Cheap accommodation in Dallas & Nashville?
 

I am planning to backpack across the US this summer, and want to stay in Nashville and Dallas for one night each. But as there are no youth hostels in either of these places, I am finding it difficult to find affordable accommodation that is also near to all the main attractions(I have only such a short time so I dont want to waste it looking for buses etc). Being in the UK and not having a clue about either of these places does not help. So does anyone have any suggestions?

By "backpacking" to you plan to hitchhike across the United States? DO NOT HITCHHIKE IN THE UNITED STATES, it is very dangerous and you could end up dead. <BR><BR>Sorry if I'm scaring you, but there are some real monsters out there preying on (lone) female travelers. It's one of the lessons you learn growing up in the U.S. <BR><BR>If you can't find cheap accomodations, one plan would be to rent a cheap car and sleep in it at a 24-hour Wal-Mart. Many people RVing across the country "camp" at Wal-Marts. I don't know why, but it is a popular place to stay the night while in the RV.

I wouldnt dare to hitchhike (ever seen the Brad Pitt movie Kalifornia?), Im travelling by greyhound, plus Im going with my boyfriend, not alone, so I should be OK. The car hire idea is a good one though

hi, can't help much with nashville, but what exactly are you wanting to see in dallas, and how are you traveling? (bus, amtrak, etc.) Dallas is pretty spread out, so where you stay does make a difference. In general, the cheaper chains like Motel 6, Red Roof Inn, Super 8, will have somewhat reasonable rates and safe locations; you may do better money-wise with small independent motels but unfortunately in US, these sometimes aren't in such safe areas or may be in pretty bad condition. Also, sometimes colleges in the US will rent dormitory rooms in the summer; that might be an option for you.

I'll be arriving on the greyhound bus, and i'd like to see downtown Dallas, West End district, deep ellum etc, anything interesting really. I've checked out the motel chains and they are reasonable, but I dont know which ones are in a good area for seeing all of these things (Im in the UK and its hard to find a street map on the internet!)

Leila, check out the Days Inn Vanderbilt at www.daysinn.com. It can be inexpensive depending on the night, and you can walk or take buses to numerous downtown tourist and non-tourist areas.

Leila<BR>The bus station is very near the West End area. Two or three blocks. What price motel are you seeking? I live in Dallas and will make reservations for you if you wish. I think most buses stop running about 10:00 pm. I am going to be in Alaska part of the summer or I would haul you two around. My son's band, Cheap, Fast and Easy, plays in the West End at times. <BR><BR>I try to show "Texas hospitality" when I can. Let me know here if I can email you with more info. I will not do it without you O.K.

I live in Nashville so I can probably help... what type of $$ do you consider affordable? Also, what part of town are you interested in? (I am assuming downtown.) I'll try to give you a few suggestions.

I live in Dallas, too, and I'll gladly help however I can.<BR><BR>Unfortunately, Dallas has some sort of zoning law which prohibits hostels.<BR><BR>Your choices of accommodations here will depend on whether or not you have a car. If you do not, then you'll need to stay downtown to be close to the attractions, and that can be expensive. There are an Amerisuites and a Hampton Inn in the West End, and a indepedent hotel called the Paramount near the Greyhound station. You can book them online at www.travelweb.com<BR>If you can get a car, then your options are much borader. Motel 6 is the best cheap and clean motel in the USA. www.motel6.com. Super 8 is another reasonably-priced chain. There are lots ofboth of these all over Dallas and several on I-35E that will be convenient for you.<BR><BR>Good luck!