Hi,

I need some advice from a European coming to the States....

I'm about to drive from Atlanta down to Miami on a week long trip (with 4 nights stopping in Orlando).

I've got to keep it on very low budget, so cheapy motels - $60/night max, preferably $30.

Is it better to trawl the internet before going, or drive around and find cheap motels on the road?

Thanks,
B.

You can do Atlanta to Orlando in 7 hours, so no need to stay overnight enroute. Just book your hotels online before going in Orlando and Miami. Best deal is by bidding on Priceline.

I too am confused. Unless you have plans along the way, there is no need to stop for a night between Atlanta and Orlando. If you're asking about $30 a night motels in Orlando -- that's another matter.

There are cheapy motels/hotels in Orlando outside the "gates", and you should be able to find some in your price range of $30 but they will be very basic.

I'd also suggest trying Priceline as a better alternative and you can probably get a better hotel. We went to Orlando once and just drove out the East Gate, and found LOTS of hotels and choose one that I think was at the time $25 a night.

Good luck and have a GREAT time.

it's a week long trip doing atlanta to orlando in one day, then staying three nights, then an aimless tour around florida for the rest of the week.

thanks for mentioning priceline, I'll check it out

B

Priceline for sure for cheap deals.

If you really are going to just "aimlessly" go around Southern Florida for a week then I would not book a non-refundable motel through a website such as Priceline.

In your situation you are probably better off just finding a place off of the freeway when you decide you want to set up camp.

When you enter Florida on the interstate you can also pick up a free book at the Welcome Station, or at most gas stations and chain restaurants at the interchanges. These will have discount offers good at the cheaper chain motels along the interstate.

But I'm concerned if you are thinking that "wandering aimlessly" means staying at motels out along rural interstates (not that there's that much rural in southern Florida these days), or if you're looking to stay IN cities?