Risa

I noticed on another thread a person complained about all the Days Inns. I will be traveling by car this winter and would like to know if any of you avoid certain motel chains.
Also, I was wondering about the safety of motels with outside corridors where anyone off the street can approach your room. And who knows who has the keys besides you and the maid.

Which chains have high standards?
Thanks.

Safety-Concerns

Haven't been in a motel or hotel no matter how inexpensive that did not have a chain or bar at the top of the door that acts as another security device AND which has a peep hole so you can see who's outside before you open the door to anyone knocking. Someone outside even with a key can open the door only about 4 inches unless they use brute force to break it.
There are small wedge shaped battery operated mini alarms you shove against the bottom of the door from inside you can easily purchase. Someone from the outside opening your door will set off the alarm. I've seen them in travel catalogs, travel stores, in department and discount stores along with other travel accessories.
Some women travelers will go so far as to request a room next to (or very near) the lobby/reception because the owner/manager unit is usually just behind the lobby.

Jill

Courtyard by Marriott has inside corridors and great security. I used to travel solo quite a bit when I was in outside sales and always stayed there and felt safe. Plus the rooms are very nice and the rates are not bad.

Don

Risa, I stay in lots of motels and hotels every year and Microtel is truly the only budget hotel that is conistently good. Courtyard, Fairfield, and Hampton Inns are also good but not consistently budget-priced. What I like about Microtels is that are all new construction, all have interior corridors with electronic locks, rooms are space-efficient and immaculate, and cost is typically $32-$45 max per night. Some include continental breakfast.

Dottie

I agree with the above writer. Microtel has inside rooms, is very clean and reasonable in price. All that I have stayed in have offered a continental breakfast.

Owen O'Neill

Another vote in favor of Microtels. They are IMHO by far the best of any budget chain - far superior to red Roof or Motel 6 - really as good as a Hampton Inn but slightly smaller rooms. If I can afford and/or justify it ona particular trip I go for Marriot Courtyard but they are generally $30-40 more than Microtel. The only catch on Microtel is that all rooms (to the best of my knowledge) have one queen bed - a problem if you are traveling with a family/children.

Dottie

We stayed at a Microtel in Racine WI 2 weeks ago with double queen beds! Great accomadations and friendy staff.

Risa

Thanks everyone. I will try to find a Microtel, but I don't think I have ever seen one on the West Coast. I have seen Courtyards and they seem really nice too.
Any idea on which travel co. offers the wedge alarm? I looked through the fliers that I have and can't find any. Any info would help as I am overwhelmed at the office and don't have the time to call around. And I really need this car trip, without safety stress, whew.

hosteller

If you really don't want to worry about safety, stay at youth hostels if you can. They are clean, fun, friendly and very safe for single women travellers. I prefer it every time over a motel, especially if travelling alone. Just make sure you stick to HI hostels, some of the independants are a little sketchy.

Christina

Those portable alarms are often called "door stop alarms" Magellans has them for $10 (www.magellans.com) I don't stay in motels much but will cast my vote for Days Inn as very bad.

Lori

Days Inns are independently owned and operated. You can't throw in the whole lot and say they're "very bad". I have stayed in several, and have stayed twice at the Days Inn & Suites in Traverse City, MI. Nobody could tell me that that particular hotel is not worthy of a visit.

Do your homework. That particular chain has a "Sunburst" rating system and bestows a certain number of "sunbursts" on hotels that *exceed* minimum standards for the chain, 3-5 sunbursts, with a 5 being the top of the line in quality assurance. A 5 doesn't mean it's comparable to the Ritz ir 4 Seasons, but it's top of the line for a Days Inn.

Beth

Few motels even have "keys" any more. The door is opened with a magnetic card, and the combination is changed for every guest.

ldsant

I've recently stayed at a couple of Best Westerns and was very pleased with the hotel. Excellent staff, room was big, and good value for the $$.