We stayed here for one night in February, and I didn't have a bad experience.
The location is the big sell for the location. You're in the Yorkville neighborhood and really close to the University of Toronto and the Royal Ontario Museum. It's nice to be able to walk to ROM from here without having to worry about paying again for parking.
Fifteen dollars for parking at the hotel isn't outrageous.
The continental breakfast was nice, and frankly I'm not sure why other reviewers would expect bacon and eggs, because let's be realistic, it's Howard Johnson, not the Sheraton.
A good hotel for the money and if you're looking for a place to crash while you see Toronto.