Agree to disagree then, I guess.
I have NEVER been charged extra at Motel 6 for anything. And my rooms have always had small, new bars of soap in them. No shampoo but I travel with my own anyway so that's no biggee. You can buy travel-size shampoos for about $1 or less so this sure isn't a deal-breaker, imho.
I have never stayed at a Motel 6, Days Inn, Super 8, etc., that aren't clean, with working TVs, decent showers, etc. More often than not, they have a pool. And I've always been treated quite nicely by staff. Everytime I've stayed in a more expensive Red Lion, Westin, Holiday Inn, etc., I feel like I'm getting took. Big time took.
Of course, if I needed internet access and other business services when I travel, I might agree with you more, Mark. However, I use travel as a time to break my addiction to these things.
Different strokes for different folks, I guess.
ETA: I just realized that it's been about 5-6 years since my kids traveled with us as a family when we have stayed in Motel 6 together and had more than 2 people in a room. So it is possible that this is a newer policy?
If you're flexible, you'll be fine
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tezza
We are fine with paying an average of 100$ a night for the both of us, is this realistic and will we be able to find places within the price range in June/July without reservations?
Tezza,
I think the short answer is that you'll have no real problem. Some nights you'll end up in a cheap and cheerful chain, others you'll find yourself at a 50s roadside motel and if you're reckoning on an average of $100 a night, you'll be building up a decent sized pot so from time to time you can stay in a bigger, more-international style place if you need a little luxury or there's nowhere else available.
There will be times when you have to try a couple of places but you're never going to be stuck.
You might also want to ask about wood cabin lodges when you end up in the national parks. You'd probably need to check availability on arrival in the park (i.e. in the morning) but we found them available both times we asked.
And here's another thought: why not pick up a 2-man tent, a couple of fold-up chairs and a pan or two from somewhere like WalMart on the way? It gives you that extra flexibility, it'll cost you about the equivalent of 1 night in a hotel (so one night on a camp site and it's paid for itself) and you'll have it for the rest of the journey if you need it. I'm sure I don't need to advise you Scandies on the delights of outdoor living but the 3 nights we spent in the Californian Redwoods were a real highlight.
We ended up bringing ours back (American Airlines have a HUGE baggage allowance) but to be honest you could dump it - or offer it to someone? - when you reach LA as you've had your money's worth by then.
