Howard Johnson by Wyndham Mayaguez Downtown

Inside, the bland, uniform decor, fixtures, and fabrics typical of the Howard Johnson brand are immediately recognizable. However, as the site of a former monastery, the exterior offers some lovely architectural details that recall the city’s historic charm. The cumulative effect is a bit disappointing, though, as there are plenty of former historic sights across Puerto Rico that have been turned into charming boutique properties that have preserved their heritage. Still, for a reasonably clean and predictable hotel in the center of town, the property does fine for itself. The tiny pool area serves as the only exterior gathering space, while the relaxed lobby restaurant and wine bar offers additional indoor space for guests to congregate. Given its budget-friendly appeal, guests are just as likely to be families, couples, or adult singles all looking for a simple, functional place to spend the night.

Situated in downtown Mayaguez, the hotel is blocks from dozens of shops, restaurants, and bars. Just down the road is the Mayaguez Cathedral and popular Plaza Colon. The surrounding neighborhood can prove noisy throughout the day, and the hotel’s stone construction and exterior hallways only exacerbate the problem. Route 2 is five minutes away by car and offers scores of additional dining and shopping opportunities. There is no beach right in town, though a waterfront part can be reached in 15 minutes. A rental car is necessary to reach any of the area's swimmable beaches. Balneario Tres Hermanos is just over 20 minutes to the north, while Boqueron is 35 minutes south by car. Eugenio Maria De Hostos Airport (MAZ) is 15 minutes away, though flight options are limited. Many travelers arrive via Aguadilla’s Rafael Hernandez Airport (BQN) which offers more connections internationally and through San Juan.

Rooms are clean and plain, despite there being a difference in decor from one category to the next. Dark wood furnishings, navy carpeting, and generic executive-style desks, patterned bedspreads and matching window treatments all create a look that’s unremarkable and a bit dated in most rooms. A handful of upgraded rooms offer more local flavor in the form of terra cotta flooring, cathedral ceilings, and Spanish Mission furniture. Entry-level rooms are reasonably spacious, with the main difference being the bed configurations in rooms. Upgraded rooms feature slightly larger, one-room floor plans with a work desk, small dining table, and a mini-fridge with microwave. King Suites provide the same amenities as upgraded rooms but split the layout between bedrooms and living rooms. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs with satellite service, and Wi-Fi is fast and free throughout the property. Air-conditioning is likewise standard throughout.Bathrooms are similarly bland with a white and cream color scheme and budget fixtures and finishes. Shower/tub combinations and generic bath amenities are standard, and some of the grout around the tubs could use a deep scrub. It's also worth noting that city noise can be an issue in many rooms.

As a small, city center property, there are few common amenities at the hotel. Situated in the lobby, STOAS Wine Bar & Cafe provides a modern, cafe-style atmosphere for guests to relax and work, though food gets just mixed reviews. Continental breakfast is provided, although the free selection is limited to a few bagels, bread, and some fresh fruit. Additional items such as prepackaged muffins and pastries are available for purchase. The lunch and dinner menu features simple favorites like sandwiches and fried foods. Beer, wine, and liquor are also available.The hotel’s only other noteworthy amenity is a tiny pool terrace that feels like an afterthought. It’s shoehorned into a cramped outdoor space surrounded on all sides by tall stucco walls. A handful of lounge chairs and an outdoor dining set provide the only seating, and the area receives little sunlight throughout the day. The hotel also has a coin-operated laundry room and a generic meeting room. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. For a fee, off-street parking is available in a third-party lot two blocks away.