Another post just reminded me of my "homework assignment". There was a question by aussie_____ (can't remember) asking if they could play it by ear when traveling the SE. I said "yes". Someone strongly cautioned against doing so in Savannah, Charleston and Orlando.

I promised to check on June 20. Forgot. So, here are the results for availablity for tonight in those cities -

Savannah - 3 Hilton properties available in Savannah and 2 more within 20 miles

Charleston - 12 of the 15 Hilton properties are available for tonight

Orlando - 25 Hilton properties are available for tonight

It just took a few minutes to check one website. I'm a fan of "playing it by ear". Unless you want to be at a particular hotel in a particular area, you'll be in good shape. The Doubletree in the Historic District of Savannah is sold out. But, there are other options available.

Interesting results. I was especially amazed that only 3 Charleston hotels are booked for tonight. Felt sure Orlando would be wide open.

Of course the rates can be better if you book ahead - but not always

For those of us who like to "follow our noses" - or at least not plan every stop, minute and meal!

Thanks, Starrs

I like to wing sometimes and I think most of the time, it's worked out well for me.

I find that every time we have thought it would be ok to go without reservations, we used up too much holiday time trying to find a place to stay.
If it is an off season, or out of the way place, I am not worried, but places like Savannah and Charleston have only so many nice places, so I worry.
Having driven through Orlando this past year a few times, I can imagine there is always a room somewhere, the place is huge and has hundreds of hotels and motels.

As we recommended in the earlier thread, if you want to stay in a particular area, make the reservation ahead of time. Just with Hilton properties there was availablity in Savannah in the historic district, Midtown and out on 95. I was shocked that 12 out of the 15 Charleston Hilton hotels had availability. It's a good idea to know about possible special events in an area. But, in 20 years of traveling the SE I've only had difficulty finding a place to stay on same day/night - and that was in Columbus, GA 15 years ago before they built more hotels. Well, hotels were available, but I didn't want to stay out by the base.

Everyone has travel preferences. Was interested that this homework assignment validated my experiences. Aussiedreamer (I think) was going to be in one of the 3 cities on June 20 and there were very differing opinions if reservations would be required.

I wonder how their road trip is going

Anyone hear anything from Aussiedreamer or Aussiegirl or whoever was doing a SE driving location from Oz? Hope she does a trip report!