Howard Johnson by Wyndham Winter Haven FL
1300 3rd St SW, Winter Haven, FL 33880, Auburndale, United States
2-star hotel
Guest rating: 3.3 / 5
Overview
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Winter Haven FL is a budget, 2-star hotel set just off Highway 17 in the Winter Haven/Auburndale area of Florida. It offers a straightforward, no-frills base for travelers heading to the region's theme parks and lake country, with an on-site restaurant and outdoor pool rounding out a compact set of facilities.
Rooms
Rooms are described as unassuming but functional, each equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, cable TV, a work desk, and a coffeemaker. This makes them suitable for a simple overnight stay or short park-focused trip rather than an extended luxury stay.
Dining & Amenities
The property has a laid-back American restaurant on site, along with a complimentary continental breakfast for guests. Additional amenities include an outdoor pool, a fitness room, and meeting space, plus free parking for all guests.
Location & Surroundings
The hotel sits about 4 miles from LEGOLAND Florida Resort and its associated attractions -- including the LEGOLAND Florida Water Park, PEPPA PIG Theme Park Florida, The Great LEGO Race, LEGO NINJAGO World, DUPLO Valley, and Cypress Gardens -- making it a convenient overnight option for families visiting these parks. It is also roughly 16 miles from Bok Tower Gardens, under a mile from the Chain O' Lakes Complex, about 8 miles from Circle B Bar Reserve, and around 12 miles from Fantasy of Flight.
Best for
This hotel best suits budget-conscious families and short-stay leisure travelers heading to LEGOLAND Florida Resort and its surrounding attractions, given its proximity of roughly 4 miles to the park cluster and its policy of free stays for kids 17 and under with an adult. It also works for travelers who just need a simple, low-cost base with basic conveniences like free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking rather than upscale amenities.
Travel tips
Being just off Highway 17, the hotel is best reached by car, and having a vehicle will make it much easier to reach LEGOLAND Florida Resort (about 4 miles away) and farther sights like Bok Tower Gardens (16 miles) or Fantasy of Flight (12 miles). Since some guests have reported inconsistent room conditions, it's worth requesting a specific room type on arrival and checking it before settling in. Book park tickets and time entry in advance, especially during peak seasons, since the hotel is one of several similarly priced options near the theme park corridor.
What guests say
Guest feedback is mixed and polarized. Positive mentions center on friendly, polite front-desk and reception staff, clean rooms, helpful room service for towels and trash, and a well-liked pool and breakfast experience. On the negative side, some guests report significant cleanliness and pest issues including roach sightings and mildew or dirt, along with complaints about lack of hot water, unpleasant odors in bedding, difficulty extending a stay in the same room, and dissatisfaction with refund handling. Overall, experiences appear to vary notably by room and stay, with staff friendliness a consistent highlight amid inconsistent property upkeep.
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