The sleep and shower experiences are the keys to a product revival plan for Howard Johnson. At the chain's international conference last month in Orlando, new brand leader Rui Barros outlined a five-part plan to spruce up the Howard Johnson guest experience.

And like other chains, HoJo is going the brand name route: all properties will soon have Serta or Simmons mattresses, Arcs and Angles curved shower curtains and hookless rods and Glacier Bay multi-function showerheads. The mattresses must be installed by the end of the year, while franchisees have until the end of next month to implement the bathroom changes.

The product initiatives are part of the brand's strategic plan that focuses on system growth, property performance, leveraging the scale of the Wyndham Hotel Group and enhancing the brand's marketing campaign.

The brand's new online and print ad campaign features a new slogan, “I Go HoJo,” and will highlight its guaranteed best available rate program, free high-speed Internet access, the Rise and Dine continental breakfast and Wyndham's TripRewards program.