Howard Johnson Inn Pikesville, Pikesville

I live in Pikesville. There hasn't been a Howard Johnsons Motel there in years.

The hotel is ok, but the rooms have an "old" odor about them. Kind of like the floors needed to be steam cleaned. The breakfast was ok, but the items were very limited, and some not even there (donoughts, bagles not there.) The bathroom could have been cleaner. Mildew in the shower, cobwebs, floor not swept and mopped as well as it could be. Front desk staff not very reliable. For example, when I called I was told that there are no king sized beds in the hotel. (Not that there was no availibility-they specifically said no king sized beds.) We stayed there a week later, and suddenly there were king beds. There was a different person at the front desk. He said they have always had king beds. Go figure. Your best bet is the Ramada, which is just off of the beltway. It costs more, but it's worth it. Great breakfast, clean, fresh smelling rooms, curteous staff, and a nice restaurant on premisis.

This was located just five miles away from the Pimlico Racetrack, where we attended a two day music festival. The neighborhood surrounding the hotel was very safe and offered many conveniences, such as restaurants and shopping centers. The hotel was also located less than ten minutes from downtown Baltimore. The staff at the front desk was extremely helpful. One front desk person provided us with directions to Inner Harbor, a happening Baltimore hotspot. He also provided us with a cheap local cab company's phone number, making our cab rides to and from the Pimlico less than ten dollars each way! Additionally, the hotel offered free breakfast everyday. The pool, hallways, and our room were all very clean. A perfect stay when you are on a budget!