Motel suggestions for 60+ day ride around the country?

[beemerdons]

Hola Ralph, is there a particular reason that you are staying in Surprise, Arizona instead of the palatial and sumptuous Hacienda del Staney en El Barrio del Chandler ese?

Mi Casa es su Casa, Hombre! Swimming pool, three car garage with one bay set up just for motocicleta maintenance, plentiful Tecate Cerveza y Herradura Tequila ese!

 

[beemerdons]

You're gonna have a hellavua time finding a well priced, non-scuzzy hotel in Santa Fe on night 47. My brother Patch is about 2 hours north in Red River and the Kachina Lodge in Taos is nice. I'm an hour south in Albuquerque, and I can either work on a deal, or you can stay here for free.
It looks like you're grabbing I40 to head into Texas anyway. Lemme know.

bikerskier, AJ is right on about Santa Fe being stupidly expensive! I also highly recommend the Kachina Lodge in Taos, mention that you are with the FJR Forum that spent two years in a row there at SW-FOG and they may extend our same discount to you too! HotRodZilla may be one muy Feo (ugly!) y muy Malo (bad!) el Pendejo Grande (below!), but he certainly knows Northern New Mexico extremely well ese!

 

[Aasland]

I think you may have to wing it. You're covering a lot of ground and if you try to pick a national chain, you'll find it may not be available in some areas, it will be overpriced in others, and subpar at yet other places.

I've found that Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn's and Fairfield inn's are fairly consistent good but they are also priced about $75-$125/night. When you get below that, into the $50-$60 range you're looking at Motel 6, Super8 etc and those will be hit or miss. Get down to the $25 range and you'll want to park you bike in the room with you and don't open your bags for fear of bringing parasites home....

I've stayed a KOA cabins with good results, they are susually around $50/night so they compete with the local cheap motels. But you need to bring your own linens/sleeping bags. Some have heaters so you may not need the big down bags, but if you''re traveling 2-up you'll be short on space already. Also, the mattresses in the KOA cabins generally suck.

If I were in your shoes, the wife wouldn't be comming or she's be on her own bike and we'd camp most nights. Given your constraints, I'm not sure you have a lot of cheap choices. But I'm still jealous ;-)

 

[beemerdons]

https://www.ssbadger.com Since I am Irish and cannot keep my fat Fenian mouth shut, Papa Chuy Viejo has a routing suggestion and a real neat lodging alternative recommendation.

Consider taking SS Badger Car Ferry from Manitowoc, Wisconsin to Ludington, MI; only $60 fare and you save a heck of a lot of miles, plus the views of Lake Michigan are incredible!

Here is the best part, you can spend the night with Bustanut joker! Barry and Sheila have a basement bedroom you can use, what's cool is Bust let's you have your pick of his sheep!

 

[eg23232]

I hope you'll consider patronizing independent places when possible instead of the chains. I always prefer to give my business to a local, especially when many are struggling to stay in business. With a route this "planned" I realize it might be difficult. But I've had some of the best experiences staying at small motels. I like to help the little guys. The experience has always been more personable and attentive than the chains.

 

[bikerskier]

I think you may have to wing it. You're covering a lot of ground and if you try to pick a national chain, you'll find it may not be available in some areas, it will be overpriced in others, and subpar at yet other places.
I've found that Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn's and Fairfield inn's are fairly consistent good but they are also priced about $75-$125/night. When you get below that, into the $50-$60 range you're looking at Motel 6, Super8 etc and those will be hit or miss. Get down to the $25 range and you'll want to park you bike in the room with you and don't open your bags for fear of bringing parasites home....

I've stayed a KOA cabins with good results, they are susually around $50/night so they compete with the local cheap motels. But you need to bring your own linens/sleeping bags. Some have heaters so you may not need the big down bags, but if you''re traveling 2-up you'll be short on space already. Also, the mattresses in the KOA cabins generally suck.

If I were in your shoes, the wife wouldn't be comming or she's be on her own bike and we'd camp most nights. Given your constraints, I'm not sure you have a lot of cheap choices. But I'm still jealous ;-)

I'm riding solo for about 3 1/2 weeks and then meeting Marianne in Montreal, we will then ride two up for 2 weeks down to Key West, where a friend has a house and spend a couple of days there. She will then fly home from Miami and I will ride solo for another 3 weeks returning home. Have friends or family in 7 or 8 locations so that will help. Trying to spend in the $60 -80 range but I know that some places will be more. I'm happy to avoid stupid prices in Santa Fe and appreciate all the tips. Thinking a bit about KOA, not sure yet. In my 50 years of riding, I spent most of the first 25 camping and I do like the comfort of a room these days. .

 

[bikerskier]

I hope you'll consider patronizing independent places when possible instead of the chains. I always prefer to give my business to a local, especially when many are struggling to stay in business. With a route this "planned" I realize it might be difficult. But I've had some of the best experiences staying at small motels. I like to help the little guys. The experience has always been more personable and attentive than the chains.

I agree and will aggressively avoid chain restaurants, and will try to stay in some "clean looking" no name lodging at times. I also want to avoid freeways, large cities and congested areas for all the obvious reasons.

The planning is rough only and if I see something shiny down another road, I will take it in a heart beat. The overnight marks on the map were a guide only in estimating distance for each days ride.

 

[Bustanut joker]

https://www.ssbadger.com Since I am Irish and cannot keep my fat Fenian mouth shut, Papa Chuy Viejo has a routing suggestion and a real neat lodging alternative recommendation.
Consider taking SS Badger Car Ferry from Manitowoc, Wisconsin to Ludington, MI; only $60 fare and you save a heck of a lot of miles, plus the views of Lake Michigan are incredible!

Here is the best part, you can spend the night with Bustanut joker! Barry and Sheila have a basement bedroom you can use, what's cool is Bust let's you have your pick of his sheep!

Only thing I ask is that Ralph bring proof of vaccination form parvo, rabies, and other ovine maydays.

One can't be too careful with ones flock.

 

[beemerdons]

https://www.ssbadger.com Since I am Irish and cannot keep my fat Fenian mouth shut, Papa Chuy Viejo has a routing suggestion and a real neat lodging alternative recommendation.
Consider taking SS Badger Car Ferry from Manitowoc, Wisconsin to Ludington, MI; only $60 fare and you save a heck of a lot of miles, plus the views of Lake Michigan are incredible!

Here is the best part, you can spend the night with Bustanut joker! Barry and Sheila have a basement bedroom you can use, what's cool is Bust let's you have your pick of his sheep!

Only thing I ask is that Ralph bring proof of vaccination form parvo, rabies, and other ovine maydays.

One can't be too careful with ones flock.

Bust, bikerskier goes to San Carlos, Sonora Estado, Mexico a lot: So does your Papa Chuy Viejo. He may be carrying Mexican sand fleas, just like our HotRodZilla ese!

 

[rmcobb]

I've had good results with Super 8's AARP rates. Might give them a look.

Super8 is part of the Wyndham group (https://www.wyndham.com/) as are Microtel, Days Inn and a bunch more. If you join their "rewards" program you accumulate points when you stay in any of their hotel/motels which can earn you a free night along the way. They also have discounted rates for AAA, military, AARP, etc... Check out the website to see what level accommodations are available along your route.

You might also consider signing up to "Choice Privileges" www.choiceprivileges.com They have something like 10 different type hotels (Sleep Inn, Quality Suites, Comfort Inn, etc.) that usually has something in most towns I've been. The rates are reasonable in most of them, and they have discounts for AAA, AARP, etc. Its an Awards program as well and it might provide a free night or two if you use them enough.

I also use the Price Line App on my smartphone for the big cities. You'll be amazed on some of the deals you can get using it. $26 for a room at the ExCalibur in Vegas last time I went thru there. Granted it was mid week but still!

Enjoy your trip.

 

[bigjohnsd]

Night 12, you're in Deadwood SD. About 10 miles from me. I don't have the Mexican Sand Fleas like Zilla or the Sheep like some others but i do have a Stall in the Garage and a bed. Do have some Cerveza in the fridge and can get more if needed.

When is your trip, when is Night 12 so I can try and be home for you?

I did 45 days last year from Spearfish to New Brunswick and back on my Roadstar Warrior, since replaced with the Gray Ghost. I spent a total of 6 nights in motels. The couch surfing was the best part of the trip.

I second the Manitwoc to Ludington SS Badger recommendation, that is a cool old boat and it was a wonderful trip across the lake. Great Mom and Pop motels in Ludington too.

I've had great luck using the following website to locate "Mom & Pop" independent Motels, https://momandpopmotels.com/app/v1/index.php I search here then check them out on Trip Advisor.com. Have not made a real bad choice using this method. I have had some very active and sometimes vocal late night neighbors upon occasion

 

[bikerskier]

Night 12, you're in Deadwood SD. About 10 miles from me. I don't have the Mexican Sand Fleas like Zilla or the Sheep like some others but i do have a Stall in the Garage and a bed. Do have some Cerveza in the fridge and can get more if needed.
When is your trip, when is Night 12 so I can try and be home for you?

I did 45 days last year from Spearfish to New Brunswick and back on my Roadstar Warrior, since replaced with the Gray Ghost. I spent a total of 6 nights in motels. The couch surfing was the best part of the trip.

I second the Manitwoc to Ludington SS Badger recommendation, that is a cool old boat and it was a wonderful trip across the lake. Great Mom and Pop motels in Ludington too.

I've had great luck using the following website to locate "Mom & Pop" independent Motels, https://momandpopmotels.com/app/v1/index.php I search here then check them out on Trip Advisor.com. Have not made a real bad choice using this method. I have had some very active and sometimes vocal late night neighbors upon occasion

I leave on Aug 25th, hopefully. Thanks for the offer! The ferry option sounds great!

 

[bluesdog]

Night 1, you're welcome to stay at my place, which would involve a slight detour west. I have a guest bedroom available.

Here's the Googly map route:

In any case, I strongly recommend avoiding Kelowna -- it is hectic, expensive, and the traffic is horrible. Penticton is a much quieter, friendlier city.

Also, highway 3 from Osoyoos is pretty, with substantially less traffic.

For the next leg, you could continue via hwy 3, turn north at Princeton on highway 5A - 5 and then 5A again, then 97 - 1 and 97

Here's the remainder from my place to Prince George and thence to Hyder

(Hwy 5A out of Princeton is beautiful!)

 

[juniorfjr]

I'm jealous as hell, but I'm watching closely, cause as you know I'm planning almost the same exact trip in 3 years.

 

[bigjohnsd]

When is your trip, when is Night 12 so I can try and be home for you?

I leave on Aug 25th, hopefully. Thanks for the offer! The ferry option sounds great!

Should be home that week, looking forward to meeting you.

 

[Clovis]

All I can tell you about night 49, Cedar City, is that there are a number of cheap hotels that are closer to motel 6 than HI, but, the Best Western Plus is in the middle of downtown and, as I recall, only a few(20) bucks more than the stuff next to the freeway. That, and it was easily worth $50 more. Very nice place.
Also, unless you have your heart set on Colorado Springs, try one of the smaller towns, Gunnison, Leadville, Silverton. Colorado Springs is just a busy suburb of greater Denver. Aside from the Air force Academy and access to Pikes Peak, it has little personality. JSNS

Forgot to mention. I'm quite envious of your trip and can't wait to follow along. Should be fun.

Mark

As a Colorado Springs native, I take offence to that good sir! =P Ha, okay I'm just kidding.

Colorado Springs is the gateway for good riding.

To the OP: I see you're going to Durango the night before Colorado Springs and then towards the end of your trip. I hope you intend on doing the Million Dollar Highway (Highway 550 between Durango and Ouray) - that's one of Colorado's most famous (and fun!) motorcycle roads. Black Canyon is also on the way. If you don't mind riding 500 miles in one day from Durango to Colorado Springs, I have a hell of a good route for you to try.

Features Million Dollar Highway, Black Canyon, Hwy 133 (super fun sweepers), several passes including Indiepdeence Pass and Aspen, ect.

Also, chances are we can set you up.

We have a large house with 3 guest beds, a 3 car garage and we're on the west side of Colorado Springs (The "close to the mountains" side), right on the roads you'll be taking. Depending on when you're out here, I may even have my tire changing machine by then!

I'll shoot you a PM.

 

[ahchiu]

I have had good results with Hotwire.com for finding hotels for a good price.

 

[Fred W]

Not sure if you have a specific agenda involved in your Northeast section, but I can give you some suggestions:

I understand that you are meeting someone in Montreal. Not sure why you would go there twice. I know I've never been tempted to go back. I would skip Toronto altogether if you hate congestion. But then you are also planning on going to NYC, and DC, so maybe crowds don't really bother you? I wouldn't ride anywhere near those cities on a bike.

Why are you going to Sydney, NS? Take a loop around the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island instead. You'll thank me later.

On night 21, keep going down the Airline Road (Maine Route 9) to Brewer Maine. Stop for a lobster roll for dinner at the Eagles Nest. It's a tiny hole in the wall place literally hanging over the Penobscot River that has the best (and biggest) lobster rolls in the world.

Continue down Rte 9 another 1/2 mile or so to The Colony Motel, still in Brewer. Mom 'n Pop place that is very tidy and quite reasonably priced. Park your bike outside the door. I like motels like that when I'm on the road.

Have fun!

 

[Top_Speed1]

Your way above any amount of days off that I can get squeeze out of my business, but I do travel a lot for business and of course the much shorter/length trips.

My .02 is to get signed up on the frequent stays clubs.

I have/use Wyndam which encapsulates Microtels, HoJo's and about 10 others. Then Choice Hotels does Clarions, Comfort & Quality Inns and about 8 others. IHG for Holiday Inn & Expresses. I also have (ea of) their Credit Cards, it makes it simple to check-in with your points automatically going to your account plus you get amplified points used within their network. Also, by signing up for "their" Credit Cards (most are Barclays bank) they give you like 2K points which is enough for 2 free room nites right off the bat.

As far as individual places, I guess your getting enough of those trickling in. Have a safe and happy trip, I'm jealous of all your days!!!

 

[Fred W]

Oh geeze... I almost forgot to tell you the super secret on finding cheap hotels rooms when on the road:

When you enter a state that you intend on staying in, stop in the first rest area at the border, usually located only on the interstates and identified as being "tourist information". There, you will want to pick up one (or more) of the coupon books they have in piles there. These books have discount coupons for hotels and restaurants all throughout the state. Look through the area that you are interested in staying and call ahead to see what the status of that hotel is. They will not honor these deep discount rate (many are as low as half the normal internet price) if you reserve a room. It is usually 'walk in only" deal, but in some areas you can find some really good deals at really low prices on nice hotels.

Of course you have to be somewhat flexible and not mind gambling a little on not finding a place.

Good Luck.