Roadtrips and lodging

[hbelkins]

Just curious as to what motels everyone likes to stay in when they are on the road, how they pick a place to stay, etc.

I'm a member of both Wyndham Rewards and Choice Rewards so I try to use those chains (Super 8, Days Inn, Microtel, etc. for Wyndham; EconoLodge, Quality, Sleep, Comfort, etc. for Choice Hotels) and about the only amenity I require is high-speed internet, although I do like a refrigerator and I actually like outdoor corridors where I can park right outside my room.

I also like to make advance reservations, so I'll know where I am going and now that I have a room.

[Truvelo]

I used to use Super 8's, Motel 6's and the like but I've had too many bad experiences with them lately. The standard of cleanliness at some of them leaves a lot to be desired. I've had blood stained linen, pillows smelling of sweat, sheets covered in hairs. The other thing I hate with cheap motels is people banging around at all hours of the night. Soundproofing between rooms appears to be minimal.

I now stay at places around $100/night. Staying several nights adds up but at these price levels I know I will get a clean room.

[SSOWorld]

I'm still experimenting at the moment - I'm part of the Choice rewards program, but also Marriott's and Holiday Inn's parent franchise's program (the latter because my work tends to book at their hotels.  I'm ditching the Marriott one because the minimum rate is usually $100 or more.

HB have you had bad experiences with the Super 8 and Microtel chains?

[US71]

Just curious as to what motels everyone likes to stay in when they are on the road, how they pick a place to stay, etc.

Usually, I just fly by the seat of my pants and stop someplace random. I gravitate to the old independents, but they are a mixed bag. Some are good (Ozark Motel, Ozark, AR), some need to be bulldozed (Magnolia Motel, Laurel, MS).

I've stayed at Motel 6 with mixed results (Rapid City, SD and Council Bluffs, IA are decent , North Little Rock, AR is falling apart, St Joseph, MO is a joke) as well as Super 8 (Marshall, TX fair, Shreveport, LA good).  I've yet to find a Howard Johnson that doesn't have problems. 

BUT, I'm biased. I've worked 6+ years for various franchise motels (Super 8, Days Inn, Holiday Inn, Extended Stay America, Doubletree) so I know where a lot of the money goes. Plus I can't see paying an extra $20 a night for a donut & coffee in the morning and a "free" night after I've stayed 10 times.  If I had an expense account or someone I traveled with on a regular basis, maybe I'd be a little more picky.

As it is, I just believe in supporting the small, independent business man where I can (like he really even exists). 

[hbelkins]

HB have you had bad experiences with the Super 8 and Microtel chains?

Not really to speak of. I am glad that Microtel joined the Wyndham family because they aren't as commonplace as others (Super 8, Days) in that chain. The worst experience I had at a Microtel was in Franklin, NC, where the wi-fi connection was terribly slow and the service ran through a proxy that denied access to certain sites based on some sort of "family-friendly" filter. Can't remember which roads-related site was blocked as porn, but I remember than one of them was.

My experiences with most of the places I've stayed have been pretty good.

[rawmustard]

I know I've mentioned this previously, but I try to keep my per night stay in the $50-60 range once taxes and incidentals are figured. I've stayed at many Wyndham properties at that range and so far have had no issues. I always book ahead whenever possible so I know I'll have a room but more importantly so I know the cost of the room. Most times, a much better rate can be had booking online, and it also is good to belong to a rewards program so eventually you can gain free nights.

[DanTheMan414]

I'm a member of Choice Rewards, and just recently joined the Wyndham Rewards program.  Consequently, my preferences on the road are either Comfort Inn or Microtel Inn.  I have had no issues before at either chain.  Generally, I like to reserve a room a couple of weeks in advance of the trip...better safe than sorry.

[Dougtone]

I usually just stay at a Motel 6, since I find that they have a decent standard for budget lodging.  Also, frills aren't important to me, just a bed and a shower.  A few of their locations I've used more than once (Framingham MA for instance), and a few locations I may have second thoughts about using again.  Overall, I've had a satisfactory experience using Motel 6.  Occasionally, I'll use another chain or even an independently owned motel, usually when there isn't a Motel 6 on the way.  That has some mixed results as well.

[Brandon]

Having done enough travel for work, I've learned that anything under $60-65 a night generally isn't worth it.  Above that, I find the rooms to be better maintained.  Below that, they tend to be ratholes.  Of course, it is very area-dependent, but that's what I've found in general.  HoJos, Red Roof Inns, Motel 6s are all on my bad list due to not so great experiences.  I find I prefer Holiday Inn Expresses, Comfort Inns, and Best Westerns (which can be a great value, IMHO) and their ilk.

[ctsignguy]

On my road trips, i try to find a Quality Inn to stay at if possible as the ones i have been at have a complimentary computer in the lobby, perfect for catching up on emails and other things....there are two in Massachusetts i like to stay at, but one is incredibly iffy as they also seem to be in major use as hotel for a local women's shelter (the one night i got a room there, i counted 20+ kids and moms in the breakfast room....and a school bus/van came by at 8:15 to pick up all the kids for school....)  It works out to be a few extra bucks, but i will pay that for the amenities of a clean (CLEAN) room and CLEAN beds!  And a refrigerator to work on my road munchies!

[njroadhorse]

I'm a Marriott member, but those are not always available where we are, so I also have grown to like Holiday Inn (way better than they used to be), Country Inns, and sometimes various others.

I haven't used Comfort Inns since 2002, so I can't say anything about them.  Best Westerns tend to be a mixed bag for me (Boston - great, VA Beach - horrible).  I steer clear of the budget because, like Brandon said, they tend to be ratholes.

There are some good local places out there, but they too can be mixed bags.

[US71]

There are some good local places out there, but they too can be mixed bags.

I keep promising myself I'm going to start a blog about independent motels. Someday, maybe,

[Jim]

My method used to be to drive without a set plan and usually track down a Super 8 when I was ready to stop for the night.  Some combination of too many bad Super 8 experiences, and increasing standards and budget has led me to the Choice Hotels group, with Comfort Inns and Comfort Suites usually my top choice.  I've also gotten into the habit of planning ahead a bit more and making the next night's reservation from my room each night.  Internet in the rooms is essential for uploading of pictures but I'm usually not picky about other amenities.  Make it clean, safe, and comfortable, and I'll be happy.

Another big change in my habits in recent years is extensive use of tripadvisor.com to read and contribute reviews.  Those times when I couldn't or didn't check ahead and had a bad experience, I have found that others had already reported the same problems and that I should have known better.  I have posted reviews of nearly every place I've stayed since I started using tripadvisor.

I would like to try to support the independent motels, but I always worry about winding up a the local headquarters for any number of undesirable activities.   By checking reviews, it's probably a safe thing to try.  However, I rarely do that.  I should make a better effort for future travels.

[US71]

I would like to try to support the independent motels, but I always worry about winding up a the local headquarters for any number of undesirable activities.   By checking reviews, it's probably a safe thing to try.  However, I rarely do that.  I should make a better effort for future travels.

I kind of go with my gut on the independents. I've stopped at a couple that screamed RUN, so I did. I sort of judge by vehicles in the lot. Lots of clunkers, means it's probably bad.  Nicer, "small business" type vehicles or small "family" vehicles is usually a better sign... at least until you go inside (I almost always check the room before I pay for it).  Motel 6 seems to attract a lot of local/area truckers that rev their engines at 5am.

[oscar]

I often go with Super 8s, since they're usually reasonably-priced, are in many of the smaller off-Interstate communities where I often travel, and have both decent wireless internet access and a decent selection of TV channels.  I've never been able to get my older laptop computer to work with Motel 6's wireless networks, and you can't get the Weather Channel there, either.

Sometimes I alternate between something like a Super 8 and something cheaper like a Motel 6, since I can usually live with being online only every other day.  Sometimes, on the off-days, I'll end up in a real dump, just four walls, a roof, a bed, and a shower.  

I usually bring a portable electric cooler on lower-48 road trips, which makes it easier for me to get by with refrigerator-less cheap lodgings.

My mild preference is for motels like Super 8 in the Wyndham Rewards program, which I've set up to give me frequent flyer miles (so my accumulated miles don't expire due to account inactivity) rather than free nights.

[US71]

I often go with Super 8s, since they're usually reasonably-priced, are in many of the smaller off-Interstate communities where I often travel, and have both decent wireless internet access and a decent selection of TV channels.  I've never been able to get my older laptop computer to work with Motel 6's wireless networks, and you can't get the Weather Channel there, either.

Many of them, you can get Weather Channel, but no "Local on the 8's". As far as wireless, I think you have to pay them $3 a night for the password. We had something like that at Holiday Inn for a while, but the system was crap and tech support was worse. So the owners put in a new "free" system which didn't work if more than 5 people were logged on at the same time. 

[corco]

I use Hotwire whenever possible, and have had great luck with that. I've recently stayed at the Sheraton Four Points by KCI for $38 (!) and the Cambria Suites in Boise for $45.

If it's a small town, options are generally limited. I tend to stick to Super 8, because they seem to be pretty reliable. I'm not a big Travelodge fan (the hotels usually seem old and run down), but I feel like I end up at those a lot.

As a college student, my preferences end up being "what is the cheapest hotel I can get with an internet"

[US71]

If it's a small town, options are generally limited. I tend to stick to Super 8, because they seem to be pretty reliable. I'm not a big Travelodge fan (the hotels usually seem old and run down), but I feel like I end up at those a lot.

Travelodge is generally bottom of the barrel... just above Knight's Inn. Howard Johnson is just above that.

[njroadhorse]

If it's a small town, options are generally limited. I tend to stick to Super 8, because they seem to be pretty reliable. I'm not a big Travelodge fan (the hotels usually seem old and run down), but I feel like I end up at those a lot.

Travelodge is generally bottom of the barrel... just above Knight's Inn. Howard Johnson is just above that.

Or just a three-way tie at the bottom of the barrel

I found a Howard Johnson's once in the Bronx smacked up between abandoned projects next to the Major Deegan.  God I wouldn't want to stay there ever.

[Dougtone]

If it's a small town, options are generally limited. I tend to stick to Super 8, because they seem to be pretty reliable. I'm not a big Travelodge fan (the hotels usually seem old and run down), but I feel like I end up at those a lot.

Travelodge is generally bottom of the barrel... just above Knight's Inn. Howard Johnson is just above that.

Or just a three-way tie at the bottom of the barrel

I found a Howard Johnson's once in the Bronx smacked up between abandoned projects next to the Major Deegan.  God I wouldn't want to stay there ever.

I stayed at a Howard Johnson in Elyria, Ohio, once.  Much safer than being next to abandoned projects for sure.  However, it was right next to the Ohio Turnpike, and you could definitely hear the sound of all the trucks whizzing by.  Otherwise, I didn't really have any complaints about staying there, since the lodging met my needs.  In the end, your mileage may vary as far as one's expectations of motels goes.  I've never been picky in general, and normally have no real use for the extra frills provided by motels, since I tend to arrive after sunset and leave before sunrise.

[Hellfighter]

What's the rating on Red Roof In?

[US71]

What's the rating on Red Roof In?

According to Consumer Reports, it's slightly better than Super 8 or Motel 6, but not as good as Microtel.

[hbelkins]

I like Hampton Inns, but I don't like the price. Most Hamptons run around $100 or more per night and that's just too pricey for me. There for awhile, when I wasn't traveling as frequently, I stayed in Hamptons quite a bit.

I really hate paying more than $70 a night for a room. That's why I gravitate to the Days Inns and Super 8s of the world, although some of them can be very expensive.

[US71]

I like Hampton Inns, but I don't like the price. Most Hamptons run around $100 or more per night and that's just too pricey for me. There for awhile, when I wasn't traveling as frequently, I stayed in Hamptons quite a bit.

The good news is Hampton has higher than average standards as they are part of the Hilton chain (like Doubletree, Homewood Suites, Embassy Suites), but they also have one of the highest franchise fees and commissions (like 10-12 percent). I worked for a hotel that "upgraded" to Hilton (specifically Doubletree) and the building & amenity standards are strict ! Our "grand opening" was delayed over 2 months because Hilton was simply not happy with our progress. Is all that worth $100+ a night? Maybe if you're a high class business person, but not necessarily for the average traveler.

[Truvelo]

It seems most people on this forum are penny pinchers and totally begrudge paying more than $50 for a room. Unfortunately in this world you get what you pay for. Of course, I would rather pay $50 than $100 but $50/night often means taking your chance with the quality of an establishment.

I've stayed at a few Red Roof's. They are just a little better than Super 8's/Motel 6's but they suffer the same problem of poor sound insulation. One of my rooms was next to the stairwell and the banging of people walking past kept me awake much of the night. It doesn't help when the floors are creaky. The same problem also happens if you're on the first floor and there's people in the room above. Cheap wooden floors aren't really acceptable in hotels in my opinion.

Someone a few posts back mentioned trucks revving their engines. Yes, I've stayed at many places that suffer this problem. The worst ones are refrigerated vehicles that leave their engines on to keep the fridge running. I've now reached the stage where if I see one in the parking lot I will drive straight out and find somewhere else.