Trusted motels?

[crosscountry]

What's priceline express? Is it different from priceline.com?

 

[mdf]

i use the hotels button in google maps to get a sense of what the geographic options are.
Then I usually book through the HIlton website or booking.com, but compare prices going direct.
I like Hampton Inn because it usually has good coffee... hotel lobby coffee can be pretty weak and bad.

That said, I did recently stay in a nearly-new Best Western in Maine and an independent mom-and-pop between Reno and Mammoth, and both were nice.

 

[Jim Kenney]

What's priceline express? Is it different from priceline.com?

It's a lower cost function on the priceline website where you buy a motel room without knowing the exact motel until after purchase. You do know cost, rating, class, and location within a couple miles. Nonrefundable! Won't be acceptable for many folks, but if traveling solo or pairs can be good value.

 

[Tom K.]

Such a random roll of the dice. I've stayed in upper-middle level brands and had "not so great" experiences, if only a couple of times.

Then last summer, out of dire necessity -- bike race! -- we very reluctantly checked into a Motel 6. It was managed (owned?) by a vibrant young couple and the place was so spotless and shiny it almost required indoor sunglasses.

 

[teejaywhy]

I generally look for newer places and have had good luck with Holiday Inn Express.

I also do the geographical survey using Google maps, look at photos and read reviews. Book directly because it's easier to make changes.

 

[markojp]

Generally do a quick bit of research and go with price/rating, and don't mind local hotels at all. Chain wise, BW or BW+, Days Inn in Sandpoint was a nice and affordable surprise. When I used to travel with the pup, La Qinta was a go-to.

 

[Uncle-A]

I don't travel as much as I use to, but always book in advance and have had good luck with Marriott.

 

[crosscountry]

Then last summer, out of dire necessity -- bike race! -- we very reluctantly checked into a Motel 6. It was managed (owned?) by a vibrant young couple and the place was so spotless and shiny it almost required indoor sunglasses.

Last year was the "happy time" motel-wise. I think a large portion (90%?) of the motels did major update and remodeling during the down time of the pandemic!

I've stayed in quite a few budget motels last year. They were all spotless. Many got brand new interior, furniture and appliance. With that kind of condition, why pay more for the premium brands? So much so, I happily "downgraded" myself from Holiday Inns to Quality Inns and even Motel 6.

But those conditions didn't last. This year, those same new furniture and appliance were showing wear and tear. And the accumulation of dirt and grime over only a year...who would have guessed? I have by now been forced to upgrade myself back to Marriot and Holiday Inns.

(I've not have too much good experience with the Hilton brand. Maybe I expected too much. Found them disappointing)

 

[Bad Bob]

When working on a project will often spend several months in a Small ttown getting paid a federal per diem rate. I try to stay in a BW or preferably a Sure Stay. It helps build the points and streches the per diem. All I need is a clean bed, good wifi, and a breakfast is good but often monotonous.
The lower the living expenses the more untaxed income left to play with.

 

[PinnacleJim]

I have been using the Choice hotels (Comfort Inns and Suites and Sleep Inns) the last few years have been pretty happy overall. Generally lots of options, good prices and the Choice app works well. When doing a long drive (like to CO from NY) I will book the night before based on the weather forecast. Don't like scrambling for a room at the last minute when I am tired and hungry.

 

[Zirbl]

I don’t bother much with online reviews.

I was once about to book the cheapest place I could find in New York when bed bugs sprang to mind, so I thought I'd best see if there were reviews for the place.

Hotel Carter - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Tricia]

When we feel like its getting late, I'll often look ahead for a booking option while @Philpug drives.
Interestingly, where we stop changes over time as lodging options tend to be really nice then get a bit run down over time, then they get a facelift then run down.

Recently we've been happy with IHG and Hampton.
For longer stays we'll look for suites.