Road Trips - Cheap Hotels?

[parkside21]

As some of you may have read, I'm planning a summer multi-city road trip to visit some of our minor league affiliates. Because I'll likely be gone 7 to 8 days, I'd like to save on hotels if possible (duh), so that I have more money to spend on souveneirs and/or memorabilia items that I might purchase at team stores and because I have a feeling gas will be expensive this summer, not to mention eating on the road and at ballgames can be pricey. I'll likely be traveling alone for the entire trip, so I don't need a big room, just a standard, non-smoking room will do for me. Pools would be nice, but not necessary. Free hi-speed internet (either wired or wireless) is a must.

 

I have stayed at many Super 8's and Best Westerns before, and they are fine and generally seem to run around $60-$70 a night in an average sized city. This isn't bad, but over the course of 8 nights with fees and taxes, the price adds up. My question is, does anyone recommend certain low-cost chains over others? Right now I'm looking at Motel 6 as they seem to offer rooms for under $40 a night in most locations. Does anyone have any experience with Motel 6, or know of similar chains they like better? I know it's hard to do, because locations can vary so much even within chains with regards to cleanliness, safety, and helpful staff, but I'd appreciate any thoughts anyone can offer.

[Schlitz001]

For chain hotel's, motel 6 is the cheapest. If you google the city your staying in along with "Motel 6" under google maps business search, it will bring up reviews of the hotels in that town on a 5 star scale from people who have stayed there along with a blurb about the hotel. I've personally stayed in some great Motel 6's and some where you could smell whatever was rotting under the bed.

 

When I'm looking for a bargain I usually search for a good neighborhood and keep my eyes open for a roadside family-run motel. If there is a neon "Vacancy" or "Free HBO" sign out front, you'll probably pay $20-$50 a night.

 

Your last and in my opinion best option is to just take your tent and camp. It's free and easy. Then get a room every 3rd day to shower up and relax.

 

EDIT: Here is another good way I've found to save money on Motel 6 or other pricier hotels. Book the hotel online for the lowest rate you can find, then when you go to the hotel pretend you don't have a reservation by asking what the cheapest room rate is. If they quote you lower than the online price, you get that price. If it's higher, you get the online price.

[EsoxLazer]

If you are a member of AAA, I would suggest stopping in and getting "Trip Tix". Not only do you get a great set of maps, but the bound travel route that they put together for you is also very helpful. It will show all of the current road construction and give you a list of hotels, motels, restaurants, campsites, etc at each exit along the way. If you plan your stops in advance you can normally book early to save some money with the AAA discount. A few of the bigger KOA type camping areas will have some sort of wireless internet as well. Even if you camp at a few places along the way that will save you $150-200 bucks that you can use for gas/merch/etc. AAA may let you print the Trip Tix online but stopping in to get the bound booklets and maps is a much better way to go. If you aren't a AAA member, drop me an e-mail and I will send you my login info so that you can print everything off when the time comes. I believe that I get unlimited use of that service and I rarely use it so it would be nice if someone else could get some use out of it. Sounds like you are in for a great trip. elazenby19 at yahoo is my e-mail addy...hit me up when it gets closer to your trip.

[GAME05]

don't forget you can haggle a motel. i've done it plenty of times. it's the offseason, so they're happy to have the business even for a cheaper rate. i usually just say i can't afford the $60, so i'll just head to the motel just down the way and start to walk out. usually they come back with a better price.

[dadofandrew]

Haggling does work, though it's uncomfy to many of us.

 

If you are not picky, often family places are $25-35 a night. Walls will be thin, but you can ask for one far away from others, tell them you're a light sleeper.

 

Motel 6's are the cheapest chain, and all are clean, and many have pools.

 

If you need to shower daily, truck stop showers are cheaper than a room. If you are short or have a van/SUV, you could just sleep in the car.