Hi Carol, thanks for your informative reply, very useful!

Chicago has only been chosen because of the flight price. In an ideal world it would been New York but then trip would be too long.

I am tempted to simply go to Las Vegas, and drive around that area on day trips because - as you say- most of my 'markers' are in that area.

Unforunately i'm still uncertain on group numbers but i think i'll investigate the group discount, got any wholesalers in mind? I can't think of where i could do that through...

I'll look for that book... i've looked on Amazon.co.uk and can't find a AAA motel guide. If anyone has a links to buy the guide from that would be cool.