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Sorry if this is a stupid question, I don't have much experience with motels just hotels. Next week I'm seeing a gig out of town, about 2 hours away and it's gonna let out late (probably around midnight) and I don't wanna be on the road that late. I also don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on a swanky hotel room for just one night either so I was thinking that a motel would be my best option.
Can I just walk into any motel and get a room for the night or do I have to book ahead? Do they only take credit cards like Hotels?
normally as long as you are not hitting high season you can just walk in, but it is much better, regardless as a motel versus hotel to have a reservation. BTW, there really are not that many motels anymore, even mid priced and budget priced rooms are listed as hotels. I would be a little uncomfortable staying at a true motel, especially if I were alone.
Keep in mind that some motels don't have late check-in. If you are sure you'd like to stay in a motel, I'd book the room ahead of time and check in before going to the gig. But I tend to stress if I don't plan ahead.
Also, many allow a no fee cancellation as long as you cancel by 6 PM the day of check-in.
They used to have motel discount books available a lot of places; they've probably been replaced by online deals.
Find out what hotels are in your target area, then shop online for good deals.
You may get discounts if you belong to AAA, AARP, or other organizations.
You can always get a better price by booking ahead especially by using Hotwire.
Walking in a motel at midnight looking for a room you'll pay top dollar. Probably as much as you would have booking a hotel ahead of time on a discount site.
After spending a few nights in the car, I learned to make my reservations ahead of time. Even if its just same-day. Call, or go online. Even if it turns out to be full, I'd rather learn that when I call at 1PM than to find out the hard way when I show up unexpectedly at 9.
As someone who has worked in hotels/motels in the past, I'd never just show up.. I remember one place I worked at, the weather was gorgeous that weekend, all of a sudden, there wasn't an available hotel room within 50 miles or so. There were quite a few unhappy people that went from place to place to discover this.
No you do not need a reservation unless there is a major event in that area when you are going. If that is the case, Chances are, everything is booked by now. I would check first
I don't know if you travel with pets, but if you do, you should definitely make a reservation, as most pet friendly motels only set aside a certain number of rooms for those with pets.
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