The open road is calling, and you must go. But where are you going to stay?
Where you sleep at night is one of the biggest factors in the success of your road trip.
You’re going to be spending approximately a third of the time in bed (ideally, anyway), which means your accommodations have a huge impact on your overall experience.
For some travelers, only a luxurious hotel will do. Others are fine sleeping in a hammock in bear country.
Most of us are somewhere in between.
But that “in between” covers a whole gamut of options, from tents to bed and breakfasts to roadside motels to luxury resorts, and each type provides a different experience.
My husband and I are campers, so that’s one of our preferred options, but we have no objection to suites with in-room hot tubs, either.
Some of my friends think a hotel without room service is roughing it.
Depending on the type of trip, and whether you’re visiting small towns or major cities, where you sleep could be a place to rest for the night, or it could be a defining part of the whole experience.
Your accommodations also make up a significant portion of your travel budget, unless you’re boondocking or backcountry camping.
So how do you decide where to stay on a road trip?
In this guide, I’ll cover the types of accommodations available, how to decide where to stay on a road trip, and how you can save money on your lodging.
Ready? Let’s go!
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How to Find Hotels on a Road Trip
What are your options for hotels?
First of all, there are a lot more options than just hotels. Your starting point is figuring out what types of accommodations exist, and which ones appeal to you and fit your budget.
Related: how to budget a road trip
Hotels and Motels
Hotels and motels are the go-to choices for many travelers, offering a range of amenities from basic to luxurious.
Consider what’s important to you—room service, an in-room coffeemaker, a swimming pool, or a fitness center.
Chains, like Holiday Inn, Wyndham Hotels, Hilton, etc. offer loyalty programs, which can be a great way to save money if you’re a frequent traveler.
Roadside motels are often a cheap accommodation option.
Here’s what to consider when looking at motels and hotels for road trips and other travel:
Budgeting: Prices can vary greatly depending on location, brand, and amenities. Budget motels can be a cheap place to stay, while hotels can range from mid-range to luxury, with prices to match.
Amenities: Many hotels and motels offer amenities that can enhance your stay, such as free Wi-Fi, breakfast, swimming pools, fitness centers, and on-site restaurants.
Loyalty Programs: If you frequently stay at a particular chain, take advantage of their hotel loyalty programs.
These can offer free nights, upgrades, and other perks that can make your hotel stays more enjoyable and cost-effective.
Location: The location of your hotel or motel can greatly impact your road trip experience.
Properties in city centers or popular tourist areas tend to be more expensive but offer greater convenience.
There might not be free parking if your hotel is downtown. Staying outside major areas can save money but may require more travel time to attractions.
Book in Advance: Booking your room in advance can often secure you a better rate. Look for non-refundable rates if you are certain of your dates, as these can be cheaper.
Check for Deals: Look for deals on hotel booking websites, and don’t forget to compare prices directly on the hotel’s website. Sometimes booking directly with the hotel can be cheaper or offer additional benefits.
Read Reviews: Check reviews from other travelers to ensure the quality of the accommodation. Sites like TripAdvisor can provide valuable insights into what to expect from your stay.
Camping and Glamping
There’s nothing like sleeping under the stars.
From pitching a tent or parking an RV in national parks to enjoying the creature comforts of glamping, this option allows you to immerse yourself in the great outdoors.
Traditional Camping: This is for those who love the outdoors and don’t mind a bit of adventure.
Campgrounds vary widely, from basic sites with few amenities to those offering facilities like showers, Wi-Fi, and electric hookups.
Prices can range from free (in some public lands and dispersed camping areas) to a nightly fee in developed campgrounds.
Glamping: If you like the idea of camping but prefer a few more comforts, glamping might be for you. This can include more luxurious tents, yurts, cabins, and even treehouses, often equipped with beds, electricity, and sometimes even air conditioning and heating.
While more expensive than traditional camping, it’s a unique experience combining comfort with the charm of the outdoors.
RV Camping: Traveling in an RV blends the flexibility of road travel with the convenience of having your accommodation with you at all times.
RV parks and campgrounds offer various amenities, and the cost can vary depending on the location and facilities.
This option eliminates the need to pack and unpack at different locations and offers a consistent living space.
Backcountry Camping: For the more adventurous, backcountry camping allows you to venture off the beaten path. It typically requires a hike to more remote locations and carrying all your gear with you.
This type of camping is often free, but it’s crucial to be well-prepared and aware of the rules and regulations in the area.
State and National Parks: These parks often offer camping facilities ranging from primitive to well-developed sites. They are great options for enjoying natural beauty and wildlife.
Some parks may require reservations, especially during peak seasons, so it’s wise to plan ahead.
Planning a state park road trip? Get Midwest State Park Adventures, which lists amenities for every single state park in the Midwest.
National Forests: Many National Forests allow dispersed camping, which is camping outside of designated campgrounds.
This type of camping is usually free and offers a more secluded experience.
Camping Apps and Resources: Use camping apps and websites like ReserveAmerica, Hipcamp, Harvest Hosts, or KOA (Kampgrounds of America) to find and book campgrounds.
These resources provide detailed information on locations, amenities, and availability.
Vacation Rentals
Vacation rentals, such as those found on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO, provide a home-like atmosphere.
Ideal for longer stays or group travel, these accommodations often come with kitchens, living areas, and multiple bedrooms, giving you space and flexibility.
Here’s what to consider when looking at vacation rentals.
Home-like Comfort: Vacation rentals, such as those found on Airbnb or VRBO, provide a home-like atmosphere. They are ideal for longer stays or for those traveling in groups or with families, offering more space and amenities like kitchens and living areas.
Wide Range of Options: From cozy apartments in city centers to secluded cabins in the woods, vacation rentals come in all shapes and sizes to suit various needs and preferences.
Cost-Effectiveness: Renting an entire home can often be more cost-effective than booking multiple hotel rooms, especially for larger groups. The ability to cook meals can also save on food costs.
Location: Vacation rentals can be found in almost every location, from the heart of major cities to remote countryside. This variety allows you to choose a place that best fits your itinerary and interests.
Privacy and Authenticity: These rentals often provide more privacy than hotels. Staying in a residential area rather than a tourist spot can also offer a more authentic experience of the local culture and lifestyle.
Booking and Cancellation Policies: Be sure to understand the booking and cancellation policies, as they can vary significantly from property to property.
Read Reviews: Reviews from previous guests can provide valuable insights into the actual experience of staying at the rental, helping you make an informed decision.
Bed and Breakfasts
Bed and breakfasts offer a cozy, more personal alternative to hotels.
Typically run by local hosts, B&Bs often include home-cooked meals and a chance to socialize with other guests, giving you a glimpse into local life and culture.
Personal Touch: B&Bs offer a more personal experience. Often run by locals, they provide a comfortable atmosphere and usually have uniquely decorated rooms.
Local Flavor: Staying at a B&B can give you a taste of local culture. Hosts can provide insider tips on the best local attractions, eateries, and things to do you might not find in guidebooks.
Inclusive Meals: One of the perks of a B&B is the breakfast part. You often get a homemade, often locally sourced meal included in the price of your stay. Some B&Bs also offer other meals or afternoon teas.
Meet Other Travelers: B&Bs often have communal areas like lounges or gardens, where you can relax and interact with other guests. It’s a great way to meet fellow travelers and exchange stories.
Variety of Options: B&Bs can range from historic homes and country cottages to urban inns and seaside guesthouses.
Pricing: While some B&Bs can be budget-friendly, others, especially those in high-demand locations or with luxury offerings, might be on par with high-end hotels in terms of pricing.
Advance Booking: B&Bs typically have a small number of rooms, so it’s wise to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Unique Stays
For a unique experience, consider staying in unusual accommodations like treehouses, historic inns, cabins, converted barns, or boutique hotels.
Unique lodging can offer a memorable twist to your trip and are often found in remote locations.
Offbeat and Quirky: From treehouses to refurbished airstreams or even historic castles, unique accommodations can turn a night’s stay into an adventure in itself.
Local Flavor: Often, these unique stays are deeply rooted in their location’s culture and history, offering a distinct experience that can’t be found in standard hotels.
Personalized Experience: Many unique stays are managed by individuals rather than companies, leading to a more personalized and intimate guest experience.
Scenic Locations: Unique stays often boast incredible locations – whether it’s a beachfront cottage, a mountain lodge, or a desert yurt, they can offer unparalleled access to natural beauty.
Sustainable Options: Many unique lodgings focus on sustainable living, offering eco-friendly accommodations that allow you to travel responsibly.
Instagram-Worthy: Let’s face it, staying in a unique property can be a photographer’s dream. These stays often provide unique aesthetics and views, perfect for capturing and sharing your travel experiences.
Budget Range: While some unique stays can be on the pricier side, others are surprisingly affordable, especially when considering the unique experiences they offer.
Budget-Friendly Options
Hostels, university dorms during summer, and religious accommodations can offer budget-friendly alternatives, particularly in expensive cities.
These options might come with shared facilities but can significantly cut down on costs and can make cheap road trips easier to plan.
Hostels: Ideal for solo travelers or those on a tight budget, hostels offer basic accommodations, often with shared rooms and bathrooms, although some do have private rooms. They’re a great way to meet other travelers and can be found in most major cities and tourist destinations.
University Dorms: During the summer, some universities rent out their dorm rooms at very affordable rates. This can be a great option in expensive cities.
Religious Accommodations: Some monasteries and convents offer simple, inexpensive rooms to travelers. These are often in beautiful, peaceful settings and can provide a unique experience.
Budget Motels: Motels generally offer lower rates than hotels and are conveniently located along major roadways, making them a practical choice for road trippers.
Camping: For those who enjoy the outdoors, camping is the most budget-friendly option. Many national and state parks, as well as private campgrounds, offer affordable camping spots.
Stay with Friends or Family: If you have friends or family along your route, staying with them can save you the cost of a night’s accommodation.
Discount and Deal Websites: Websites like Priceline, Expedia, and Hotwire can help you find discounted rates on hotels and motels. Also, look out for last-minute deals.
Loyalty Programs and Rewards: If you prefer chain hotels, sign up for their loyalty programs. You can earn points for free stays and other perks.
How to decide where to stay on your road trip
When you’re planning your lodging for your road trip, it’s important to know what is and isn’t important to you.
If you know in advance your own preferences as well as those of everyone else traveling with you, it’s easier to choose accommodations that fit your wants, needs, and budget.
What amenities do you need?
Consider what amenities you deem vital, which would be nice, which are an indulgence, and which ones don’t really matter.
These could include:
- Room service
- On-site dining
- Concierge
- Spa services
- Laundry services
- In-room coffee maker
- Free breakfast
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Full kitchen
- Quality of bedding
- Sitting area
- Swimming pool
- Fitness center
- Outside door
- A view
- Balcony/patio
- Robes
- Bathtubs
- Accessibility
Location, location, location
Do you want to be in the thick of things or are you fine with a commute to the day’s activities?
What’s important to you will most likely change depending on the type of trip you’re planning.
When I’ve got a packed itinerary, give me a bed and a bathroom and that’s all I need.
Well, a bed, a bathroom, and a coffee maker. For me, an in-room coffee maker is a must.
If it’s a more leisurely trip, then I’ll take all the amenities I can get. And if it’s an outdoor adventure, then I’m happy to sleep in a tent or a cabin.
Do you want to be around people or do you like your privacy?
What level of socialization do you want? If you want to meet the locals, a bed and breakfast is ideal. If you want more privacy, a private home may suit you better.
Do you prefer chain hotels or unique accommodations?
Another consideration is whether you want to stay in chain hotels or prefer unique accommodations. With chains, you can take advantage of their loyalty programs.
With unique spots, you get local flavor and more directly impact the economy of the place you’re visiting.
There are almost as many considerations in choosing a place to stay as there are places to stay.
Tips for saving money on accommodations
As I mentioned above, where you sleep can be one of the biggest expenses on your vacation, especially if you’re taking a long road trip.
How much will accommodations cost? If you’re camping, it could be anywhere from free to $50 a night.
We’ve found motels as cheap as $40, and while some, like the deal we found in Jamestown, were bargains, others were a bit more, shall we say, savory.
(And why I always pack shower shoes.)
At the other end, hotels can cost hundreds of dollars a night.
Following are tips and tools you can use to figure out how much you can expect to spend as well as a few suggestions for finding deals.
TLTip: As you’re browsing destinations, when you see places to stay that intrigue you, save them to Pinterest, Trello, or whatever travel planning organization tool you prefer. Then you can return to them as you finalize your itinerary.
On a tight budget? Go camping.
We camped sixteen out of thirty-five days on our Oregon road trip because it was so much cheaper to pitch a tent and cook over a fire.
Our most expensive campground was $35, and our cheapest was free.
If you’ve never camped before, however, I wouldn’t recommend trying it solely to save money.
See if you can borrow equipment from your camper friends first and test your interest, and your comfort level, at a local campground.
If you like it, then you can accumulate the paraphernalia required.
Find deals with Travelzoo.
If your dates are flexible, check Travelzoo first. They find deals in the United States and all over the world.
Plug in where you want to go and the number of people and search for their current deals. You can keep the dates open, or you can choose specific days.
Some deals are discounted rates, and others provide included add-ons, like parking or room service.
While you’re on the site, you can also find deals on attractions, shows, restaurants, and more.
Get discounted rooms with Priceline.
If you’re flexible and price is a determining factor, Priceline Express Deals is a good option.
You plug in where you’re going and when, and Priceline searches for deals up to 60% off.
There’s a catch, however: you won’t know which hotel it is until you book it.
You will, however, be able to see how many stars a hotel has, what brands of hotels are included in the same category, how other travelers have rated it, and what kinds of amenities you can expect.
Priceline pricebreakerstm groups three hotels by amenities and star level, then offers a price that’s up to 50% off retail.
With this deal, you’ll book one of those three, but you won’t know which one until you pay.
The app includes tonight-only deals for last-minute reservations.
Use Groupon for hotels, too.
Groupon’s known for discounted spa visits and attraction tickets, but they also have deals on travel and hotels. You can search by location or interests.
Selections are limited. For example, I searched for Denver, CO, for an upcoming trip and only two deals were available.
Search multiple vacation home sites at once.
Home To Go is a vacation home aggregator that compiles listings from rental sites including AirBnB, VRBO, Booking.com, and TripAdvisor.
In addition to home rentals, you can also book hotel rooms, campers, and hostels.
Earn points to save on future stays.
No matter where you stay, find out if there’s a loyalty program and sign up. They’re usually free.
Use Expedia to maximize your hotel points
Did you know you can attach your loyalty numbers to your Expedia account. Plus, Expedia has their own rewards program.
As you book hotels, flights, or cars, you’ll earn points.
Expedia Rewards converts those into a dollar amount that can be used on future bookings. At the same time, you can be earning miles (or points or whatever they’re called) in other programs.
Skip busy tourist areas and times.
This is all about supply and demand. When more people want to stay in a place, there’s less availability and higher rates.
For example, in June, a motel in Arco, Idaho, cost us less than $40, but a motel in Portland, Oregon, a few days later would have cost us $200.
Fortunately, we found the last campsite on the coast on a strip of grass in an RV park (which was also the most expensive campsite of our trip).
Check out our guide for even more ways to save money on a road trip.
Check for group discounts or special offers
If traveling in a group, look for accommodations that offer group discounts. Also, check for any special offers or last-minute deals.
Where you’re going to sleep is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your road trip, and can have a huge impact on your experience. I hope this guide helps you figure out where to stay on a road trip.
Want more road trip tips? Download Planning Your Perfect Road Trip, a Step-by-Step Guide to Hittin’ the Road
