There is More To Cheap Motels Than Just A Bed And TV

There is More To Cheap Motels Than Just A Bed And TV

by Brooke Hayles

Booking a cheap motel online has many benefits. The main benefit of booking a hotel online is the cost. It's typically cheaper to book a hotel stay online. The online reservation services typically get a discount from the hotel itself for their purchase of the unbooked rooms. The online reservation service then passes that discount on to their customer.

Another benefit of booking cheap motels online is that not only is the consumer able to compare each motel's prices but also the amenities that the motels have to offer, which the room occupants might need, such as a hair dryer, internet connection in their room and/or lobby or a continental breakfast. Many of the cheap motels offer a basic continental breakfast which typically consists of cereal, bagels etc. Lastly the consumer is able to view pictures and also the opinions of other travelers, about the motel, so that they can get an understanding of what it is that they are booking.

Sometimes it is best to sacrifice luxury for location. Many times the cheap motels are at a walking distance of major attractions such as theme parks, beaches and museums. This makes it ideal for the traveler who doesn't want to be holed up in the room all the time. The traveler gets a reasonably priced place to sleep whilst spending the day seeing the sites and taking in all the local flavors that their travel destination has to offer.

A cheap motel doesn't mean that you get the bottom of the line service! Be careful of the bedbugs' kind of hotel. Many of these motels cut out the extra frills, which is what drives up the cost to begin with. These hotels offer the basic needs for the travelers, which include comfort, effective utilities and much more. Many of these motels cater to the financially savvy business person. These consumers don't typically care about a whole lot of added frills. They basically just need a place to work and sleep.

There are other benefits such as the many packages and perks of booking a cheap motel online. Some well known branded motel chains have begun to offer bonus rewards. If a person stays at these cheap motels or with one of their partners the costumer will gain reward points that can be turned in for free night stays, free meals with participating restaurants and more. Other promotions that are available are contests with prizes such as a free gas certificate. These motels also offer deals for many random reasons so it always good to check out their promotions.

These motels can really make a trip great. Not spending as much money on the hotel allows the traveler to spend more money on other things in the destination of choice. This can make many people very happy which in turn will make the trip all the more enjoyable.

Summary:

Cheap motels can really make a trip great. Not spending as much money on the hotel allows the traveler to spend more money on other things in the destination of choice. Many of these motels cut out the extra frills, which is what drives up the cost to begin with. These hotels offer the basic needs for the travelers, which include comfort, effective utilities and much more.

Cheap Means of Lodging - Alaska Vacation Rentals

Cheap Means of Lodging - Alaska Vacation Rentals

by Sylvestor Johnson

It is really very difficult to define the beauty of Alaska. A simple thought of spending vacation in Alaska creates excitement and thrills mind. Other than excitement, Alaska is related to polar bears, whales jumping high in the water, crystal glaciers and various other adventures. Alaska is just an awesome place for spending vacation. It is sure that one visit to Alaska will let you fall in love with it. There are lots many activities to do in Alaska such as glaciers hikes, sea kayaking, wildlife; fishing etc. Alaska is complete blend of excitement and adventure. And, if you really want to make it a life time experience then don't forget to accommodate in Alaska vacation rentals.

Today, Alaska vacation rentals are gaining popularity as they offer comfort at holidaying destination. There are certain features that easily can define Alaska vacation rentals, which are as follows:

*Privacy

*Comfort

*Cheap

Vacation rentals in Alaska are spacious and multi roomed. In other words, after having a tiring and adventurous day, you can relax either in living room or in your bed room or as you want. Vacation rentals embrace of all amenities present in home such as television, dryer etc. It has been observed that generally travelers feel deprived of home food while holidaying. But, fortunately, it doesn't happens while accommodating at Alaska vacation rental as it consist of fully furnished kitchen, in which anything can be cooked.

Traveler can also think of accommodating at Hotel or motel. It is true that hotel is also a good choice as it offers comfort. But along that it must be noted that they are expensive as compared to taking accommodation at vacation rentals. And, cost is regarded as a crucial criterion which is undertaken while deciding the place of accommodation.

Alaska vacation rentals are available in different sizes and location. They can be in a form of condo, bungalow, villa, apartment, cottage house etc. The cost or rent involved totally depends upon the location, size and the number of people accommodating at vacation rental. Thus, the traveler can chose the type as per his needs and budget.

Alaska is perfect holidaying destination for nature and adventure lovers. It is sure that Alaska will give you thousands of special moments which will make you're a trip an unforgettable holiday. And, you can treasure all your memorable moments by taking accommodation at Alaska vacation rentals.

Ski Vacations on the Cheap Side

Ski Vacations on the Cheap Side

by Shari Hearn

Let's face it; skiing is not one of your more inexpensive hobbies. It's not like hiking where you can buy a pair of hiking shoes, perhaps a walking stick, and just start hiking a trail. With skiing you have your special clothes, your special equipment, lessons, accommodations, lift tickets, etc. It can get quite pricey. But, you'd be amazed at what a little scaling back or research can save you. What are some of the ways you can cut down on the cost of your ski vacation?

Location

Let's start with the location. You don't have to go Aspen. You don't have to go to Park City. You don't have to go to Tahoe. If skiing's what you really want to do, try skiing in your own back yard and save some change. There are numerous lesser-known ski areas in many states that don't have the bells and whistles or the status attached to them, thus they're cheaper. And, if you can drive to them you can save yourself costly airfare.

For example, if you live in Southern California, save money by going to one of the fine ski areas within driving distance, such as Mountain High in Wrightwood, just a 90-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles, or just over 2 hours from San Diego. That's right; you can ski all day in the mountains, and have dinner on the beach. Another close ski area is Mt. Baldy. And that's just a 45-minute drive from Los Angeles.

Packages

Scour the internet for ski vacation packages that include your lodging, lift tickets, lessons, rentals, and, if possible, some meals.

Meals

Yes, it's really nice to ski all day and feast at night on filet mignon and a nice bottle of Cabernet. However, if you're on a budget and you just gotta ski, skip the expensive meal and go for a cheaper diner or fast-food restaurant. You can probably pick up a tasty burger for the cost of the tip at the fancy restaurant. And, if you want an inexpensive bottle of red wine to go with that burger, try picking up a less-expensive bottle of wine at home and bringing it with you.

Lodging

Yes, there's nothing like a condo at the ski resort where you can practically begin skiing from your back door. But, talk about sticker shock! Lodging at ski resorts can be expensive. Try staying at a hotel or motel a few-minutes-drive away. Or, cheaper yet, consider staying at a ski hostel.

There's an abundance of hostels across America near popular ski resorts at incredibly low prices. While it's true many of the rooms are dorm rooms with shared bathrooms, if it's a cheap ski vacation you want, hostels are the way to go. And, with many hostels, you can have family rooms or private rooms for a few extra dollars.

Hostels allow you to go to the prime ski areas on the cheap. For example, if you want to take a Ski Vacation to Breckenridge in Colorado, but can't afford the expensive lodging, you can stay in the dormitory at the Fireside Inn Bed & Breakfast (970-453-6456) for only $36 per person. You're only 5 minutes from the Breckenridge ski area, and 20 minutes to Keystone. And, during ski season, the bus to Breckenridge peaks stops at their front door. Not bad for $36 a night. If dormitory life's not for you, you can spend $80 for a private room with bunk bed.

How about a ski trip to Taos? You might want to consider the Abominable SnowMansion, a 60-year-old adobe lodge with dorm rooms, private rooms with shared baths and private rooms with private baths. You can have a bunk and a breakfast for only $20 per person or $36 per couple. A private room with a shared bath can be had for only $45 per couple or $33 for a single person, while a private room with private bath goes for $52 per couple or $45 for a single person. You can call them at 505-776-8298 for more information.

These are just two examples of hostels near great ski areas. There's sure to be one near your favorite ski resort. A quick search of "ski hostels" will reveal many inexpensive lodging choices.

Taking an inexpensive ski vacation often times requires a little thinking and a little sacrifice. But, the experience of skiing down a mountain makes it all worth it.

San Francisco on the Cheap

San Francisco on the Cheap

by Shari Hearn

If you've ever visited San Francisco, you know it can be a very expensive city. Hotel costs, restaurant tabs, valet fees and cab fares can add up quite quickly. But, if you know where the values are, that trip to San Francisco can actually fit into your budget quite nicely.

First, let's start with lodging. Yes, it's nice to stay at the Grand Hyatt on Union Square or the Mark Hopkins. But, let's face it, they're expensive. For budget considerations, I suggest you consider Lombard Street. No, not the crooked part of Lombard Street, but the section of Lombard Street which runs through the Cow Hollow and Marina districts in the northern part of San Francisco, near the Golden Gate Bridge.

You can find a nice room on Lombard Street for just under $100 a night, which is a far cry from the hotels on Union Square. But, what kind of room will your $100 get you? Of course, you're not going to get the luxury of a fancy hotel, but you're not paying for luxury. You're paying to enjoy San Francisco. Your $100 will buy you a comfortable, clean room. Also, you will generally receive free parking. If you drive to San Francisco or rent a car in San Francisco, free parking is a big deal. The luxury hotels usually charge for parking, as well as a in & out fees when you retrieve your car for a day trip or night out.

Lombard Street is also a great location. Just north of Lombard Street is Chestnut Street, with a movie theater, shops and wonderful food. To the south a few blocks you'll find Union Street, with upscale shops and, again, wonderful food. Lombard Street is also a good location for bus service to all parts of San Francisco, eliminating the need for expensive taxi rides.

You have numerous choices for lodging along Lombard Street. I've stayed at the Cow Hollow Motor Inn (415-921-5800) and find it to be good, inexpensive choice, with free parking, with a nice, inexpensive Italian restaurant located just north on Steiner Street (Ristorante Parma). One caveat I have about Cow Hollow, which can probably be applied to any of the motels on Lombard Street, is that you will probably want to request an inside room off the main streets, as they can get quite loud. Another motel you might consider would be La Luna Inn (415-346-4664), a recently renovated inn with some luxuries you wouldn't expect from a budget motel, such as pillow-top mattresses, flat screen TVs, wireless internet access and complimentary muffins, breads, coffee, tea and juices served every morning. All that for just under $100 per night for a single king or queen bed.

Restaurants can also add up to the cost of a vacation. San Francisco has a large amount of wonderful restaurants at inexpensive prices. Of course, you have to know which ones they are. Those would usually be the ones the locals frequent, so if you want to avoid over-priced restaurants, you'd stay away from restaurants in tourist traps like Fisherman's Wharf and go for neighborhood restaurants, such as those found in Cow Hollow and the Marina District, 24th Street in Noe Valley, or Potrero Hill. One very inexpensive restaurant I'd recommend in Potrero Hill is San Francisco Bar B Que, 1328 18th St., a wonderful little Thai BBQ restaurant that serves great food at cheap prices. If there's a wait, just put your name on the list and bop into Bloom's Saloon a couple doors down for a drink and great views of the downtown skyline.
As for inexpensive things to do in San Francisco, check out the free walking tours offered by San Francisco City Guides, a non-profit organization of more than 200 trained volunteers who lead free walking tours in San Francisco. Their website at sfcityguides.org lists all the many different walking tours of such sites as Chinatown, Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, and even ghost walks of supposedly haunted locations.

San Francisco is truly a great city to visit. It's even better when you know you can visit and experience all the city has to offer without breaking the bank.