We checked in on a Tuesday and checked out on Wednesday. The decision to stay there was based on their very attractive room rate. We only needed a place to sleep and change clothes. Check in is at three, but they cheerfully accommodated us at 12:30. The room was clean, neatly furnished, if a little outdated. It did NOT smell of smoke. This was a major concern for me. The AC was really cranked up, but the temperature became bearable once we turned it down. TV was clear with cable. There was a coffee pot and coffee, but no condiments. The double beds were very comfortable, and there were plenty of fluffy towels.
When leaving the room we noticed an outdoor pool and chairs secreted away on the second floor. We didn't use it, but some visitors were doing laps while others read. Any staff we passed in the hall greeted us with smiles or a cheery hello.
The hotel is only one long block from the boardwalk and next door to a very beautiful church, St. Nicholas. The hotel has a cafe on site, but we didn't use it.
Check out is at 11 a.m., but we asked to check out later and didn't leave until 1 p.m.
This room was half the price of a comparable room at the nearest resort hotel. For a short stay, it is just fine. The immediate neighborhood is a bit seedy, so I would not recommend it for families with children.

We just came back from Atlantic City,and stayed at this Howard Johnson. To my surprise, it was amazingly clean, the staff was really nice, and housekeeping was great. We had 2 queen beds and a cot and they kept our room spotless. It is a little bit off the boardwalk (they say 1 block, but it is 1 long block) so walking to and from beach with kids might be a little problem but I would definetly stay here again. For the money, I think it was a good choice.

Well, I pretty much knew the area was bad...I frequent AC a lot. We decided to go on a spur of the moment adventure., and found this place to have the best deal of $75 for a Sunday night. They are not racist, like people say..in fact., the pool manager/life guard is a black man, and the guys who work the counter are eastern. But you have to realize where they are coming from...at night, the street are filled with homeless people. drug dealers and prostitutes....the majoirty of which are black. When I was checking in, a black man came in, asked for a free room, and when was told a polite no, called the front desk agent a terrorist. I was walking behind 2 black men and overheard their conversation of needing a place to bathe (they did stink) and make their deals. Im not against black persons, or any race for the matter, whatsoever, but it is a shame that these kind of people, who are so rampant in AC put a bad taste in the mouths of hotel owners for the black people who actually are a decent visitor. For the record, for those who like to call racist to people without taking in account what they are actually saying, there are many nice black families that go there too. They see the mess and it pisses them off as well.
Anyway, the room was immaculate and we felt a huge sense of comfort sweep over us as we walked into our suite and felt the A/C on us. We slept so soundly that night. I did however, not like the drug dealer perched on the church steps at night (i found it extremely disrespectful) or the huge lineup at the shelter in the morning. AC used to be such a prominent area, now it is a total craphole. But we love the beach and the nightlife so we deal with it.
As for this hotel...we will mos def go there again.

I got to say the price I got for 4 days was great .. Well rooms are clean air condition ,cable tv . swimming pool plus other .it a great deal .and its 1 block and half away from the boardwalk.
I went with my wife and 2 kids

I would go again to HJ Inn ..

What I didn't like is the area where it is. but thats nothing..