A knights inn is where my parents had to explain prostitution to 8 year old me.

@captainfactoid3867

3 жыл бұрын

That is hilarious

@noelleelizabeth9991

3 жыл бұрын

😂😂😂

@xxWILBURxx

3 жыл бұрын

I had a similar experience but it was an Econolodge

@cificare2184

3 жыл бұрын

@@xxWILBURxx I stayed at one that had the grungiest chair! Never again.

@xxWILBURxx

3 жыл бұрын

@@cificare2184 I remember at 9 years old asking my dad why are all these hot women running around the parking lot with all these different creepy looking guys? And he was just like “they’re whores son” 😂 and proceeded to explain to me what that meant 😂😂 OG was a disturbing experience but the first time my father and I bonded as “men” lmfao

I just retired after 45 years on the road for a major chemical company. I logged well over 2 million miles and stayed in hotels over 3,000 nights. I'd guess that would probably make me a little qualified to talk about "road trip hotels" . When you travel extensively you strive for one thing and one thing only.....consistency. When you stay at a hotel chain, you want each and every hotel (or as close as possible), to be exactly the same quality. NO SURPRISES. I was a Marriott Platinum for 20+ years and a Hilton Diamond for 20+ years. I was even an original Holiday Inn Inner Circle member in 1976 !! Best Hotel chain for road trips.......Hampton Inn. They are everywhere...provide incredible consistency (with an exception here and there of course), and are all nice quality for the dollar.

@jlawrence0181

3 жыл бұрын

It all depends on who is paying for it. If you are working for a large corporation and they don't care about the cost, deopping $120 a night is no problem. However, if you are running your own business, there is not much value in any of the Hilton or Marriott properties.

@rds990

3 жыл бұрын

@@jlawrence0181 I now run my own business and stay.....at Hampton Inns. The "value" is knowing you won't have screaming kids, mice, bedbugs, and craziness. It's also knowing you'll have decent towels, a good night's sleep, and working plumbing. The difference between a $90 flea bag motel, and a $120 night Hampton is negligible. Besides...I have not paid more than $90 for a Hampton in the last 4 months.

@songbirdforjesus2381

3 жыл бұрын

What about the Comfort Inn?

@rds990

3 жыл бұрын

@@songbirdforjesus2381 Some are OK....lots are garbage. No consistency. That's the key. When you book, regardless of area, you want to know it's fine.

@Caderic

3 жыл бұрын

@@rds990 Your opinion is of great value, because of your experience. But don't fool yourself, it's your opinion not fact.

I’ve had very good luck at little non-chain privately owned ‘mom and pop’ motels or bed and breakfasts. When the owner’s income is on the line it can make a difference. Once in western Nebraska the owner had to be somewhere else at my arrival time. She sent me a very apologetic text and explanation and left the keys in an outside mailbox. Said she’d be there in the morning and I could pay then, which I did. A place in eastern Iowa locked up every day at 8PM but left the keys outside so I could get in. I got there about 8:30PM and the chocolate chip cookies on a plate inside the door were still warm. So I try to find these types of places, hoping for cookies.

@glennso47

10 ай бұрын

Cookies. That’s why I have given blood. The local blood bank has a sticker for your lapel “I did it for the cookies “! 😬

Hey everyone. This video is three years old and in the time since then I've noticed many Red Roof Inns take a nose dive in quality. I'm not sure if the chain is going low budget or if they're not keeping up with individual property owners. Most are still ok but do double check the reviews. A lot of Motel 6s have gotten sketchy in that time as well but most are still ok. Some Quality Inns have slipped as well but the good majority of those are fine.

@RishiJalukar

2 жыл бұрын

I feel like they all have gone downhill. Maybe I’m just getting older and noticing more things, but I have noticed the quality of Comfort Inn take a nosedive in recent years

@matyikari7958

2 жыл бұрын

Same with Super 8 I think.

@animaeinfinitus1910

2 жыл бұрын

You are correct. Worst place I ever stayed was a Red Roof Inn.

@duffal0

2 жыл бұрын

I went to a red roof inn around Knoxville (which I believe is in your neck of the woods), and it was the worst place I’ve slept in my life. Dried Blood on the sheets, musty smell, cigarette butts outside on the floor, rusty faucet, old towel on the floor…. Sheesh

@happygilmore5948

2 жыл бұрын

The pandemic must've done them in.

Knights Inn...where "Breakfast Included!" means a toaster and loaf of generic white bread set on top of a broken washer in the Guest Laundry.

@GeographyKing

3 жыл бұрын

That sounds like one of the nicer ones.

@stevenmorton2059

3 жыл бұрын

Most of the Knight's Inns that I remember were either within a block or two of a ghetto or in the middle of one...

@lostfan5054

3 жыл бұрын

I went to a glory hole at a Knight's Inn!!

@oscarmorales8979

3 жыл бұрын

There was a shooting at the Knights Inn in my town recently. The motel is located in a very industrial area and totally looks like somewhere where someone would get shot at.

@paulwalker1443

3 жыл бұрын

Now that is funny. I always like these "free continental breakfasts", which basically mean you will have to search the continent for a worse breakfast.

I sleep in my car. The price is right, courteous service, location is just off the highway.

@nicholasjanosy2214

3 жыл бұрын

You can also get a room upgrade, by parking at Wallymart.

@isidoreaerys8745

3 жыл бұрын

@Lee Dawson more likely to be the police knocking. To harass you or threaten you with force for escaping the mindless consumerism which they protect for their corporate masters.

@rds990

3 жыл бұрын

Actually way underrated....except in winter in Minnesota !

@freddiearay6179

3 жыл бұрын

Yyyy

@freddiearay6179

3 жыл бұрын

Y9yo

As a cat owner, remember to check with pet friendly hotels first because a lot of chains say they are pet friendly, but only allow dogs

@glennso47

11 ай бұрын

I own a betta fish.

@mattm7798

3 ай бұрын

Just don't even bother saying you have a pet. It just gives them the chance to charge you a pet fee and claim damages.

Back in the 90's I called a Motel 6 to question a bill. The manager was seriously rough and gruff and became very combative without provocation (seriously, I wasn't being a Karen). I realized later that a) Motel 6 probably hires bottom of the barrel talent, and b) the manager was probably used to dealing with crackheads. BTW, our room had roaches that you could strap a saddle on. We nicknamed the biggest one "Fred."

@debbieannsmith8962

Жыл бұрын

🤣🤣🤣

@lindamerchant123

Жыл бұрын

Motel 6 isn't the friendly inn service it once was the personnel are rude questioning how long you'll be staying many times denying service yet pet friendly at least

@thomasmacdiarmid8251

4 ай бұрын

Most of the chains do not hire any managers - they are franchises. A person or a family will be the owners, sometimes small local conglomerates (i.e. a few families pooling resources and decision-making, although the day-to-day decisions will be a partner-manager). This can be a good business model, but it can make the chains uneven. I worked for a few years on 'franchise enforcement', including several that Kyle mentioned, and the stated requirements for the franchise are all quite respectable, but when local owners cut corners or are inattentive, it can be hard to monitor and enforce.

In my opinion, any lodging where the doors to the rooms open to the outside is a motel and any lodging where the doors to the rooms open to an inside hallway is a hotel. Keep in mind that a lot of chains offer reward points that can be redeemed for either free stays or discounted stays.

@poohgaze2338

3 жыл бұрын

I think older Courtyard by Marriotts, TownePlace Suites, and Residence Inns might break this rule.

@JakeKoenig

Жыл бұрын

There are a few really sketchy "hotels" in my city (Austin) with doors on the inside, but you wouldn't want to stay there. Knowing the crime rates of wherever you're planning to stay overnight is the best way to pick a motel or hotel. I'd rather have a cheap room in a safe part of town than a nice room in a bad part of town.

@jimpern

Жыл бұрын

I've stayed at a couple of lodgings in the last year that had BOTH inside and outside doors! What would you call them?

@HalfLife-hq8eu

Жыл бұрын

​@@jimpern mohel

I remember when Ramada was an upscale motel, but they have become more downscale over the years.I’ve seen a lot of sketchy Ramada’s.

@DugrozReports

3 жыл бұрын

Agree! When I was a kid (80's and early 90's) and we traveled, my Mom would say things like "Ramada??? We don't have that kind of money!!!" Now, it's about the worst motel in my town.

@smitty2jones

3 жыл бұрын

@@DugrozReports Crazy, the Ramada in my city is still really nice. It's a convention center too, my employer's Christmas party was there a few years ago, there are tons of weddings and receptions there too.

@danmoritz3319

3 жыл бұрын

Me, too. At a Ramada on the south edge of Jacksonville, Fla.,first, we had to change rooms, as nothing worked, then we had some anti- white, racist black kitchen staff, whom we reported to management. They suspected us, the guests were troublemakers, until it finally revealed the black WAS the problem. The next morning, the black was replaced by very mannered, professional Asian staff and there was no issue, at all.

@danmoritz3319

3 жыл бұрын

@JesseFuckingJUUL- Explaining reality to those in deceit, denial and delusion of reality will be a waste of my time. Real anti-white racism is not uncommon in the Jacksonville area. If you search it, it even comes up on the internet. So much for your lying, gaslighting mind games, JUUL substance abuser. All anyone has to do is look at your profile to see the truth of what's going on here.

@casualsuede

3 жыл бұрын

It was around the level of a low end Hilton hotel back in the 1980's. It is trash now, a neglected chain.

Most younger folks (under 50 today )don't know this..........In the 60's, and 70's mid-priced hotels like Holiday Inn were completely different animals than today. About the mid 80's they started to change, but before that, there were very few mid-priced "motel" choices other than Holiday Inn (not HI Express) and Best Western. Oh there were a few....but nothing like today. Each hotel had a large, full service restaurant, a big bar and generally that bar had a live band (YEP) on almost every night except Sunday and Monday. These places were really hopping in some cases. They were the cause of many marital breakups back then I'm sure. I know of a few myself. As disco became the rage in the late '70's , mid-priced hotels switched to DJ's, but some still kept bands. I'm telling you some of the hotel bars were more hoppin' than some clubs today !! No lie. The expense accounts were funding the places and everyone partied. As recessions became more frequent and company's let more MBA's and bean counters run them, a lot of the extra expense spending was forbidden, and the hotels started to eliminate this stuff. But we sure had fun while it lasted !!! 😎🕺🏻

@rds990

3 жыл бұрын

@James05574 10-4 on that. Sad.

@paulburley7993

3 жыл бұрын

Yup. I remember those times in my part of Canada. Great entertainment. We cabbed from one place to another all night. (Actually we drove ourselves.😳 It was the seventies.)

@rambojambone4586

3 жыл бұрын

All had restaurants and bars. Today it’s a six pack in front of tv

@rhiahlMT

3 жыл бұрын

There is one Holiday Inn up in Martinsburg, WV that is still like this. Nice hotel too. Just north of Winchester, VA.

@Nightowl2548

3 жыл бұрын

So that part about "Murph and the Magictones" playing the Holiday Inn at the beginning of the Blues Brothers movie wasn't farce?

I'd highly recommend reading reviews for any hotel you plan on staying at. Quality can vary greatly within a chain. I've found that booking a trip with one chain, while convenient, is rarely practical. I stopped staying the lowest level hotels over 10 years ago and the last few years I've been increasingly staying at the middle tier (the highest mentioned here). As I get older (now 60) comfort and convenience become something I am more willing to pay for.

@bthomson

2 жыл бұрын

That's not old! 60 is the new 40!

@rodneystanger1651

2 жыл бұрын

@@bthomson I'm 63, and trust me, it's not lol.

@ranak9534

Жыл бұрын

Roaches vs bed bugs. What would you pick

I usually stay at Hampton Inn given the choice, and have never been disappointed. Always clean, nicely appointed, with no outdated furniture or fixtures, comfortable beds, etc. I consider them the top end of the mid level hotels.

@rstewart5200

3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely agree! You can get great deals on some of their older properties, but facilities & rooms are always clean. Very seldom do you get a unhelpful employee.

@gars129

3 жыл бұрын

The Hampton Inn in San Juan is one of the best rated hotels in the city, not that other hotels are bad.

@jasonmcdaniel345

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I'm fond of Hampton Inn whenever I travel for business. I have stayed a couple Hamptons that were "no frills" (outdated, lower-quality breakfast, not much of in the way of amenities, etc.). The one near the airport in Denver is really nice. They even had complimentary beer, wine, and snack bar during "happy hour". I was there during a blizzard and had the free beer and nachos for dinner one night because the conditions were too bad to go out.

@Fusako8

3 жыл бұрын

Having worked for Hampton Inn (And 8 other hotel chains), Hampton is in my top tier of places I look to stay personally. (I check out Hampton, Hilton Garden inn, or Doubletree on the Hilton side, and Springhill Suites, Courtyard, and Residence Inn on the Marriot side.) Everything else being equal, I'd stay at the Springhill Suites first. (Free breakfast, Free internet, Larger rooms than Hampton, similar otherwise.)

@keeneboy7700

3 жыл бұрын

Really like the Hampton Inn in El Paso. But I also have gotten an amazing deal at the La Quinta near there, and it was perfectly acceptable (especially at $44 a night).

If the room price is the same, always book one with (2) Queen beds. You have a 50% chance of one of the mattresses being really good.

@Lerxstification

3 жыл бұрын

and that only 1 has blood and bedbugs!

@ronald3419

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, David. I will definitely take that under advisement as I search for a hotel for my trip to my class reunion in September.

@KrolKaz

Жыл бұрын

I do that when traveling alone and usually let a homeless woman take the bed beside me.

@JakeKoenig

Жыл бұрын

Also, two beds are usually booked by people who aren't having sex, so you'd figure there's less black light evidence in those rooms.

@jandrew1994

Жыл бұрын

well, that, and the other mattress serves as a perfect landing spot for your belongings as opposed to the floor

Wingate is probably top tier when it comes to motels for road trips. They’re expensive but if you want 1 day of a perfect clean room that’s very modern and nice they’re totally worth the stay.

@imafork4526

3 жыл бұрын

Hey clawboss!!

@CAPNsaveya

3 жыл бұрын

Hey clawboss!!!

@LeDank

3 жыл бұрын

Love Wingate hotels. The one in Hurricane Utah is a go-to when I’m in the area.

@gachashikaro445

3 жыл бұрын

Fancy seeing you hete claw

Biggest thing I'm nervous about at a motel is not the neighborhood but the cleanliness of the comforter and towels. Good luck.

Hampton Inn is the one I usually stay at.

@Matt_from_Florida

3 жыл бұрын

Have always had good luck with them.

@cadenjones7886

3 жыл бұрын

Thats where I stay usually too

@trailerparksupervisor7046

3 жыл бұрын

Who asked you?

@Bobrogers99

3 жыл бұрын

Hampton Inn has been where I stay 5 or 6 times a year pre-Covid, and I've always found it to be especially clean and the staff friendly. In the past year they've cut a few corners on their "free" breakfast but it's still quite OK.

@peteguard3571

3 жыл бұрын

I have found Hampton Inn to be one of the worst motel chains

Motel 6 got its name from the fact that when it started the rooms were $6 a night. There was a pay phone, outside, at the end of the floor and you had to pay 50 cents for a key to turn on the TV.

3 жыл бұрын

And Days Inn used to be called 8 Days Inn for the same reason. When their prices exceeded the $8 they eventually Dropped the 8 from the name.

@paulwalker1443

Жыл бұрын

I am old enough to remember Motel 6 when they charged for the use of the TV. And it wasn't even color tv. I would place this at about 1979.

@higgy04

Жыл бұрын

Did they ‘Leave the light on for you’? Thanks Tom Bodette.

A recommendation: if you're rolling down the road and feel worn out but don't need a lot of sleep or are short on money. As a truck driver I tell friends go to a big truck stop and buy a shower. Prices range from $9 - 14. Hot shower with soap and towels in a private locked room. No time limit

"I've never seen a sketchy Super 8" Then you've not been to Super 8 in Michigan City IN. I got solicited in the stairwell, caring my bags, with my wife right behind me.

@chex313

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds nice...What did you pay?😊

@karengerace7506

2 жыл бұрын

Try Super 8 in eastern TN and there are whores galore. More than one male hit on me unsuccessfully and I'm in my 60's, traveling to see friends

I was an Assistant Manager of a Best Western franchise back in the mid 1980s. BW had very high standards back then. It was really hospitality industry back then. Patels ruined things. Just being honest.

@loisaustin6200

3 жыл бұрын

That family owns just about every motel in the United States it seems.

@Stache987

2 жыл бұрын

As well as Singh's

@amarketing8749

2 жыл бұрын

Patel is a common last name like Smith or Johnson, so it's not 1 family. But I have to agree that hotels have really gone downhill in the last decade and I would rather pay more then bring bedbugs home with me.

@Stache987

2 жыл бұрын

@@amarketing8749 what Lois is most likely trying to say, nicely, is that America's hotels are being run by their countries citizens, and these citizens I may add, aren't maintaining them to their fullest potential, and they run down fast. You will see many industries following this practice, convenience and liquor stores, lodging of any form, restaurants are just a few. A story I heard who worked in a chain restaurant specializing in chicken was one, the employees spoke up about foul and rotting chicken, the owner said to give them a bleach bath and sell them anyway, 3 employees walked out immediately off that job and never went back. So their standards are not the same. I lived in a town of 8000 people it had two liquor stores, one was a foreign partnership, as it turns out they had multiple stores, but my town had a larger backroom, and one of the partners slept back there, not only for refreshing sleep, but the with some employees kind.

@zhbvenkhoReload

Жыл бұрын

Right on ☺️

I feel all of these chains can be hit or miss. I think the best is checking out the Google reviews and at least taking them into consideration.

@kevinrockford9826

3 жыл бұрын

Patel family ruined hospitality business

@tolfan4438

3 жыл бұрын

I booked a hotel in Vegas based on the bad reviews. They're loud parties they smelled weed they saw hookers security wouldn't do anything. Welcome to Vegas.

@acciid

3 жыл бұрын

You don't book a hotel room in Vegas to sleep. You book it to pass out.

@brianarbenz7206

3 жыл бұрын

Loud parties in Las Vegas? Gads!

@ccbsnyc

3 жыл бұрын

I've stayed at many Days inns and Super 8. There is a lot of inconsistency in decor, price and service. Some of the cheaper ones have been the best. All of my experiences at Microtel have been disastrous. Each and every one has been noisy either through neighbors or the parking lot. And they all seem to have trouble with the Wndham booking system. I always book through Wyndham, as I get a 10% discount and bonus points. Using the various booking services on the net is the biggest ripoff.

The big difference between Quality Inn and Comfort Inn is that Quality Inn is typically a "conversion brand" for buildings that were originally built under a different brand, while Comfort Inn is more intended for new construction.

For my 7700 mile cross country 6 wk trip I stayed every 3-4 days in a motel 6 or red roof. The rest of the nights it was my "Prius motel" and I saved lots of money. Never felt threatened or unsafe. I'm 5'10" and not skinny, but had plenty of room and had a great trip.

@kens805

2 жыл бұрын

Where did you park your "Prius Motel" (LOL) as you traveled??

@JakeKoenig

Жыл бұрын

I do the same thing, hotel every 3rd night. I got an insta-inflate car mattress for my long-body Prius and it's super comfy. I find a safe area to park, cover all my car windows, and sleep like a baby. I always have a handgun in the car, but I've never felt like I needed it.

@jandrew1994

Жыл бұрын

well Marie, me too, but that strategy is only good for about 7-8 months out of the year, also depending on what location of the country. In the peak of summer for most of the USA sleeping in the car is a no go. If the low temp is 65+ and humid then sleeping in the car becomes insufferable.

@allenh7835

10 ай бұрын

@@jandrew1994 That is a fact ! Fall is the only season i plan road trips. Solar/lithium powered ac is great, but high $$$ for now.

Hampton Inn is my favorite. I have to correct you on something... you said you will spend a lot more on this level room. You will spend a little more... than you will spend on a cheap room, but the difference in quality is huge.

@johnfd0210

3 жыл бұрын

I agree. I think Hampton Inn is the best, overall. I have stayed in many and never had a bad experience.

I don't have any road trips coming up but watching this is still interesting for some reason.

@ciyrainshgaming507

3 жыл бұрын

Same I dont even live in usa

@oscarmorales8979

3 жыл бұрын

I'm planning a road trip in 2021 hoping covid will no longer be a problem.

Our family just completed a 5,800 mile road trip from Texas to the west coast and back and stayed at IHG properties almost every night. We were not disappointed at all! Pro tip: if traveling with kids like we were, book a hotel room with a pool so the kids (and kids at heart) can unwind at the end of a long day. Also, CALL THE HOTEL to confirm their pool is open…sometimes they close them and you don’t want to miss out on that when you’ve been looking forward to it all day. We used the pool time to bribe the kiddos (ages 7 and 10) into good behavior in the car and it worked splendidly!

When I went on vacations and road trips with my family they always picked mid level to higher end hotels but I know I can’t afford that myself so this is a huge help since I’m planning to take a couple trips around the country either by myself or with a close friend or two in 2021. This is easily the channel that has helped me with planning some road trips out West, what National Parks are must-see, how long I should stay at them, and just general tips for cross country road trips. Love your channel, keep it up.

For some reason KZread is recommending this channel and not much else at the moment. And it's great. I'm English but I've done a few road trips in the US. Motels are part of the experience and I've stayed in a few dodgy ones. You can usually tell by the remote control bring screwed down, the door having been kicked in or the grim looking pool that you expect to find a body floating in in the morning. I've never had any issues though.

@yee3771

3 жыл бұрын

🤣

I'm from Norway, and when my wife and I travel around in the USA, we almost always stay at a motel 6, or in a Motel Super 8, cause my wife needs a hairdryer.!! But, we have Never booked in advance. Never had problems finding a Motel, so we'll stick to that strategy in the future as well. We have traveled from Seattle, Spokane, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, Salt Lake City, Flagstaff, Grand Canion, Las Vegas, LA, San Francisco, Portland, and everywhere in between multiple times.

@damasovi_travels1244

4 жыл бұрын

you are lucky! I have not been able to find a Motel 6 available in the San Diego California area at many weekends, my dad tough me to always make a reservation, and also ANY hotel was not available, not just the low end. Plus also I had had problems finding vacacncy near the California - Oregon border, twice in summer.

@crazeyjoe

3 жыл бұрын

Flagstaff, Arizona is an underrated destination!

@ednorton47

3 жыл бұрын

Super 8 is much better than Motel 6.

@rtex8563

3 жыл бұрын

After a really bad experience we had finding a room in Washington, DC during "school tours" time, I vowed never to arrive in a big city without a reservation again! Of course we were driving in pouring rain, and found the only room left in the city that was just as pricey as a decent place. It had a back door that didn't lock that faced a drainage ditch. I turned over in bed and the noise was so bad my companion thought someone was breaking in. She would not step foot in the shower for fear of germs. After sitting for 20 minutes in a local restaurant and not getting any service, we gave up and ate the remaining snacks we had in our sad room for dinner.

@Mountain4

3 жыл бұрын

You should try the east coast

Really good video! I hardly road-trip anymore, but I did a lot with my 35-pound, loud-mouth dog Eddie and before him, 60 -pond Wanda, and found that Motel 6s and Red Roof Inns were the most accommodating for both of us (and that includes near SFO and other parts of CA). Thanks for posting!

My favorite hotel brand for my road trips is Hampton Inn. I also have a Marriott rewards program as well as often the Marriott can be cheaper with basically the same features. If I am in an area for a while and want to spend a bit more I really do enjoy a couple nights at an Embassy Suites also occasionally I can get a really good deal on with.

Holiday inn express for me. Pricey, but really nice. Conveyor belt pancakes for breakfast.

@superkirbythatusesflextape475

3 жыл бұрын

The one i went to had the pancake conveyor belt was broke but it was great

@colbymcarthur7871

3 жыл бұрын

the cinnamon rolls are what gets me!

@superkirbythatusesflextape475

3 жыл бұрын

@@colbymcarthur7871 same

@dylandoge1627

3 жыл бұрын

holiday inn isn't a motelololol

@superkirbythatusesflextape475

3 жыл бұрын

@@dylandoge1627 it's holiday inn Express, it's a smaller version of holiday inn, so it is a motel

I just started watching your stuff a couple of days ago, and I've driven in all 50 states and most of the Canadian provinces. I agree 100% with what you've said here, and I've stayed in 90% of them also. I drove over the road in a KW conventional plus a couple of decades of supplier development and assistance for an aerospace firm, adding up to almost 1.5 million miles of driving. You know what you're talking about, and I'm looking forward to watching more of your videos. Well done!

@GeographyKing

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much. I'm glad you found the channel!

@leewhite-graham753

3 жыл бұрын

@@GeographyKing We just did as well and truly enjoy it!

@bthomson

2 жыл бұрын

Me too!

@TimothyZakaria

7 ай бұрын

​@GeographyKing this is an old video but do you know any motels in the US that accommodate homeless people that are not military vets? I lost money staying at a motel in Oregon

@TimothyZakaria

7 ай бұрын

​@@GeographyKingI liked Red Roof Inn but I no longer live in Chicago I'm in NY very expensive and hotels are money makers

My husband was a traveling salesman in So. California. He was a loyal guest at the Best Western in West Covina CA. He cultivated a long term relationship with the General Manager, she always gave him the best rate and the best room in the motel. Needless to say he was beyond satisfied!

Maybe you can also do a video on NON-chain motel experiences. I just stayed at this local mom and son owned motel in Arizona called the Bates motel. The owner lives in this lovely Victorian home on a hilltop right next to the motel, so if you need anything you can always just knock on their door.

@amarketing8749

2 жыл бұрын

🤣😂🤣😂

@pamelaleigh4225

Жыл бұрын

Yes, the best experiences I've ever had is at no n; corporate places. Don't make the rich richer! The best- old century old places.

@happygilmore5948

9 ай бұрын

There's an actual Bates Motel in Vale, OR.

We tend to stay at Comfort Inn or Quality Inn. We’ve had good luck with the Choice Hotels brand. Free breakfast and friendly staff.

@merricat3025

3 жыл бұрын

Those are good

You deserve so many more subs this is the most useful travel information I’ve ever seen thank you

G’day. I am going to Indiana this year. Came across your channel while researching. Love the channel. Have watched many of your videos. This one is very informative (update inc) as I have two road trips planned. Keep up the great work. All the best from Brisbane.

My husband and I have really taken a liking to staying at Sleep Inns in the last few years. Before the pandemic, we did a fair amount of traveling to various comic conventions during the summer, involving a lot of interstate highway driving. They're always found near a large truck stop like a Love's, they're similarly immaculately clean (I'm guessing same ownership), and while they're pretty basic rooms, they still have the courtesy of including microwaves and minifridges. Keep in mind that the huge resort hotels with large convention centers such as Hiltons, Hyatts, and Marriotts often nickel and dime you extra for basic amenities like these so it's nice to stay at a place on the way home where you can actually bring back your leftovers from a nearby restaurant and be able to reheat it the next morning before checking out.

Avoid motels where the door to your room opens on an outside walkway next to the parking lot unless you want to be awakened at 2 in the morning by drunken guests returning from a local bar or early morning or late night loud talking car door slammers. Places like this usually have expense saving thin walls and ceilings anyway. Spend just a little more and book a place with room doors on an inside hallway. The walls and ceilings are usually thicker thus quieter. I usually go with Super 8 but there other chains that are similar.

@seprishere

3 жыл бұрын

I have never seen that. Though I hear that even quite expensive Disney ones are like that.

@oscarmorales8979

3 жыл бұрын

I rather get covid than to stay at a motel with exterior corridors. Sure it's convenient to drive up to your room but I rather not have a bunch of peeping toms trying to look into my room.

@JohnSmith-kg3im

3 жыл бұрын

But the upside to having your door direct to outside is it’s a lot easier to get your motorcycle into your room. Easy unloading and better security.

@nlpnt

3 жыл бұрын

AKA actual motels, not just chain hotels. They're ok if you're on the ground level but if you're on the 2nd floor (they're seldom more than 2 stories) you get all the drawbacks without the benefit of direct access to your car.

@rhiahlMT

3 жыл бұрын

I'd prefer the ones that are pull up and the door is there. Easy to get the dog in and out. Not having to drag bags all over. I've also found for the most part, there are a lot of men working construction there and they really aren't late nighters unless it's the weekend. Put some binder clips in your hygiene bag and clip the curtains together. I usually travel with a shotgun so that goes in with me. A lot of my travel is bird dog competition trials.

Wow what a solid video, full of great content. I’m not even planning a road trip but this makes me want to! Wish I could thumbs up more the once!

Thank you for your informative video, breaking down the differences, pointing us to the right decisions that we all have to make while traveling.

Enjoyed this vid, well done sir! You hit all the major points of looking at road trip lodging! My personal favorite is Hampton Inn, they've never let me down!

Our taxi driver refused to take us to the Howard Johnsons in Washington DC, which we had booked online, and the lady at the train station said "you are staying at the HO-tel?" Got back from dinner and the carpark was full of police cars, because they had raided the place for hookers! Having said that, most of the working girls were very pleasant to chat with at breakfast in the lobby! Another time, I stayed at one place in Texas that I swear had bloodstains in the bath/shower!! Man I love road tripping in the USA.

@Rey-Nolds

3 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣🤣🤣😂

@mats7492

3 жыл бұрын

at least its not boring

@xxWILBURxx

3 жыл бұрын

What do you expect!? DC is a shit hole 😂😂

@merriemisfit8406

2 жыл бұрын

The strangest stuff I ever found stuck to the bathroom wall in a motel was a bunch of smeary blobs of some kind of purple-y goop in Stanton, California. After walking the short distance up to Knott's Berry Farm and picking up a take-out dinner to eat back in the room, I realized the abstract purple design on the wall was BOYSENBERRY PIE!

@ronald3419

Жыл бұрын

Sounds like the pilot episode of Green Acres. Oliver: I just bought the Haney Place. Neighbors: THE HANEY PLACE???

I travel quite a bit for work and pleasure. My suggestion is this......... reviews, reviews and more reviews. A couple things to check for when you read reviews. 1. Check for consistency If there are multiple people posting reviews about bed bugs then most likely they have them. If you get a random bad rating about service or cleanliness then it most likely is a disgruntled ex employee or someone a little too picky. 2. Call the hotel directly. Sometimes you can get a feel for their customer service by simply talking to the front desk clerk. Of course nothing will gaurentee a great stay but do your due diligence and make your decision. Great video by the way.

@JudyJudyJudy44

3 жыл бұрын

I too recommend calling the motel direct instead of their 800 number...

@steviesevieria1868

3 жыл бұрын

Gator ...great advice

@twc3546

3 жыл бұрын

Ignore the best and worst reviews.

Your videos are frank, straightforward, clear, very informative and extremely helpful. Thank you. New subscriber.

Imo standings from my experience Best overall - holiday inn Best budget - days inn Mediocre - red roof inn Worst - motel 6

@merricat3025

3 жыл бұрын

I really have fun Motel 6 to be disgusting. The other ones you mentioned are all fine. They're pretty much the kind of places I stay at and I'm perfectly happy.

A Holiday inn Express that has a pancake printer for at breakfast bar. Love it

@markbajek2541

3 жыл бұрын

and paper thin bacon very nice if you've forgotten your dental floss.

@jalan8171

3 жыл бұрын

Preferred the belgian waffle makers. Super 8 dumped them due to abuse by customers and the staff being unwilling to clean and maintain them properly.

@crunchie83

3 жыл бұрын

The pancake printer, yes! And also the frustration of waiting in line for it behind a family with 100 kids, or an old couple confused about how to operate it even though it only has one button.

@reasonablerage4370

3 жыл бұрын

@@crunchie83 Lmao, so true.

Booked Days Inn and left after 1 hour. I felt I should have been armed to stay there, what a crack house. Went down the street to Motel 6 and had a pleasant stay.

Because of my extreme asthmatic response to pet dander, I prefer Tru and Home2, both are extra clean, but occasionally I will do a Hampton Inn.

As a touring dj and vaudeville performer, I just in general love your channel. But this one hit home :) keep it up!

Bedbugs have entered the chat

@mexalcorta

3 жыл бұрын

Semen stains have entered the chat

@dwighthawkins5955

3 жыл бұрын

Always carry plenty of 91 percent alcohol in a spray bottle. Pull the top blankets back and FULLY spray the sheets as well as the top blankets. Watch a little TV until dry. Sleep easier.

@Cjnw

3 жыл бұрын

@@dwighthawkins5955 Remember, alcohol over 55% ( 110 proof ) is flammable; so, doing so is dangerous ( especially if you are a smoker )!

@kevinrockford9826

3 жыл бұрын

Rodeway Inn Winston Salem NC.

@randalalansmith9883

3 жыл бұрын

You guys are gonna love This Is Dan Bell.

I live in Nashville and that downtown Quality Inn is constantly getting reports of bed bugs, prostitution, drug dealing and all sorts of other shady activity..

@unironicdoomer614

3 жыл бұрын

Where else am I going to get breakfast, cocaine, and booty all within the same building? This is definitely a perk.

@unironicdoomer614

3 жыл бұрын

@chris younts ha, that’s also all of west Texas.

@JWhiz

3 жыл бұрын

the Quality Inn in my town is super sketchy too. its right next to a Days Inn and they both look pretty rundown

@kmvstudios9072

3 жыл бұрын

I’ve stayed at Tru by Hilton in downtown Nashville and that was probably the best ‘regular’ hotel I’ve ever stayed in.

Thank you for this . I’m going on a 30 day road trip and this helped me immensely

Love the channel. Former over the road truck driver, but I’m recovering from that. Now I do enjoy traveling, mostly on my motorcycle

Great guide. I used to travel a lot for work and would chose the comfort chain due to their points system/free stays. You mentioned very little difference between Quality and Comfort, in my experience the general difference is Quality is generally older, and some (just a few) can be a bit rough, Comfort is generally a step up. If they are both in the same area almost always Comfort is the nicer of the 2 It's not hard and fast but that's been my experience.

@biancalucia8388

Жыл бұрын

I agree the comfort inn is way better than the quality inn.

Back in the 1990's, I went to Oregon, and i must've stayed at every Motel 6 along 101 & I-5. Great Vacation.

Awesome! Very helpful and practical information for those who travel for business or pleasure. Great job on this production!!

You're right on the money. I've worked in the hotel industry for 15yrs. I didn't know that the motel 6 will let you change your reservation at the last minute. That's pretty cool...

this is a very cool video! I do use motel 6 and super 8 and I do see small differences but like to compare at other brands. Thanks!

The mid-range motel chains are less risky than an unknown independent motel. For years, driving from New England to Florida annually we stayed at Quality, Comfort and Hampton motels, but just once stayed at a place in New Jersey whose description sounded perfect but proved to be downright scary. The restaurants in or around motels are sometimes offbeat or serving local cuisine, so that can factor in on your choice.

This is a very valuable video for those of us who don't travel often. Thank you, and safe travels to all.

Great video. Another chain you didn’t mention that I actually use myself is called the Baymont. It’s also one of Wyndham’s smaller brands. I stay at one in Champaign, IL when I visit my friend that lives there. It’s a pretty nice cheap motel and they serve breakfast as well (not a full breakfast now though because of COVID, just a paper bag with granola bars, yogurt, and fruit, etc.). Even though it’s very dated and in need of a serious update, I always enjoy my stay there and think it’s pretty great for the price. Their rooms usually start around $50 a night for a basic queen room. I always get the King Deluxe room which is usually around $75-$80 a night, and has a bigger 50inch tv that I prefer. The workers are nice and it’s in a nice area as well, right off the interstate. There are other hotels in the area that you mentioned in this video, such as a Red Roof Inn right across the street from it. I never stayed at that Red Roof Inn, but I always see people there and it seems like a great place to stay. I noticed that a lot of truckers like to stay at the Red Roof Inn because there is almost always a huge semi or two parked in front of it. And many of their guests have pets as well.

Holiday Inn EXpress has raised their prices and I think part of the reason they did that is what I saw as the proliferation of Fentanyl dealers staying in mid-level hotels during the pandemic. Many of the hotel chains you spoke of, not on the lowest rung, but even the middle rung and the La Quinta rung, became attractive to Fentanyl dealers, who would set up shop for a week at a time and then move across town to a different one and then another one, so as to not attract too much attention. IHG, who is the parent company of Holiday Inn EXpress is also rapidly expanding into smaller towns. In Eastern Washington, there is a brand new one in Union Gap and in Prosser. I stayed at a brand new one in Ely, Nevada, too. They are usually the nicest hotels in these smaller towns and that's why they can charge more.

I always try to stay at Comfort Inn, its always much nicer than Quality Inn! Plus if you stay a lot you get lots of points!

I have been doing a lot of road trippin lately and I totally agree with your assesment. Great Job, seriously.

@GeographyKing

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

I'm astounded by how accurate these ratings are. Another great video!

I really enjoy your videos, including this one. I may not always agree with everything you say, but I respect your opinions and the fact that you tackle topics that few others do.

@GeographyKing

6 жыл бұрын

I appreciate the comment. I try to post stuff that hasn't been beaten to death by others. If people find the information useful that's all I can ask for.

I’ve worked in the hotel industry for a decade in 4 different chains (arguably 5 because my hotel lent me to another property for a week once within our company when that hotel was very short staff) and it kills me inside that you have Hampton Inn with the same grouping as Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, and to a lesser extent a couple of the others. Hampton Inn isn’t even the low end of Hilton chains. Home 2 Suites and Tru by Hilton are closer to those than Hampton. I’ve worked at a Comfort Inn before and from an employee perspective, Comfort Inn is honestly no better than Motel 6. The only real difference is the price point because Comfort Inn can get away with charging higher rates because they don’t have “motel” in their name. Otherwise pretty good video for road trippers on a budget. I’ve stayed at almost all of these at some point besides usually using my hotel employee travel discount and most of the list is spot on. Side note: The Hampton Inn Birmingham-Tutwiler building in Birmingham, Alabama is one of my favorite buildings in the south and I would highly recommend it to anyone ever traveling to Birmingham. It’s a gorgeous and historic building.

@kevinrockford9826

3 жыл бұрын

I was a Best Western Assistant Manager back in the mid 1980s. I left for a factory job for much better pay and benefits and weekends off.

Informative & insightful, thank you very much for your efforts!

Good choices. I was surprised you didn't mention Days Inn. Two of the three I stayed in may last road trip were terrific. One was a little less polished, in fact I found a spot of black mold behind a night stand when I retrieved a pen that rolled off a nightstand. But it was clean and dry other than that one spot on the wall.

Meanwhile me who found a handgun in my super 8 Omaha room: 👉👈

@mkshffr4936

3 жыл бұрын

Nice score. 😄

@cloroxlavenderscent4307

3 жыл бұрын

What gun was it. Let me guess Lorcin or hi point? Maybe a jennings

@WAL_DC-6B

3 жыл бұрын

Was that the Super 8 near the airport? Anyway, I'd love to find a Thompson machine gun with the round barrel!

@larra_bird6803

3 жыл бұрын

An update to everybody who's asking: I'm not a gun guy, I don't know what model it was, we reported it to the police and they confiscated it.

@larra_bird6803

3 жыл бұрын

@@WAL_DC-6B no idea, i was travelling by car and most of it was at night anyways. All I know is that there was a really fancy Italian restraunt next door

Thanks for this, planning roadtrip next year. Very helpful video. Just need to find price levels now 😃

@GeographyKing

5 жыл бұрын

Glad to be helpful. If you have any questions about road tripping, check out one of my other videos that may be useful. I'll be glad to answer any questions you may have.

@perfectlyweirdkari413

5 жыл бұрын

Geography King Thank you! I might take you up on that 😃

I moved from MD to WA in June and slept in the U Haul. One night at a Love's truck stop in Fargo, ND and another in some dirt patch behind a gas station next to a railroad east of Butte, MT. From my experience I'd advise into looking up Bureau of Land Management sites, they're usually free if not $25/night and some have electric hookups. Also, when it comes to truck stops my grandad's a trucker and he says the busier the better if you're not a semi because the busier business will mean you're less likely to be messed with. Also aim for areas away from crime ridden cities and make sure the area is lit. Keep your car locked and a smallest crack as possible so you don't steam up your windows and put blankets over the windshield and windows when sleeping.

I liked this post! I almost always stay at Motel 6. I have only found about 2 that were not up to par. Your dog is cute. My dad always stayed at the Holiday Inn, he was a trouble shooter for Corning Glass Works.

I learnt that sticking to a single chain of motels for a road trip might not be a great piece of advice. It may be more convenient for making reservations, but that advantage is minimal once you are on-line.Take into consideration that at different destinations motels will have different locations. Closer to the interstate. Downtown. At the entrance of a National Park. Across the street from a race track. Etc. Choosing by location (within a certain price and quality) makes much more sense.

@constanttraveler

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, almost all are independently owned and operated. I've seen owners cycle through multiple national brand names

@Stache987

2 жыл бұрын

It's very possible to visit a booking site, and find bargains that the chains site won't normally offer, or you might not mind staying across the street for $40 savings

I always avoid the “pet friendly” motels, because of noise, fleas and allergies. Holiday Inn Express so far has consistently been very good, the others often have bedbugs. I bought a topper for my truck, and stealth camp on an air mattress back there when I travel. It takes me only a few seconds to park, hop in the back, and button myself up back there- and no one notices a thing. Saves me a LOT of money, too.

@stever7157

10 ай бұрын

It must be uncomfortable in extreme weather though.

Having spent 20+ years in the Hotel Industry, my one tip is, if you arrive at 1:00 am for a reservation for that date, don’t be surprised if you don’t get a room. Most hotels check in time is around 3:00 pm while check out is around 11:00 am.

Just drove back from So Padre Island. And stayed at 5 different ones. Great video

Thanks for this! Good information, but one of the worst motels I ever stayed in was a Comfort Inn. It was dirty and smelled bad . There was mold in the bathroom and it had food (raw meat) left in the little mini fridge! It was crowded in the town so I couldn't go anywhere else and they had no other rooms available. I took pictures, complained in a letter, and didn't even get a reply. I stripped the bed, used extra towels to sleep on and didn't bring my suitcases in for fear of catching bugs. If I hadn't had to stay for business the next day, I would have left. I would never darken the door of one again.

My favorite hotel to stay at when I'm on the road is the Candlewood Suites. I like them because they have full size kitchens to cook actual food than having to rely on eating out (they don't have breakfast but I don't mind making my own in the room). They are such nice hotels for such great price. They're not dumps like Extended Stay America. Although if I really needed a room to sleep then leave first thing in the morning, I'll stay at Best Western, Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn, Hyatt Place or a Choice hotel but I completely avoid staying at any Wyndham property even at the higher names, I still avoid Wyndham.

@yourgooglemeister6745

3 жыл бұрын

Why avoid Wyndham?

Thank you for the great information...very helpful!

Wow, a lot of helpful information. Thanks!

Back in the day, motels had a huge VACANCY sign outside so you knew if it was worth your time asking for a room. For some reason this practice has disappeared. That's a shame. Great video, BTW.

@apathy3399

Жыл бұрын

The corporations want you to come in and ask the desk clerk to assist you in finding another room at one of their corporate hotels

I've stayed in dozens of Motel 6s and I've never had a bad experience. They're my go-to choice for road tripping. I've stayed in some that were as good or better than 3-4 star hotels. Lots of availability, consistency, good service, large network, clean.... Can't go wrong!

@stephendacey8761

Жыл бұрын

stay away from the one in downtown Indianapolis.

Great video! I normally Google the address and look at images of the outside of the building, as well as the street view to see what is around the hotel/motel, before I make a reservation, to determine the sketch factor.

@constanttraveler

3 жыл бұрын

Great tip

This is very useful info. Thank you!!

I went on vacation with my family to Ireland and then the UK. The hotel we stayed at in Dublin was crazy expensive and was really nice, but we stayed at one in Doncaster, England and it was even better and it was a Best Western! The rooms were massive at least triple the size of our previous ones. And everything was clean and new. Still shocking to me

I absolutely love Super 8! I haven’t seen many of them here in the Southeast, especially in Florida where I live. But I booked stays throughout the West at Super 8’s. A shoutout to the one in Billings, Montano, which was great! ~~John in Tampa~~

@yossarian6799

3 жыл бұрын

I've lodged in the Tampa Bay area countless times. The Days Inn across from the Fairgrounds comes to mind. Not because it was a great hotel (it was nice) but because of the shenanigans at the Five Guys next door. Two of my sales guys were clowning one another and a joke got made regarding one having an "ashy d***" and I just lost it. I actually fell out of my chair laughing and the staff rushed over to see what the ruckus was about. They thought I was having a seizure.

Howard Johnson was absolutely everywhere. The few left are like ghosts from the glorious times of family road trips. A lot of surprises can be had there...

I worked as the Night manager at a Super 8 some years ago. The owner had 6 hotel franchises and each was at a different tier. In those days her Econolodge was bottom of the barrel, then Red Roof, then Super 8, and her Best Western was the second highest. The other two were all suite brands. Furnishings were cycled down as they aged: ie. a mattress that wouldn't meet the standards for Super 8 would be hauled to the Econolodge and used a couple more years.

Super 8's have come a long way from where they were 30 years ago. They used to be pretty nasty, but many of these motels have been remodeled in recent years and now even have a pretty good breakfast, also. But the main reason we stay at Super 8 is because they seem to be one of the only motels that consistently lets us bring our dogs there.

Both times my husband was in the KU Med Center in Kansas City, KS, I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express, less than 3 blocks away. I left my car parked at the hotel & walked to the hospital to see him!

@ilas8675

3 жыл бұрын

Excellent job,sir!! Looks like you've done your be homework!! And you're right! Motel _6 isn't bad,,,stayed there many times,,,in2017 ,,,2018,, 2019,, and now that the pandemic is mostly under control from where I'm coming from ,I will be taking a trip soon( my yearly vacation) ,,and plan to stay there again!!

Comfort Inn is my go to. Usually safe, clean, renovated, with a breakfast in the morning. Also, Drury Inns are very nice and have an awesome breakfast! Very impressive

@alohawg

Жыл бұрын

We've found Comfort to be the best overall consistently.

Traveling back and forth from Florida, we've always picked a motel from your middle tier that has a decent restaurant either within or right next door. We've had good luck with Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express, and one particular Best Western that has a terrific restaurant. If you are snow birds like us and make the trek only annually, check on the changes in neighborhoods from year to year. One of our early favorites found itself next door to a vacant K-Mart and lots of loud cars all night, so we crossed it off our list.

When I was a kid in the sixties and seventies, Days Inn was my parents go to motel on road trips and they were always nice. Then when I reached adulthood and started my own family I stayed loyal to Days Inn a few times until I realized they sucked. I would stay at any of these than you mentioned except Days Inn and Knights Inn. I have had great experiences in the rest of them...

@pncwho

Жыл бұрын

The Days Inn in Vancouver, WA used to be okay, nothing fancy, but clean, comfortable and everything worked. We stayed there last April, and it has gone straight to Hell. Broken windows, broken furniture, doors that looked like they'd been pried open, holes in the walls, shredded curtains, just...yuck. They should be ashamed of themselves.

On a recent 14-day road trip, we stayed at several motels you mentioned. I always ask to see the room prior to payment - I check air, TV, cleanliness, etc. MicroTel was the worst - again! Air and TV did not work and the clerk had an attitude. Needless to say, we did not stay. In my lifetime, this has happened three times at MicroTel. Never again will I waste our time with this motel chain. In my opinion, it is the worst...👎🏼👎🏼

One more mid-range I'd suggest is Fairfield Inns. I've found that Holiday Inn Expresses and now Hamption Inns are increasingly getting too expensive. And you're right about Best Western; their prices do vary all over the place. One knock against Red Roof is that they're one of the few chains that doesn't serve breakfast, though since the pandemic, many hotel breakfasts have gotten too limited to be enjoyable any more. Frankly, I don't believe in chain loyalty; I check Trivago and AAA for the ratings of lodgings wherever I plan to stop and choose the best combo of price and rating, regardless of chain. And on Route 66, I enjoy the restored old-time independent motels!

Getting prepared to road trip… ty for the information