Directory image circa 1980s: Dan Donahue
 
Clifton, New Jersey -- 680 SR 3
 

Originally set to open during the fall of 1968, the Clifton complex experienced building delays and didn't begin operation until late 1969. The four story mid-rise has been featured in several Howard Johnson's directories and likely served as the model for squared-off Gate Lodges. Notably, the property had a scene in the 1983 movie Easy Money starring Rodney Dangerfield, Joe Pesci, Geraldine Fitzgerald and others.

Remarkably long-lived, the Motor Lodge still flew the Howard Johnson banner as recently as early 2011.
 
Directory image circa 1997: Kummerlowe Archive
 
 
Photograph May 2010: Bob Venditti
 
 
Photographs June 2010: Phil Edwards
 
 
Photographs May 2010: Bob Venditti
 
 

Clifton Confidential

A guest in 2010 Bob made the following observations: "My room smelled funky, and the bathroom was just plain nayas-tee!! I had to go out to a maid's cart down the hall to get bar soaps which had not been supplied.

The bottled "amenities" needed to have been thrown out and replaced many guests ago. Lots of long hairs in towels and a tub that was even more treacherous than the parking lot. No wrapped plastic cups, just naked styrofoam ones. Bedroom area was ok enough but vacuuming seems to be an after-thought."

 
 
 
 
 
 

Clifton Confidential continued...

"Did I mention the mildew? Thankfully the A/C worked flawlessly and the bed linens were clean and comfortable. I actually slept very well despite some earlier noise.


What can I say- On the PLUS side it still has an Orange Roof, very friendly staff, and it's good-looking (from a distance anyway). There's very little apparent remod of the exterior, aside from ribbed vinyl siding on the balconies. The inside remod makes an effort to be in the 21st century. The furniture looks nice, but it's cheap and therefore banged up due to the rough clientele this place seems to traffic in. Lots of dumpy people driving beat-up cars here; I parked close to the office."
 
 
 
 
 
 
Photographs June 2010: Phil Edwards
 
 
Photographs May 2010: Bob Venditti
 
 
Photographs June 2010: Phil Edwards
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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