beach Conditions: Use the Mote Marine Laboratory Beach Conditions Reporting Tool to check for red tide or water quality before you make the drive from the hotel to the coast.