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John Cletheroe's
USA and Canada Holiday Hints |
In the USA and Canada even a small town will have several motels, usually located on the main roads on the outskirts of town, or clustered around an Interstate exit. Except perhaps in the centre of big cities, all motels have large free open air car parks.
Independently owned "mom and pop" motels often offer extremely good value for money. However, because standards and prices vary, you may well wish to cruise around before selecting an independent motel.
The national budget motel chains, especially Motel 6, offer consistently clean and tidy accommodation at a very low price. Most locations have an open air swimming pools. None have their own restaurant, but there are almost always restaurants a short drive away. Many Motel 6's have recently been refurbished to offer a higher standard of facilities in rooms. Most Motel 6's have outside walkways instead of inside corridors and an office instead of a fancy lobby.
In recent years the national Super 8 chain has raised its prices out of the budget range but it is still well worth considering, especially in a town which doesn't have a Motel 6. The standard of accommodation is at least equal to that of the expensive chains but most locations do not have their own restaurant.
Personally, I feel that the more expensive motel chains offer nothing over Motel 6 and Super 8 and are best left to business travellers on company expense accounts.
In the USA and Canada most motel visitors rise and depart early. Motel car parks are usually very nearly empty by 8am. Remember that it is entirely feasible to drive some way before stopping for breakfast.
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Most recently modified 28-Apr-02