John Cletheroe's
USA and Canada Holiday Hints

Motel Chains in the USA and Canada - Super 8

This is NOT the official Super 8 web site.

Description

Previously this web site highly recommended the Super 8 motel chain. While this recommendation remains valid for some Super 8 locations, at others the rates have now been increased to such an extent that they are aiming solely at the business market. Many of these locations are in medium sized towns where it seems to be that there is not likely to be a significant number of business travellers, so this policy seems somewhat ill-advised. Another recent poor central management decision is to list a range of rates in the directory at some locations instead of one fixed price, leading to bartering and disputes during check-in - again, not a policy which will attract customers, as several Super 8 check-in clerks mentioned to us in the summer of 2000. The timing of these changes with the huge rise in US and Canadian gas (petrol) prices in the summer 2000 shows particularly poor judgement at head office, and judging by our own observations the number of guests has dropped drastically.

The quality of accommodation in Super 8 motels is equal or superior to that of any other motel chain, except that there may not be an on-site restaurant or swimming pool. Their standards are extremely consistent. The prices at some locations are competitive but you do now need to be very selective in this respect.

Most Super 8's are built in the same style of two or three story building with mock Tudor beams on the outside walls. Access to rooms is via inside corridors. Photograph (77KB).

All locations offer non-smoking rooms.

All locations offer free coffee in the lobby in the morning. Many locations also offer a free continental breakfast.

At many locations children aged twelve and under stay free when accompanied by a paying adult in the same room.

We've never had to pay for car parking at any Super 8.

Super 8 offer a 10% discount through their "V.I.P." membership facility, which is well worth applying for. There is a nominal once-only charge of a few Dollars for this, which is more than repaid by the discount on the first night's lodging alone. After allowing for this V.I.P. discount Super 8 prices can occasionally work out less expensive than a Motel 6 in the same area.

Super 8 have very approximately 1700 properties in the USA but only a limited number of locations in Canada.

The Super 8 central reservations number is 1-800-800-8000. This is a toll-free US number. From the UK dial 001-800-800-8000, and normal international call rates apply.

Alternatively for a directory write to Super 8 Motels Inc., 1910 Eighth Avenue Northeast, Aberdeen, South Dakota, USA 57401-3207.

External Link

Motels

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As with all the other pages on this personal web site, all the information on this page is solely the opinion of the author, who has no connection whatsoever with any of the companies and organisations mentioned other than as an actual or potential customer.
About this personal web site JohnCletheroe

EMail me Please note that I do not represent Super 8 (or any other company or organisation) in any way and I cannot assist with requests for directories, reservations, details of locations, etc.

Most recently modified 18-Feb-04