Lodging for the budget traveler

[glc]

Wifi is now in almost all company-owned Motel 6 locations ($2.99 a night) and in quite a few franchise locations (often free). The company locations are a lot cleaner and nicer than they used to be, but the price is reflecting that - Accor is trying to go upscale with the Motel 6 brand now that they sold off Red Roof. It's still spartan when it comes to other amenities but for a place to crash for the night it suits the bill. Super 8 is getting pricey in a lot of locations and the quality is quite variable.

I'm on a trip right now - I stayed in the Super 8 in Van Buren AR ($64, very well maintained but heater fan was noisy), Motel 6 in Holbrook AZ ($40, also very well maintained, free wifi was unusable in the evening but fine early in the morning, shower stall, no tub), and Motel 6 in Yuma AZ ($53, very well maintained). I also stayed in the Big Texan motel in Amarillo TX ($57, not worth it, had to steal wifi from next door, not very well maintained, its draw is the old West decor, see attachment). Posting this from Yuma. Prices include AARP discount and tax.

[ATLChris]

Was the Motel 6 in Holbrook, AZ straight off I-40? I am going to be going through there soon and am looking for a cheap place to crash.

[glc]

Yes, it's at the northeast end of town out by the airport - exit 289. You can't miss it, it's a big one, over 100 rooms. Don't buy gas at the Chevron next door, it's 30 cents cheaper at the Circle K about a mile back in toward town. Your room key gets you a 10% discount at the Denny's next door. As Denny's goes, it's a decent one.

[Mark Sedenquist]

GLC, Thanks for the local news!

Mark

[Lifemagician]

Wifi is now in almost all company-owned Motel 6 locations ($2.99 a night) and in quite a few franchise locations (often free).

In 2007 I found that more than 80% of places I stayed - hostels, campgrounds, small motels - had Wifi, and only once was I asked to pay, $3 per night. That was at the hostel in Taos NM.

Now so dependent on my computer, it is the first thing I ask. :)

[Alexa]

I also stayed in the Big Texan motel in Amarillo TX ($57, not worth it, had to steal wifi from next door, not very well maintained, its draw is the old West decor, see attachment). Posting this from Yuma. Prices include AARP discount and tax.

I was thinking about staying there on my upcoming trip, now I'm wondering....

Wifi is a major plus for me, too. I took a Texas road trip a few months ago and two of the places I stayed, Ramada and Days Inn (I think), both promised wireless availability, but in both places it died out and I couldn't find it again - at the Ramada, I was fortunate to tap into someone else's.

I've stayed numerous times in Holiday Inn Express, including my Texas trip, and it's the only place on that trip with constant wireless internet. They are more expensive but the accommodations and hotels are much nicer than the lower priced places. Breakfast usually has a nice selection, lots of juices, boiled eggs, hot breads, biscuits, cereals, lots of fruits, and some have meats and scrambled eggs, milk, coffee and tea. Not bad, really, although I don't always eat breakfast. On some stays, I've been known to go down in my PJs and bring the goodies up to my room. Sometimes it's rather crowded in the breakfast area, sometimes it's okay.

The free breakfast hotel/motel chains I've been to are Holiday Inn/Express, Fairmont/Marriott, Best Western, Ramada, Days Inn, maybe others, but I don't remember which ones.

[Alexa]

In 2007 I found that more than 80% of places I stayed - hostels, campgrounds, small motels - had Wifi, and only once was I asked to pay, $3 per night. That was at the hostel in Taos NM.

Now so dependent on my computer, it is the first thing I ask. :)

You mentioned the hostel in Taos. I thought of going there, but it's really out of the way for me, but instead, I think I might give a try to the one in Santa Monica. Has anyone stayed there? It's not far from the beach, the pier, and city hall, so it's appears to be a good location. Where does one park the car? It appears to be in the heart of a busy section. I think I'll give them a call but I'd like to hear opinions from others, too.

[Lifemagician]

Alexa, whenever in LA I stay at the USA hostel on Schader, between Hollywood and Sunset. Clean, welcoming and secure. (The only place where I have found power outlets inside each locker, to secure your valuables while recharging them.)

They have a daily free shuttle to Santa Monica beach, and great activities most days and evenings, many of which are free.... and others modestly priced to cover costs.

You need to book though, it is a popular place.

[mestizo]

Hi,

The original post by Quebec Gen mentioned accommodation at "university residences".

Does anyone know where to find out any more about that?

Any info much appreciated for our first trip from England to New England :-)

[Midwest Michael]

Welcome to the RTA forum!

Sometimes colleges and universities will rent out their dorm rooms if they have extra space. It usually is something that you'll find during summer when classes are not in session. Not every school does it, but there are at least a few that do. Contacting each school directly is the only way I'd know of to find out where this is an option.