Howard Johnson by Wyndham Waterloo/Cedar Falls

8/10

Excellent

19 May 2026

Laura

Worked for our trip close to all the things we waned to do and see!

Self

8/10

Excellent

19 May 2026

Donna

Staff

4/10

Poor

19 May 2026

Sarah J

We checked in late night/early morning. Staff was friendly & accommodating. The first room we were given immediately smelled of wet carpet, quickly discovering the shower faucet would not turn off. So we switched rooms. Though the room as bigger, there was a fraction of the towels as the first room, the floor hadn’t been vacuumed because there was visible mud/dirt next to the sofa bed which was littered with stains. Breakfast was not worth trying.
It may be affordable but I’d consider a better option.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 May 2026

Shane

Clean room staff was exceptionall breakfast was supurb

Self

6/10

Pleasant

14 Apr 2026

Kelly

They ran out of breakfast midway through

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2026

gabriela

The staff was nothing but great! Clean room and great breakfast

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2026

gabriela

Very clean

2/10

Poor

30 Mar 2026

Michelle

When I arrived after the 3pm check in my room (king suite) was not ready. When I finally got in the room the heater / air controllers did not work. The mini fridge never got cold, no matter where the temp was set. Lamp shades were broken on the lamps. Tiles were cracked and broken in the shower. There were board that kept falling down on the sides on the jet tub. The suite across the hall the door was broken across the bottom and it had a deadbolt as a lock. Overall look of the place repairs were needed everywhere.

Breakfast was not real appealing. Nothing was fresh looking everything looked like it had been there a while. Gravy had a taste like it had gone bad and the rest of the food was just package food that I could have picked up at any convenience store.

When I check out they asked how things were and I let them know. He apologized but that was about all I got. Have NO desire to ever stay there again.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

29 Mar 2026

Mary

The Breakfast wasn't all that good..rooms was clean..staff was friendly and answered any questions that I had..yes the air conditioner worked...

Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

15 Mar 2026

Dana

Check in time was 3pm. We showed up at 3:30 and were told we couldnt check in because rooms hadnt been cleaned yet. We sat in the lobby for a while and looked for a place to eat. After eating we went back and checked in.

The suite seemed pretty clean at first glance. But there was a panel layimg on the floor from the side of the hot tub, the toilet still had feces stuck on the bowl and there appeared to be ash of some kind on top of the bedding. I went to put some drinks in the mini fridge, it was turned all the way up, but still hot, so the fridge didn't work.

We went down to the pool which was heated, but could use a little work, lots of chips in the concrete and paint work.

After the pool we decided to get into the hot tub in our room. The whole reason for renting that room in particular was that we wanted to use the hot tub. The jets wouldnt turn on. We called the frint desk. She came up and pushed the button and when it didnt work, just said she'd let maintenance know. And she could move us rooms if we wanted, but this was the only hot tub.

The walls were thin and we could hear our neighbors talking and yelling. It sounded like the people above is were stoming across their floor all night long, into the early morning.

We had the complementary breakfast, which was okay for a hotel breakfast...buscuits, gravy, and sausage links. The food was in warmers and warmish but not hot.

We were disappointed and far from impressed with our stay.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

24 Feb 2026

Brandy

Staff when we checked in was super nice. Room was mediocre and lots of random noises

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Feb 2026

Elaina

Rooms was very comfortable and clean. Staff was friendly and helpful.

Self

4/10

Poor

24 Feb 2026

Jonna

Room was clean, staff was friendly, but would not stay here again. Room was very run down, amenities broken, thin walls to hear all of the sketchy activities.

Self

4/10

Poor

22 Feb 2026

Ashley

Room didn't look like pictures. Hotel needed lots of updates and smelled like smoke. Breakfast was sub-par. Wouldn't stay here again.

Family_with_children

2/10

Poor

15 Feb 2026

Kip

Heater wasn’t working and neither were the jets on the hot tub. There were two small black bugs that were alive on the top sheet when I pulled the comforter off of the bed. Only stayed for two hours and decided to leave. Talked to an employee that evening about the things not working in the room and she said she’d note the account to have the manager refund the stay the next morning. Never got a refund cause the manager claimed to hotels.com staff through whom I booked the room that I never said anything to the staff about my issues with the cruddy room.

Friends_and_family Friends

2/10

Poor

01 Feb 2026

Sandra Rose

Room was insecure, there was a hole in the ceiling. Very unpleasant odor. Beds were comfortable and clean, but it was shady place.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

01 Feb 2026

Michele

Make sure your staff is awake to greet you at check in and is happy to be there.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

01 Feb 2026

Michele

Tracy was the employee working behind the counter the night of January 3rd between the hours of 5pm and 6:30pm that evening, when I walked in the doors of your establishment to check in that evening. When I walked up to the counter and found your employee sleeping and the only way I got her attention was to call the house phone.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

23 Nov 2025

Lana

Room was perfect for the purpose. Home visiting family and just needed a nice quiet place to sleep. Staff was very friendly, location nice and quiet, breakfast very simple but nice to have available.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

22 Nov 2025

Edis

This is an older hotel and I knew that when I booked it. I was looking for the cheapest room in town. The room and bathroom were clean although room seemed smaller than in pictures. Access to the hotel is kind of difficult at night because there are no lights around. Breakfast area is small and outdated. We didn’t eat because we didn’t like anything that was offered. I only had had an orange juice and it was good. Staff was nice. Considering everything under same circumstances I would stay again because I just needed a clean and cheap place to stay.

Business_and_leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

09 Nov 2025

Jana

The room was newly updated and was very clean. I was nervous when we got there by the looks of it, but it was actually a very nice stay! I would totally stay there again! Staff was also very nice and polite! I’m

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Nov 2025

Carlos D

Creo que por el precio está muy bueno el hotel

10/10

Exceptional

03 Nov 2025

AXEL

Muy buen hotel

10/10

Exceptional

14 Oct 2025

JOHN

Perfect stay.

Business Friends

2/10

Poor

11 Oct 2025

Julie

floors peeling, rugs dirty, ice machine not working

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

05 Oct 2025

Robert

Easy to access.

10/10

Exceptional

04 Oct 2025

Mekhi

clean , great customer service

Business_and_leisure

8/10

Excellent

28 Sep 2025

JACKIE

this is an older hotel, it was clean, had an ok breakfast, staff was great, pool was down, great for the price.

Business Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Sep 2025

Mekhi

i left my phone in the room and they helped me get it out without attitude or giving me a problem very nice and clean

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Sep 2025

William

Liked the price for what we got. Breakfast couldhave been better.

Leisure Friends

4/10

Poor

13 Sep 2025

Jessica

Broken floor, window, and light in our room, dirty sheets, and poor staff.
People sitting in lawn chairs drinking and smoking outside. Staff standing outside with other people when I came

4/10

Poor

18 Aug 2025

Kris

When we entered this property it reeked of weed, from a staff member. The room and hotel felt wet. Our room smelled a the toliet constantly ran and through the night leaked all over the floor. The sink wouldn’t drain everything from our clothes to the sheets smelled and felt wet.

10/10

Exceptional

17 Aug 2025

Nordell

Friendly staff at the front desk.

Leisure Friends

8/10

Excellent

11 Aug 2025

Laura

Was disappointed that I didn't get a refund for the Monday night stay that I didn't use as my husband was released from the hospital a day early from heart surgery. There was no way of knowing that in advance and being able to give a 24 hour notice to cancel my reservation.

Business_and_leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Aug 2025

Steve

Pool area was to hot in temperature to enjoy. Could barely breath in The room. Room was dated, need refreshed. Sleeper sofa was damaged staff was friendly and helpful.good quiet location. Breakfast was decent.

Business Family_with_children

2/10

Poor

31 Jul 2025

Aaron

I was given the wrong room and then given a room with someone else in it who was nude upon entry the property is a terrible run down dump

Leisure Pet

4/10

Poor

07 Jul 2025

Jeffrey

Na

6/10

Pleasant

30 Jun 2025

Bev

Very poor conditions - hidden - felt very unsafe

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jun 2025

AL

Quiet

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

22 Jun 2025

Jill

Alongside main road/highway, yet far enough away that it's quiet, with no noise of traffic. Very convenient that a restaurant is literally right next door to hotel, such that you can walk there, without having to cross any roads. Easy check in/out with helpful and friendly staff

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

17 Jun 2025

Mark

The room I had booked for a conference was more like a college dorm room. It was decorated with UNI bedspread and had UNI posters on the wall. The couch had multiple stains on it, which were nasty and sticky. The bedspread on one of the beds had sunflower seeds on it. It smelled of pot. We made contact with the front desk to see if another room was available for 3 teachers, and they first took us to a king-size suite, but not functional for 3 teachers, then we finally got a room for 3 with 2 queen beds and a couch. This room was better, but not the best. The black leather chair in the room was pealing horribly, and the lighting in the bathroom was awful. It was 10 pm when we arrived and checked in, and by the time we finally got to our new room, it was close to midnight. I would not recommend this hotel to anyone. It did not give off friendly vibes, smelled like pot, the area to have breakfast in was dirty, garbage cans were full and needed to be taken out, and it needed alot of updates as well. It was also in a very dark part of town with not alot of lighting. From what I could see, more people lived there than stayed there. Do yourself a huge favor and spend the extra money on a room somewhere else.

Business

6/10

Pleasant

12 Jun 2025

Mary

Good value

the hotel was close to the interstate and price was reasonable. The diner near the parking was very good. The room was comfortable but there were stains on the carpet, the bedspread and the couch. The hotel could use some updating and there is no elevator, which I had not known prior to reserving. Breakfast was meh. It was okay for a one night stay.

Partner

2/10

Poor

09 Jun 2025

Erica

We checked in after 3:00 and some of the rooms were not available for other guests. The up keep around the hotel needed a lot of work. The hotel smelled like marijuana and we were told there was a no pet policy. Upon going to our room a cat was seen in the room next to us and upon entering our room our room smelled of cats. The room was clean but the smell was horrible. We heard dogs bark all night long.

2/10

Poor

08 Jun 2025

Verified traveler

Do not stay!

Very rundown property. Not well maintained. Walls were stained and disgusting. Everything made noise - lights, fridge, beds. Didn't dare eat breakfast for fear of food poisoning. So much space under room door that light streamed in nonstop: Upon check in when I asked how the worker’s day was he, said “same sh*t, different day”. Not professional at all. Will never ever stay here again.

Friends_and_family Family

2/10

Poor

01 Jun 2025

Tomesa

The pictures must have been edited because this place was nothing shown on the site. The pool was locked and the front desk cleark didnt have a key to open it. We checked in and went to the roon and the beds were worn down, and the room was outdated. We asked to get our money back because we were going to stay somewhere else only to be told that they dont have a refund policy.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

27 May 2025

David

Very nice property

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 May 2025

Leonardo

Good Price, good service, stop in a stay.

Great place to stay for a quick trip getting around town. The staff was nice, rooms were good. The price was affordable. I recommend staying with them.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

17 Mar 2025

Sarah

There was some maintenance of the facility that was lacking. The staff was excellent and very helpful. Thank you for your great customer service

Business_and_leisure Pet

2/10

Poor

16 Mar 2025

brooke

We did not stay at this property. We found that one of the rooms we had booked had bed bugs in it and they acted like it wasn’t a big deal. We were refunded our money, however others that were there and were aware our room had bed bugs were not refunded money when they requested to leave.

Business_and_leisure

2/10

Poor

10 Mar 2025

Casie

I felt as my family was in danger. Cops drove by 2 times in 30 mins. Lots of unneeded traffic. Not clean. Felt unsafe.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

02 Mar 2025

Gilberto

All good

Business Friends

2/10

Poor

16 Jan 2025

David

Old

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

12 Jan 2025

Verified traveler

Terrible value for the money

The room is terrible condition, the a/c unit cover was laying on the floor when I got in and I put It back on. The walls are beat to hell and the room wasn't that clean.

Self

8/10

Excellent

15 Dec 2024

Jeffrey

Nice clean room

Business Self

10/10

Exceptional

11 Nov 2024

Linda

Easy check in. Close to restaurants and shopping.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

11 Nov 2024

Bob

Good value

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

04 Nov 2024

Nancy

All was good.

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

10 Oct 2024

SHAUNA

Go elsewhere. Icky, creepy old building. Not properly cleaned.

Business Family_with_children

4/10

Poor

06 Oct 2024

sandra

Well i was very disappointed how gross my room was. Not clean at all.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Sep 2024

Demetra

Nice stay!

Business Family

6/10

Pleasant

28 Aug 2024

David

Good breakfast

Business_and_leisure Pet

10/10

Exceptional

24 Aug 2024

Thomas

Check in was very freindly

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

22 Aug 2024

Jena

Room was dirty and odorous, sheets dirty, shower was not cleaned and had dirt in the walls, no hot water, phone didn’t work! Ceiling was falling apart huge area with cement and paint chips! Staff was very rude when notifying them of the conditions. They said they could not refund me because I had been in the room for 1 hour which in reality it had been 25 min!! Noisy room next to us kept me up on and off till 4 am!! Very disappointed I will never stay at the hotel chain again!!

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

07 Aug 2024

Ashlee

We opted for the King Suite, but we did not get what we booked. We arrived to the Howard Johnson in Waterloo Iowa where we were directed to suite 114. We entered the suite and it reeked of cigarette smoke. We didn’t set our bags down because we knew that the suite wouldn’t be sufficient. We looked around the room and also found a cigarette underneath the king bed frame. My husband went back out to the front desk and explained the situation. The front desk clerk at the Howard Johnson verified that the room wasn’t acceptable and then checked for a replacement room. She also made a comment that their cleaning staff generally didn’t do a good job, but there was nothing they could do about it. The clerk said that they didn’t have any more suites available so she offered for us to downgrade. Howard Johnson said they couldn’t refund the price difference because we booked through a third party. We said we would think about it and went to dinner.

We knew we didn’t want to downgrade, but we wanted to be sure of our options.

While at dinner we started a conversation with Expedia’s customer service to see if canceling the Howard Johnson was an option. We explained the situation and Expedia seemed to understand and said to rebook at a new hotel and that they would give us a full refund. Expedia is now refusing to give us a refund.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

19 Jul 2024

Lora

Hotel needs updated for sure. That said, I've stayed at many hotels that were older but this one also needs a deep, deep cleaning. Overall not a good stay but also things like food left in the refiderator and bathroom not clean made it that I can't recommend this place to anyone else.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

18 Jul 2024

Joy

Everything that was supposed to be clean was clean. Facilities definitely need upgrades. Beds were very uncomfortable and you can tell they are just worn out. Mine sunk in the middleand gave me a backache.

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

07 Jul 2024

Kyle

Had big stains on comforter and stains on sheets!! Someone's left overs were still fridge from last tenant and had loud commotions in hallway at 3am!

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jun 2024

euloge

Very good

6/10

Pleasant

21 Jun 2024

Verified traveler

Six night stay was too long

We stayed six nights. We needed a handicapped room or at least ground floor as there was no elevator on site. Stairs and toilet were my major concern so I brought a mobility rail that goes around the toilet to help me stand up. The toilet was so low it didn’t help, and we ended up going to Walmart and $43 later took home a raised toilet seat. Thankfully, I had taken my own shower chair. They served a free breakfast from 5am-9am which consisted of biscuits, gravy, sausage, make your own waffle, yogurt, toast, English muffins. Orange juice, apple juice, coffee. There were no eggs or fresh fruits offered. I never saw an attendant in the breakfast area. People were wiping their own tables with paper towels before using. The menu never changed. When we checked in, we were told there was a $100 charge added to our credit card as a damage deposit and also reminded theirs was a no smoking facility. I’m not so sure that was true. Everywhere we went up and down the hallway, the stench of cigarette smoke was overwhelming. It was also apparent that most of the staff smoked as well. They also allowed pets, with an additional deposit. We had dogs in two rooms near us, and they were barking almost constantly. We didn’t say anything as we have dogs of our own, but most people wouldn’t be as gracious. The hallway carpeting was filthy and should have been replaced. The tile floor in our room felt very sticky. And our desk chair leg was broken. Probably wouldn’t stay here again unless we had to

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2024

Megin

Nice place

This was a nice place to stay. It was clean, the staff was helpful with directions around the city, the breakfast was average. I would definitely stay there again.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

06 Jun 2024

ron

Nice place, breakfast more than expected, clean and friendly

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

21 May 2024

Kim

There was no electricity in the entire building, and since the staff did not know when it would be coming on, we cancelled and found a different motel that had power.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

20 May 2024

Kimberly

Shower curtain and wall (and ceiling) were marred with dirt in a few areas. Vinyl flooring is a plus in room, but otherwise seems in need of some TLC and upgraded mattresses. The limited breakfast options offered few choices or options ran out fast.

This could be a great option, but is a tired property. We stayed here two years ago and it this weekend's visit was a bummer.

Leisure Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

12 May 2024

Julie

This hotel was ok. The beds were comfortable and breakfast was really good. I went to tell the folks at the desk to have a look at the shower knob, there were only a couple of little kids in the office.

I thought the price was a little high for the property but it was college graduation weekend.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 May 2024

Tazhanae

Awesome stay, perfect for a quick place to sleep

Leisure Family_with_children

4/10

Poor

04 May 2024

Danielle

There was a smell in our room that was as if it had been heavily smoked in and covered with an air freshener. There were many stains in the carpet. The toilet in our room did not flush well and ultimately we had to use the employee bathroom because the maintenance person was scheduled only a couple times per week. The pool was pleasant enough and the breakfast was fairly standard. The front desk was staffed with kind people.

Business Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

26 Mar 2024

Jacklyn

Affordable Older hotel, clean, they have done a nice job taking care of this hotel. Staff is friendly. People should know they don't have an elevator. Didn't bother us but family checking in behind us had walker and was told nothing available on 1 St floor. They had a really hard time with stairs. Pool was not the cleanest. We bring our dog with us so location was nice lots of room to walk dog around.

Leisure Pet

4/10

Poor

17 Mar 2024

Robert

Should have been better

The building is showing its age. Needs updating. Not worth the cost

Partner

4/10

Poor

06 Jan 2024

Mary

Room doors slam and it’s very noisy. Vending machine doesn’t work. What little breakfast food they had was awful. I will definitely not stay there again.

Business Family

8/10

Excellent

31 Dec 2023

Lisa

Pleasant stay

The hotel was comfortable and one of the more reasonable places we can take our 2 dogs over Christmas! The room was perfect with small fridge, ground level and comfortable bed. Coffee in the morning was good and all employee interactions were pleasant.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Dec 2023

JOSHUA

Nice staff!

2/10

Poor

04 Dec 2023

Janelle

We did not expect anything other than clean, repaired and safe. There were holes in the walls and ceiling some suspiciously looking like camera holes. Black mold in the shower. We have stayed there before, but never again.

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

04 Dec 2023

Angela

First, the woman that checked us in was very friendly and accommodating, but it’s all downhill from there. The non smoking room had clearly been smoked in, and recently. We were moved to a different room after the desk attendant went to the room to verify the smell of smoke. I had traveled with other people, so we had a total of three rooms. Room 104 has a round hole in the ceiling as well as a small round hole at the top of the wall… we figured it was a camera hole at some point. It was stuffed with what looked like tin foil. Why not spackle the holes shut and paint over them?? Needless to say, there was no disrobing anywhere but the bathroom. Room 103 has a hole the size of a football behind the door with clear packing tape over it… whatever good it was doing. The third room had hair on the bed sheets… beyond gross. The entire hotel needs a renovation or deep clean. There were some questionable guests that were up well into the middle of the night dropping expletives loud enough to hear through the walls. But, I know you cannot expect much with Ho Jo. Price, stars and location were also red flags, but the person I was traveling with had booked the rooms, Lesson learned!

Leisure Friends

2/10

Poor

30 Nov 2023

Virginia

Our family was NOT ABLE TO MAKE THE TRIP for Thanksgiving and the hotel refused to allow any refund. That is terrible business!! We will never stay at a Howard Johnson again. Greedy people!

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

11 Nov 2023

Shaun

Mold on the ceiling in the pool area. Paper thin walls. Too many noisy customers. AC and fridge in the room made rattling or high pitched noise. You could say the property is retro if you mean it has never been updated or repaired since it was built. Rooms were expensive because of state football so way overpriced.

Leisure Family_with_children

6/10

Pleasant

28 Oct 2023

Jessica

Ehh

Room walls are super thin. Heard a couple arguing all night long. Found two bugs within a couple minutes of emtering room. Pool is prerty small and just eh. Breakfast was okay. Had waffles, sausage, biscuits gravy, yogurt, toast, juice, etc.

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

01 Oct 2023

Annette

Phone had an issue the whole time I was there where it would do this funny ring thing every 15 to 20 minutes and then got woke not once but twice with staff trying to get in my room because they thought I had checked out.

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

17 Sep 2023

Steve

Have stayed here in past years. Seems to have gotten more wear and tear. The noise wasn’t controlled by management during the night. Loud talking, shouting, phone calls on speaker phone during the night. Yelling in the rooms, that could be heard on ours. Disappointing for the money spent.

8/10

Excellent

14 Sep 2023

Takeyra

Ok

Leisure Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

11 Sep 2023

Bert

There should be a chair for each person using the room. Just 1 chair for 2 people means one has to sit on the bed.
Breakfast was good.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Aug 2023

christopher

good

4/10

Poor

02 Aug 2023

Stacy

Not family friendly

They were sweet and allowed us to check in early but when I got there the lady at front desk was extremely unprofessional. When we came back that evening the front lobby was filled with marijuana smoke and there were people that looked homeless plugged into all the outlets in the hallway. The room itself was great with the exception of stains on the couch.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

25 Jul 2023

James A

The retro design and old murals were a neat touch. The room was roomy and clean, the breakfast had decent options. Convenient location for our plans the next morning. Disappointing was the other guests smoking near the entrance when we arrived, and the smell of smoke stenched the hallway outside their room, though it was to be a non- smoking facility.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

18 Jul 2023

HERBERT

For the most part, it was good. What you expect in that price range. The staff were very helpful. Clean, and good shower. We slept well. Nothing fancy. Diner very close... parking list quite crowded.

Business_and_leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

06 Jul 2023

Norman

OK

Staff was nice!

Friends_and_family Family

2/10

Poor

04 Jul 2023

Brandi

The wall was literally falling apart in our room and they still expected me to stay there with small children and my dogs. It was disgusting and unsafe.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

11 Jun 2023

Osama

It is a good hotel and so close to the soccer fields

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 May 2023

Eric

Easy access from major highways. Nothing fancy, but clean and comfortable. Simple badic breakfast. Friendly front desk staff.