Hotel breakfasts

[agentsteel53]

the only amenity I need is an internet connection.  If I'm staying in a motel, as opposed to sleeping in car, the implication is I've got a backlog of email to catch up on that I punted from the mobile phone because it required some web research/thinking/quick sign design work/etc.  I can always ask at the front desk if there is internet.  If not, try the next place down the road...

an internet connection and some beer and I am all set to get things done!

[Truvelo]

I'm hesitant to pre-pay. With me, a trip could fall a part the day before I'm scheduled to leave.

That's a risk I take although I always have travel insurance to fall back on should anything cancel my trip. The price difference between pre-pay and pay on site is enough to add up to quite a saving over several days.

[mightyace]

I mainly prepay when booking for NASCAR race trips.  I'm already on the hook for the tickets at that point anyway.

[realjd]

That's a risk I take although I always have travel insurance to fall back on should anything cancel my trip. The price difference between pre-pay and pay on site is enough to add up to quite a saving over several days.

One thing to do for walk-up hotels is to ask specifically for the lowest available rate. Often hotels will have a rate quoted on a billboard or something, but you have to specifically ask for it. Walk up, ask the rate for a room, then ask if they have anything lower.

Also, at most rest areas in the US you can find hotel discount guides, often sorted by exit number. You can get good deals through those books. That's what I usually do if I don't have any reservations prearranged.

[hbelkins]

Also, at most rest areas in the US you can find hotel discount guides, often sorted by exit number. You can get good deals through those books. That's what I usually do if I don't have any reservations prearranged.

Those coupon books are a crapshoot. Lots aren't good on weekends, the fine print says "limited availability" and a lot of the reviews I read on Trip Advisor indicate that motels aren't hesitant to say that they don't have any rooms available for that rate.

[US71]

Also, at most rest areas in the US you can find hotel discount guides, often sorted by exit number. You can get good deals through those books. That's what I usually do if I don't have any reservations prearranged.

Those coupon books are a crapshoot. Lots aren't good on weekends, the fine print says "limited availability" and a lot of the reviews I read on Trip Advisor indicate that motels aren't hesitant to say that they don't have any rooms available for that rate.

That happened to me in Ottawa, Kansas this Summer. The hotel didn't have any more rooms for the published coupon rate, but had several for $5 more. It wasn't even worth the coupon rate: it was a crappy Travelodge. Looked nice on the outside, but inside was a fire trap.

[Fixed quoting. -S.]

[mightyace]

My brother and I have generally have had good luck with the coupon books.

Part of the secret is to call them before you go there.  Plus, we look them up on the internet.