Howard Johnson Inn by Wyndham
4120 E Van Buren St Suite B, Phoenix, AZ 85008, Phoenix, United States
2-star hotel
Guest rating: 2.6 / 5
Overview
Howard Johnson Inn by Wyndham is a 2-star budget hotel in Phoenix, Arizona, situated along E Van Buren St about 3 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. It offers a laid-back, no-frills atmosphere with rooms accessed via exterior corridors, typical of a roadside motor inn. With a public rating of 2.6 from over 1,100 reviews, it is positioned firmly as an economy option for travelers prioritizing price and airport proximity over polish.
Rooms
Guest rooms are described as colorful and relaxed, each equipped with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a sitting area, a microwave, and a mini-fridge. Suites step up the offering with a separate living area, useful for families or longer stays needing extra space. Rooms are reached via exterior corridors rather than interior hallways.
Dining & Services
A complimentary breakfast buffet is advertised as part of the stay, though guest feedback indicates the actual offering can be limited, sometimes amounting to just coffee and juice rather than a full buffet. The hotel also provides a complimentary airport shuttle and free parking, both practical perks for travelers passing through Phoenix Sky Harbor.
Amenities & Recreation
On-site recreational facilities include an outdoor pool and an exercise room, giving guests options to relax or stay active without leaving the property. A business center is also available on-site for guests needing to print documents or handle quick work tasks.
Location
The hotel sits about a mile from the S'edav Va'aki Museum (formerly Pueblo Grande Museum) and roughly 4 miles from both the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo, with Papago Park also nearby. Downtown Phoenix cultural stops such as the Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, and Chase Field are within roughly 7 miles, and Scottsdale attractions like Scottsdale Fashion Square and the Museum of the West are a bit farther afield.
Best for
This hotel best suits budget-conscious travelers and those needing a short, convenient stopover near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, thanks to its complimentary airport shuttle and free parking. It can also work for guests wanting quick access to Papago Park-area attractions like the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Zoo, and the S'edav Va'aki Museum without paying mid- or upscale rates. It is less suited to travelers seeking polished service or a full-service experience, given its economy positioning and mixed guest feedback.
Travel tips
Given its proximity to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (about 3 miles away), the complimentary airport shuttle can be a useful way to avoid rental car or rideshare costs for short stays. Since the breakfast buffet has been described inconsistently by guests, it's worth confirming what's actually offered at check-in rather than relying solely on the advertised buffet. Because attractions like the Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Zoo, and downtown Phoenix museums are several miles away, plan on driving or rideshare rather than walking to reach them.
What guests say
Guest feedback is mixed and polarized. Some reviewers highlight clean rooms, a pleasant atmosphere, friendly service, and good value for the price and location. Others describe significant problems, including shabby and dirty conditions, a sagging bathroom floor, slow-to-cool air conditioning, and a neighborhood they felt lacked nearby services. A recurring complaint centers on breakfast, with several guests noting that the advertised complimentary buffet turned out to be limited to just coffee and juice.
Check availability · Booking links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure