Harry

We are planning a cross country trip on a budget. What budget hotel chain is the best deal for the money? Thanks.

Traveler

I'm not sure about a certain one, but if you stop at McDonald's restaurants along the way, they have a small magazine with really good discount coupons in them for hotels in those areas.

Jim

I like Fairfield Inn, Hampton Inn and (slightly higher on the food chain) Courtyard.

I generally avoid Days Inns and Ramadas.

Beth

I agree with HAmpton Inn and there is one in almost all cities. They are clean not fancy and the best part for traveling peoples is the free breakfast which makes it a good value! The spread may not be belgium waffles adn omlettes, but they usually include all kinds of fruit, cereal, hot oatmeal, bagels and cream cheese, donuts, coffe, juice etc. Very convenient, quick and inexpensive.

Larry

Hampton Inns are nice but generally close to $90.00 a night, hardly budget.

I would go with Red Roof Inns and Super 8s, usually new and consistent.

Debbie

My experience is that there is not one "good chain" in the budget area of hotels. One that's good in one town might be bad in the next. It's all in how the properties are managed. Although Hampton Inn as mentioned has always been good although I've found them to be on the high side of budget. I would get an Entertainment book in your home city and then use the Entertainment card to get a 50% discount at most hotels when the occupancy is not too full. You could save a lot of money this way. Most hotels will offer the discount even when they're not listed in the book but you have to request it. Books available at www.entertainment.com in case anyone wants to know.

dan woodlief

I generally try to stay at budget places. Service and ammenities certainly matter, but there are other things to look for. I have found that many times the noise level is high at these places, and that is the real downside to me. Take a look at who the others are staying at the place. I have had problems due to a huge school group in Gettysburg (and this place was about $100 a night), construction workers in Charleston (they warmed up their loud diesel pickups very early every morning), late night partying construction workers in the NC mountains, and military personnel on leave for the weekend in Petersburg, VA. Now I try to get rooms away from where I see a lot of teens unless with families, people hanging around in groups like they are staying long-term or too into hanging around and talking outside the rooms, and workers (nothing against them, but they have to get up and move about even earlier than I like to).

Diana

My husband and I stay at Motel 6 when it's just a place to sleep. They have free cable TV, free local phones, coffee and Danish in the morning (not so great, but there), comfortable beds.
They DO tend to be noisy so we always take earplugs, and also a clothespin or safety pin to make sure the curtains shut. They have an 800 number where you can make reservations and they are
under $60 night in most locations--some around $40. We only had one experience where the property was shabby, and this is out of at least two dozen stays. I would definitely recommend Motel 6. They also always have a restaurant like a Denny's nearby.

xxx

I've been happy with the service and quality of Super 8's and Holiday Inn Expresses.

Julie

Definitely Fairfield Inn. If you get a room with a single king bed most seem to come with a couch as well. Always very clean in my opinion. Also, Dateline did a special on hotel security not too long ago where they identified Fairfield as one of the most secure chains in America. FYI, I believe Motel 6 was the worst.

Gerry

I have had very good luck with the Super 8's. They are far better than Motel 6 and only a few $ more. Plus Motel 6's seem to always be full. You can buy a discount card on your first stay and you get 10% off all future stays. The card seems to be good forever and only costs a few dollars. I've never stayed a one that was not clean and well run although I'm sure like all chains they do have their lemons. Like all hotels watch out for bad neighborhoods.

jeannie

My observations ---
Super 8 -- not consistently clean.
Days Inn -- usually noisy groups or the ones near an Interstate allow those big trucks to park and keep their motor running all night.
Red Roof -- usually well maintained and clean.

xxx

dido on the super 8. i have probably stayed at them in 15 different cities in the u.s. & canada. i've always found them to be a good value, clean (which is my major criteria) & with a helpful staff.
motel 6's are cheaper but i would only stay at ones that look new. some of the older ones are filthy.

no

One word of warning about Fairfield Inns -- bring earplugs, because the walls are consistently the thinnest I've ever encountered. Have actually been awakened and KEPT awake on more than one occassion from the snoring THROUGH THE WALLS from the adjacent room!

JB

Courtyard by Marriott, hands down.

Owen O'Neill

I've tried them all and agree that Hampton Inn is the besin terms of consisitency. I prefer it to Fairfield. Red Roof is okay but my back always hurts after sleeping in their beds (must be me - haven't heard this complaint from others). I have stayed in Motel 6 and Super 8 many times and agree - if the facility is new (less than 3-5 years old) it will generally be good but some of them have become run down. Not mentioned by others but my absolute favorite and cheaper than Hampton or Fairfield is Microtel. It's a new chain and every one I've stayed in has been consisitently good and cheaper than comparable properties.

Jill

Another vote for Courtyard by Marriott and Hampton Inn.

Cali

I also vote for Hampton Inn and Courtyard by Marriott. They are superior to most of the other budget chains. Fairfields have the most uncomfortable beds!!!

Polly

I suggest that you listen to all of these ideas as the posters have experience with the chains they are recommending/dis-recommending. THEN, as you enter each state, stop at the welcome center and talk to the knowledgable and informed people who work there. They usually have the same coupon books that have been alluded to in previous postings AND they will phone ahead and make reservations for you. Do not under any circumstances overlook the value of those coupon books. I used one for lodging in Victoria, Vancouver Island and we ended up in as nice a room as we have EVER stayed in for $36 American. Actually, you can access them at www.hotelcoupons.com. Best wishes to you on this adventure.

Nookie Monster

Harry,

If you're on a budget, but have some time (i.e., you're not planning a 5-day endurance run across the U.S.), consider staying at some of the state parks along the way. Good rates on cabins or lodges, but you need to do your homework ahead of time, state by state, to see how they line up against your route.

NM