Are motels costs are getting rediculous?

[Silverbird]

Is it me or have rates gone up 30% or so over the past few years?  I guess it's just the corporate ones but I sure have noticed they are all runs by middle-eastern people.  I though demand was down?

[Mr Sunshine]

Why do you mention "they are all runs by middle-eastern people"?  What's your point?

[Cablebandit]

Is the misspelling of ridiculous on the internet getting rediculous?  

[Zerosum]

One part of it might be insurance... excessive insurance costs make everything suck in this country.

If you go over to Europe, you'll see lots of hostels all over the place... they're (usually) clean places to flop for like 15 Euro/night, and you meet all kinds of interesting people.  Sure, you'll probably be sleeping in a room with other people, but honestly it's fine, especially if you're travelling alone.  I always wondered why we don't have them here in the States.  It would totally undercut the motels and hotels.

[Silverbird]

My bad, I should have clarafied.  They seem to have been taken over by people of middle eastern descent

[dm_gsxr]

One part of it might be insurance... excessive insurance costs make everything suck in this country.

If you go over to Europe, you'll see lots of hostels all over the place... they're (usually) clean places to flop for like 15 Euro/night, and you meet all kinds of interesting people.  Sure, you'll probably be sleeping in a room with other people, but honestly it's fine, especially if you're travelling alone.  I always wondered why we don't have them here in the States.  It would totally undercut the motels and hotels.

There are hostels here in the States. Rita's staying in one in Boise right now. We stayed in one once, shared bathroom and all and we stayed at a YMCA in New York once. Rita's very... frugal

Carl

[keystonejenks]

There are hostels here in the States. Rita's staying in one in Boise right now. We stayed in one once, shared bathroom and all and we stayed at a YMCA in New York once. Rita's very... frugal

Carl

Yup, hostels are popular in the New England states. They even made that real-life movie about them called Hostel  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Is the misspelling of ridiculous on the internet getting rediculous?  

Heck, bad spelling in general is running rampant  


As for motel costs, I hate the idea of paying $60 for a room when all I need is a 6' x 2' floor space and somewhere to pee. I wish that we had more hostels around here  

[bomber]

Hostels in the MidWest, as well

Service jobs are often filled by recent immigrants --

[FlowBee]

My bad, I should have clarafied.  They seem to have been taken over by people of middle eastern descent

Oh, you mean the rag heads.  For a second I thought you meant the dot heads.

At least the damned krauts haven't taken over, the nazi bastids.

[1KPerDay]

I recently had my wallet raped by Knight's Inn in BFE, Ohio to the tune of $250/night... it was the 'presidential suite.'

Let's just say I pity the president.


Yes, the owners were part of the Pakistani Motel Mafia. Nice folks but they sure had no reservations about charging people quintuple rates due to 'race weekend'. I also believe they have a standard policy to lie to everyone who calls and tell them they're getting the last room in the place, so they don't feel bad about paying Four Seasons rates for Bates Motel rooms.

It was near Mid-Ohio... but not so near that spectators were actually staying at the dumpy motel.

Yes, I'm mad. But it was the only motel in town and my family was tired, etc.

[turboderek]

   He just won't see it.

Oh, you mean the rag heads.  For a second I thought you meant the dot heads.

At least the damned krauts haven't taken over, the nazi bastids.

[cultureslayer]

Ugh.  I try to stay with people I know, and let people use my futon whenever possible.  I'd much rather buy someone $20 of beer than pay $60+ for a motel room.

[FlowBee]

Around here the Pak men own all the liquor stores.

So we go out and get wasted, then have to call a cab.      Or get a motel room.    

Or instead stay home and get wasted.    

They've got us by the short hairs.    

[Snowbird]

Heck, bad spelling in general is running rampant  


As for motel costs, I hate the idea of paying $60 for a room when all I need is a 6' x 2' floor space and somewhere to pee. I wish that we had more hostels around here  

I'm sure Toddrod would let you pee at his house.

As for room rates, it pays to shop around and be ready to walk out. Little doubt that they're taking advantage of an easily manipulated group; i.e., travelers.

[Polovision]

That's why I have to camp half the time.  It gives me more days on the road.

(Note: this message has been spell checked.)

[chornbe]

Is it me or have rates gone up 30% or so over the past few years?  I guess it's just the corporate ones but I sure have noticed they are all runs by middle-eastern people.  I though demand was down?

It's all over the board. I've stayed in cabins for $20 a night, and "so-so" motels for $100/night. I gotta say, I don't think I'll ever stay at a Days Inn ever again. All of my recent stays there have been horrible. And they are definitely not the cheapest player in the field.

[Shhted]

I'm sure Toddrod would let you pee at his house.

Hell, Toddrod would let her pee on him.  

[dm_gsxr]

Heck, maybe I'll create a chain of tube rooms. A 4' in diameter by 8' tube with an inflatable pillow. A flat screen TV that'll drop down from the ceiling and doubles as internet access (with STN as the home page). And bungie nets and flip out RV like.

Your gear goes in a waterproof container at your feet and when you want a shower, you just hit a button and the tube does a quick spray n wash.

And parallel motorcycle parking with lifts and oil drains. The lift raises it and extends it into the "hallway" so you can spin the bike around and do maintenance on either side with pull-out air hoses and maybe a Jiffy Lube type set of oil and radiator hoses.

At $20 a night it should pay for itself pretty quickly.

Hmmm, could be interesting

Carl

[VIVID1]

I've been camping more and more recently. One night in a cheap motel room equals three nights of good camping  

[chornbe]

I've been camping more and more recently. One night in a cheap motel room equals three nights of good camping  

I enjoy camping, but I can't sleep worth shit when it's >80 degrees out

[cultureslayer]

Heck, maybe I'll create a chain of tube rooms. A 4' in diameter by 8' tube with an inflatable pillow. A flat screen TV that'll drop down from the ceiling and doubles as internet access (with STN as the home page). And bungie nets and flip out RV like.

Your gear goes in a waterproof container at your feet and when you want a shower, you just hit a button and the tube does a quick spray n wash.

And parallel motorcycle parking with lifts and oil drains. The lift raises it and extends it into the "hallway" so you can spin the bike around and do maintenance on either side with pull-out air hoses and maybe a Jiffy Lube type set of oil and radiator hoses.

At $20 a night it should pay for itself pretty quickly.

Hmmm, could be interesting

Carl

I'd be happy with a loft bed.  Me on top, bike underneath.

[Global Rider]

If you go over to Europe...

Well since you brought it up...

When I travel here, I usually end up paying at least $60 a night...no breakfast included.

When I travel in Europe, I end up paying $30 a night with a full breakfast.

You mentioned insurance? Maybe, but then other operating costs are so much less in the US than Europe, energy for example.

[mike goodwin]

Motel costs are most definitely higher than in just two or three years past.
I rarely ever stay in a chain motel with the possible exception of Motel 6,which for a chain motel is still fairly priced.
I absolutely refuse to spend 60-80.00 for a room i might be in less than 8-10 hours max.
So i have always grabbed the mujahadden specials. (spelling probably incorrect..but you get my drift)
More times than not i find many of these rooms cheaper and cleaner.
Although a time or two i was damn glad i had my pistol with me.
You see i learned some time back that when traveling anywhere near a main road such as an interstate or U.S. highway it's best to get a room no later than say 5-6:00 PM.
Unfortunately the last two or three years  lot of these no name motels have started renting to weekly renters instead of nightly highway people.
What kind of person makes a motel their home??
Well,from what i have come to see it that as the down and outers,drug heads,drunks,recent prison paroles,etc.
Lastly probably the two main reasons rooms have risen in price is because energy prices,read electricity, has gone way up and the fact that even more people than ever before are traveling,therefore they can raise the price via supply and demand.

I was told a few years ago by a motel owning Anglo couple is the reason you see so many Pakistani's,Indians,and others of middle east ethnicity running these places is due to the fact that these motels are owned by a syndicate that places these people,with of course a place to live,namely the motel they run   for them.
As they become more experienced they move them to their other motels.

[tuumi]

That's why I have to camp half the time.  It gives me more days on the road.

(Note: this message has been spell checked.)

Yeah but camping prices are getting high too.  I just want to pitch my tent on a 10x10 piece of ground.  When I was in NY state they wanted to charge me $20-30. Rooms in West Virginia are great.  Well I mean the prices are great.  $20-30

[tuumi]

My bad, I should have clarafied.  They seem to have been taken over by people of middle eastern descent

[1moreroad]

Who the f**k cares what color the person behind the counter is or the head gear he wears?  The room is clean or not and the bed is comfortable or not.

For people complaining about $60/night rooms -- make a friend!  Rooms are half price.

I was in a somewhat dumpy (but mostly clean) Days Inn last year in BFE Indiana off I-70 in the lobby using the manager's computer for internet access.  I listened to him quote a rate $5 higher for every room he sold.  No conspiracy, just basic economic supply and demand.

[mike goodwin]

Who the f**k cares what color the person behind the counter is or the head gear he wears?  The room is clean or not and the bed is comfortable or not.

For people complaining about $60/night rooms -- make a friend!  Rooms are half price.

I was in a somewhat dumpy (but mostly clean) Days Inn last year in BFE Indiana off I-70 in the lobby using the manager's computer for internet access.  I listened to him quote a rate $5 higher for every room he sold.  No conspiracy, just basic economic supply and demand.

You say make a friend and dont complain about a 60.00 room.
To that i ask..Well if you travel alone are you gonna walk out and ask a perfect stranger to share a room with you??
Now that's funny,not to mention crazy.

[sagerat]

KOA cabins are a nice compromise.

I prefer the small mom and pops as they are usually priced all right.

Now I have to go rent the thriller "Vacancy" for more moteling tips...

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Ugh.  I try to stay with people I know, and let people use my futon whenever possible.  I'd much rather buy someone $20 of beer than pay $60+ for a motel room.

Same here!! Maybe its time to sticky Carl's STN locator link again. That was pretty good for couch-surfing around the country  

[Blrfl]

As for motel costs, I hate the idea of paying $60 for a room when all I need is a 6' x 2' floor space and somewhere to pee.

http://www.yotel.com

--Mark

[cultureslayer]

Same here!! Maybe its time to sticky Carl's STN locator link again. That was pretty good for couch-surfing around the country  

Oooh, a directory?  I did not realize there was one, otherwise I'd register.  

I have to bring yuengling (beer) every time I visit the boyfriend, so I am no stranger to providing alcohol and/or food for a place to stay.  

[Bigfoot]

Is it me or have rates gone up 30% or so over the past few years?  I guess it's just the corporate ones but I sure have noticed they are all runs by middle-eastern people.  I though demand was down?

Ebonics?  I'll make sure the Middle Eastern manager of the local hotel knows he's a SOB for giving us discounts for our host hotel for work seminars.  Just the thought of it makes me sick.  He should be American damnit.

[chornbe]

Oooh, a directory?  I did not realize there was one, otherwise I'd register.  

I have to bring yuengling (beer) every time I visit the boyfriend, so I am no stranger to providing alcohol and/or food for a place to stay.  

It's a bad sign that you have to bribe your way into your boyfriend's place. He's gay. Find a new one

[cultureslayer]

It's a bad sign that you have to bribe your way into your boyfriend's place. He's gay. Find a new one

No, I am pretty sure that's not the case.  

You can't buy yuengling in IL, so there is a legitimate reason for me to fit a 12 pack into my saddlebags along with everything else.

[chornbe]

That's pretty much the only beer I drink.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

http://www.yotel.com

--Mark

Perfect. But how long until their in every state and in multiple cities???

[dr dralion]

My disdain for the poor grammar / spelling in this thread is only surpassed by the racist overtones.  Funny, when people can hide behind a screen-name, their truth comes out.  

Kevin

[Outlaw]

Same here!! Maybe its time to sticky Carl's STN locator link again. That was pretty good for couch-surfing around the country  

I think that is a great idea. I know that Dr Gil has offered me a room when I finally do my West coast ride. I'd be more then happy to offer a couch, bed even a stay in my Motorhome at the shop if some one from STN needs a place to flop for the night on a trip.  My kids get a kick out of company and its nice to make new friends...

[cultureslayer]

That's pretty much the only beer I drink.

Yes, and only available in a few states.  It's incentive for him to move to NC.  

[dm_gsxr]

And the STN Locator with couch and garage volunteers has helped at least one person with mechanical difficulties. He even got dinner out of the deal

Carl

(see .sig for link to locator)

[chornbe]

I think that is a great idea. I know that Dr Gil has offered me a room when I finally do my West coast ride. I'd be more then happy to offer a couch, bed even a stay in my Motorhome at the shop if some one from STN needs a place to flop for the night on a trip.  My kids get a kick out of company and its nice to make new friends...

+1 minus the motorhome.

[chornbe]

Yes, and only available in a few states.  It's incentive for him to move to NC.  

Fortunately it's EVERYWHERE here; I'm a PA native.  

[cultureslayer]

I registered, but it's not my exact address since my place can be messy and I'd like to warn my roommates before strange people start showing up in the living room.  

[dm_gsxr]

It's really just a marker. Pin it anywhere you please

I suspect that if you actually need to use it and have internet access to view the sites, you'll know to pop over here and post a quick thread or PM to the closer individuals vs just dropping in. Of course I'm a volunteer so if you happen to pop in dragging ass, we'll accommodate you as best as we can and welcome

Carl

[cultureslayer]

It's really just a marker. Pin it anywhere you please

I suspect that if you actually need to use it and have internet access to view the sites, you'll know to pop over here and post a quick thread or PM to the closer individuals vs just dropping in. Of course I'm a volunteer so if you happen to pop in dragging ass, we'll accommodate you as best as we can and welcome

Carl

It's only 2 miles from my apartment, so you won't have to haul ass through country roads following questionable directions for an hour.

And if you are visiting because you are thinking about working at or attending UNC, I'll even give you a tour.

[FlowBee]

My disdain for the poor grammar / spelling in this thread is only surpassed by the racist overtones.  Funny, when people can hide behind a screen-name, their truth comes out.  

Kevin

Would you rather they whisper behind your back?  


Get it out.  Talk about it.  Make your feelings clear. Examine the issue.  Maybe, just maybe, people will come to an understanding of the issues behind the racism.  And we'll all learn from it.

Nobody is served by forcing bigotry or ignorance underground.

[goldylocks303]

 

How do you guys explain to your roommate that a stranger will be spending the night?  My roommate is super cool but she also falls into the category of YSWW (young scared white woman).  She's not paranoid, just cautious, as all young women should be.  I'd love to do something like this but I don't want to freak her out.  I don't mind trusting people but I can't ask her to do the same.   Any thoughts.  

eD

[dr dralion]

Would you rather they whisper behind your back?  


Get it out.  Talk about it.  Make your feelings clear. Examine the issue.  Maybe, just maybe, people will come to an understanding of the issues behind the racism.  And we'll all learn from it.

Nobody is served by forcing bigotry or ignorance underground.

To answer your question, no I'd rather it not be behind my back.  I'd rather have an honest conversation about it.  Hence my previous comment about how when people's identity remains concealed, they are more likely to act on socially inappropriate thoughts.  Moving forward with that conversation - why the negative comment about people of varying cultures owning hotels?  Is this a negative thing?  

Kevin

[Mrs. DantesDame]

 

How do you guys explain to your roommate that a stranger will be spending the night?  My roommate is super cool but she also falls into the category of YSWW (young scared white woman).  She's not paranoid, just cautious, as all young women should be.  I'd love to do something like this but I don't want to freak her out.  I don't mind trusting people but I can't ask her to do the same.   Any thoughts.  

eD

I had a similar problem with my last roommate (despite the fact he could kick any of your asses  ) He didn't fully understand the trust I give to STNers and how I could let "complete strangers" into my house. But since it is *my* house he didn't have much to say about it.

Now I have another roommate who doesn't seem to care what I do and the couch is still open  



Oh, and goldy - to answer your question: If there's any reservations from the roommate then I just neglect to tell them that the visitor is a complete stranger. I just say that "a motorcycling friend is coming over". Vague, truthful and not as threatening  

[FlowBee]

To answer your question, no I'd rather it not be behind my back.  I'd rather have an honest conversation about it.  Hence my previous comment about how when people's identity remains concealed, they are more likely to act on socially inappropriate thoughts.  Moving forward with that conversation - why the negative comment about people of varying cultures owning hotels?  Is this a negative thing?  

Kevin

Thanks.  

I believe the issue centers around how it appears a disproportionate number of people of a particular culture are involved in this business.  In other words, why so many of this particular culture?  is there something in the culture of their home country that gives them a particular attraction to this field?  Why so many, when they are clearly a small fraction of the US population?

Stereotypes are born out of significant trends outside of the norm.  This one begs for stereotyping, just like a mullet on a redneck.  We can laugh about it, but at some point we should ask ourselves, "Yeah, why IS that?"

[Snowbird]

And the STN Locator with couch and garage volunteers has helped at least one person with mechanical difficulties. He even got dinner out of the deal

Carl

(see .sig for link to locator)

I'm confused. The locator instructions say: "Note: If you're east of Greenwich (Example: America (North, Central, South)), you'll put a negative number here."

I'm in upstate NY, my map says something like 78 degrees west of Greenwich. But the instructions say America is east of Greenwich?    Isn't NY in America?  

[dm_gsxr]

I'm confused. The locator instructions say: "Note: If you're east of Greenwich (Example: America (North, Central, South)), you'll put a negative number here."

I'm in upstate NY, my map says something like 78 degrees west of Greenwich. But the instructions say America is east of Greenwich?    Isn't NY in America?  

Huh, I'll have to check it out. In my defense, no one else has noticed it

Carl

[Snowbird]

Thanks. I want to help... and to see who's actually brave enough to visit me.   

I promise not to mention those 3 letters that refer to certain braking systems. Yeah, right... 

[chornbe]

Would you rather they whisper behind your back?  


Get it out.  Talk about it.  Make your feelings clear. Examine the issue.  Maybe, just maybe, people will come to an understanding of the issues behind the racism.  And we'll all learn from it.

Nobody is served by forcing bigotry or ignorance underground.

A certain amount of racism (and a b'zillion other -isms) are human nature. People tend to stick to what they know and group together with those more like themselves. Having things like "Miss Black America" and "Asian coalition" and a hundred other culture or race-specific exclusions and excusivities only fosters it. It ain't good. It ain't right. It ain't helpful. It just *is*.

[chornbe]

I promise not to mention those 3 letters that refer to certain braking systems. Yeah, right...  

KYJ[elly] ?  

[bpg]

Yes, and only available in a few states.  It's incentive for him to move to NC.  

ahhh yes - when I moved from PA to NC in January; I was so happy to see that:

A) I could buy beer at the grocery store!!??!!  And the gas station!!?!!

B) And Yuengling is not only available, but on tap at most bars!!!

Although, I do miss PA's drive-through beer distributors...

Funny thing about Yuengling; when I was a punk kid it was nasty cheap party beer...  only when the Lager and others arrived did it rachet up quite a few notches.

Oh yeah, getting back to the topic on hand: racism sucks...  er, staying in hotels also sucks - when you own a tent and/or have friends and family all over!

[dm_gsxr]

Thanks. I want to help... and to see who's actually brave enough to visit me.   

I promise not to mention those 3 letters that refer to certain braking systems. Yeah, right... 

Fixed and thanks.

Carl

[cultureslayer]

Oh, and goldy - to answer your question: If there's any reservations from the roommate then I just neglect to tell them that the visitor is a complete stranger. I just say that "a motorcycling friend is coming over". Vague, truthful and not as threatening  

Yup.  And I talk to the person on the phone first, introduce them to the roomies if we see them, and warn the roomies that they are coming.  I also make it clear that if they do anything funny they will lose their firstborn and motorcycle.

I had male roommates because I don't like the whiny OMG they're going to kill us all female response to any visitor.  One of my roommates now is female, but rarely there and okay with male roommates.  I also tell them before moving in that I will have friends over.

I met my boyfriend on a motorcycle forum, so I guess that helps with my perception of people on bike forums as well.

[highside]

Thanks.  

I believe the issue centers around how it appears a disproportionate number of people of a particular culture are involved in this business.  In other words, why so many of this particular culture?  is there something in the culture of their home country that gives them a particular attraction to this field?  Why so many, when they are clearly a small fraction of the US population?

Stereotypes are born out of significant trends outside of the norm.  This one begs for stereotyping, just like a mullet on a redneck.  We can laugh about it, but at some point we should ask ourselves, "Yeah, why IS that?"

One reason for this is that when one individual becomes successfull in an entrepreneurial venture they tend to help their friends and family enter into the business as well. This happens ALL THE TIME with white people, but no one notices, when an Indian family gets big into hotels and their friends and family (also Indian) start staffing all the new buildings they take over people start to ask why. When it's white people what you get is a really nice family business that you want to send your business to. When those people are brown it's some kind of conspiracy.

[Aaron]

The racist overtones in this thread have gotten a lot of attention, but the one thing no one's mentioning is the tremendous HANGOVER Yuengling beer gives you. I like The Lager and often drink it when I'm in PA or WV, but a few too many and I wake up with a hatchet stuck in my head!

[tuumi]

Thanks.  
Stereotypes are born out of significant trends outside of the norm.  This one begs for stereotyping, just like a mullet on a redneck.  We can laugh about it, but at some point we should ask ourselves, "Yeah, why IS that?"

What was the point of the thread? To make note of the type of people running motels or a commentary on the rising price of motels?  Is there a connection?

Can I ask in what region the middle easern and central asian folks seem to dominate the motel business?  Do you travel outside your little region to make observations throughout the country?  

[Albie]

 Isn't NY in America?  

No!

[Snowbird]

No!

But I managed to get listed as though it is.   

I'm confused still on how to use the thing. I "queried" my name, then scrolled to see who is on my way to Kingston, ON. No one else was listed. 

Earlier I clicked on "coordinates" and only got a primer on entering them. How do I locate a member-- any member-- if I know where I am and need help?

[Ant]

Life time membership to the YHA (Youth Hostel Association) here. My Dad and I travelled around California in Youth Hostels so I know they exist over in the States in some shape or form!
http://www.hiusa.org/usa-hostels/index.shtml is the list of US hostels.

Whenever I travel in Europe I always use hostels if possible. It's so much cheaper and you meet so many different and interesting people  

Hostels are how I'm planning to tour Scandinavia next year, in a country where beer costs £8 for a pint you can get a bed for the night for about the same price at a hostel!
In the UK Youth Hostels are absolutely everywhere, including most major cities. In fact the city ones quite often allow you to book private rooms for well under half the price of a motel in Central London for example.

Oh and don't be put off by the name, there are plenty of old guys at these "Youth" hostels so you won't look out of place    

[Ant]

Oh and joining your national hostel association means that you're automatically a member of the hostel associations around the world.

[chornbe]

Oh and joining your national hostel association means that you're automatically a member of the hostel associations around the world.

Cool. you can get ripped apart with a chainsaw or meat hook in any country that way. Excellent!  

[Ant]

Cool. you can get ripped apart with a chainsaw or meat hook in any country that way. Excellent!  

  pessimist

I've stayed in hundreds of hostels and I still have all my limbs  

[chornbe]

  pessimist

I've stayed in hundreds of hostels and I still have all my limbs  

note: I was just jokingly referring to the movie. nothing expected to reflect the real world.

[Ant]

note: I was just jokingly referring to the movie. nothing expected to reflect the real world.

I know

[chornbe]

Ant is banned for making me think he took me seriously. Damn that English sense of humor! Banned; forth and ever more.

[bomber]

Ant -- thanks for the great link! very very cool, and will greatly expand one's financial range (minus the expense of the two-stroke mix for the chain saw, natch)!

[Ant]

Ant -- thanks for the great link! very very cool, and will greatly expand one's financial range (minus the expense of the two-stroke mix for the chain saw, natch)!

Definitely, we stayed really close to Fishermans Wharf in San Francisco for about $20 a night. That was a couple of years ago and it appears to have gone up to the shocking price of $28 now The view out across the bay was amazing  
I also recommend checking out the Pescadero hostel, the view out from there is phenominal Linky (renamed to satisfy stefrrr )

[1KPerDay]

Can I ask in what region the middle easern and central asian folks seem to dominate the motel business?

No. That makes you a racist.

[tuumi]

[1KPerDay]

Do you?

[keystonejenks]

Ugh.  I try to stay with people I know, and let people use my futon whenever possible.  I'd much rather buy someone $20 of beer than pay $60+ for a motel room.

I'm going to be in NC, can I crash at your house? I'll buy the beer!  

[sagerat]

Stopped at semi-derelict mom and pop out in NE Portland near Portland Int'l Raceway.  When they opened the door that separates the manager's living quarters from the front desk, all those wonderous aromas wafted out from the curry dish they were making.  I told the Indian couple can the hotel, you need to open a restaurant.  

[cultureslayer]

I'm going to be in NC, can I crash at your house? I'll buy the beer!  

You might have to return the favor one day, given your proximity to the yuengling brewery.

The sad part of all of this is that I can't even drink beer.  However, if you visit I'll have to get you to try some cider.  It's not really a girly drink and no one has to know.

[keystonejenks]

You might have to return the favor one day, given your proximity to the yuengling brewery.

The sad part of all of this is that I can't even drink beer.  However, if you visit I'll have to get you to try some cider.  It's not really a girly drink and no one has to know.

Okay, I'll buy the cider! But my trip is going to have to wait since I'm now bikeless. My sister goes to Brevard College in NC and after helping her move in one semester I said, "Yup, I'm bringing the bike down here sometime."

[cultureslayer]

Okay, I'll buy the cider! But my trip is going to have to wait since I'm now bikeless. My sister goes to Brevard College in NC and after helping her move in one semester I said, "Yup, I'm bringing the bike down here sometime."

Sad.  That's why I have 2 running bikes and if I'm lucky, the second 250 will be ready by spring.

[Outlaw]

Stopped at semi-derelict mom and pop out in NE Portland near Portland Int'l Raceway.  When they opened the door that separates the manager's living quarters from the front desk, all those wonderous aromas wafted out from the curry dish they were making.  I told the Indian couple can the hotel, you need to open a restaurant.  

Off Track a little here. But your story reminded me of this

Back when I was an Electrician I had a call to a house that was owned by an Indian couple. When I walked into the house I about puked because of the curry smell. Don't get me wrong I like the stuff but it was like they had never opened the house up and it just kept building and building into the walls and the carpet it was very over whelming... funny part of the story since there was a language barrier she spoke broken English I didn't realize till I called my boss that I was in the wrong house. I was suppose to be in the one next to her....which made me happy twice over I got out of that home with the curry smell and went next door only to have the lady open up the door in a sleazy little night gown and invite me in.. we discussed how she liked "BIG" things till her boyfriend called   and said he was on his way home.... I fixed the electrical problem and I was out of there....

[keystonejenks]

Off Track a little here. But your story reminded me of this

Back when I was an Electrician I had a call to a house that was owned by an Indian couple. When I walked into the house I about puked because of the curry smell. Don't get me wrong I like the stuff but it was like they had never opened the house up and it just kept building and building into the walls and the carpet it was very over whelming... funny part of the story since there was a language barrier she spoke broken English I didn't realize till I called my boss that I was in the wrong house. I was suppose to be in the one next to her....which made me happy twice over I got out of that home with the curry smell and went next door only to have the lady open up the door in a sleazy little night gown and invite me in.. we discussed how she liked "BIG" things till her boyfriend called   and said he was on his way home.... I fixed the electrical problem and I was out of there....

That'll teach you to find the right house!

[1moreroad]

What was the point of the thread? To make note of the type of people running motels or a commentary on the rising price of motels?  Is there a connection?

Can I ask in what region the middle easern and central asian folks seem to dominate the motel business?  Do you travel outside your little region to make observations throughout the country?  

Since this seems to be a legitimate question --

(1) American travel is up.  More people are flying in 2007 than any time since 9/11.  Domestic travel is up.  More folks are traveling.  Some folks are being pushed to the suburbs to look for affordable rooms which pushes some people who would have stayed in the suburbs out to BFE where a lot of us end up staying.  Supply/demand says that hotel room prices will go up.

More and more hotel rooms are owned by fewer and fewer large companies.  While the building and property itself is franchised, many room rates are done, dictated or at least guided by the corporate parent.  There doesn't have to be collusion if there are only 2 different companies owning all the hotels in a small town -- just look at the rates of the other guy and set accordingly.  

Several chains are also trying to go upscale.  Holiday Inn Express is one.  First Holiday Inn got fancy so HI Express was introduced as a "basics" hotel (and some motels).  Now HI Express has its own line of pillows, linens, and towels.  Days Inn is putting the same curved shower rod in their motels that HI Express uses and calling itself upscale in the hopes of charging more money.

(2) I've noticed central Asian (not Middle Eastern myself and ever since 2001 I'm amazed some Americans don't know the difference) hotel managers in many, many states.  CA, AZ, NV, IN, AL (guessing on AL based on accent over the phone) off the top of my head.  That's 3 regions of the country (southwest, midwest, and south).  Michael Yates, a retired Pitt economics professor commented on it in his book, "Cheap Motels and a Hot Plate," a travelogue focused on income inequality in the US.  The guy's opinions are   but the book is very readable.  The managers that I've had time to talk to are usually relatively young (early to mid-20s) and often students using a relatively quiet job with sometimes strange hours to earn some $$ to pay for college.

[Doug Just Doug]

I'm being lazy and not reading thru the whole thread, so shoot me if this has already been said.  Unless you're in an extremely low vacancy situation (Americade for instance), or you're dealing with the only lodging in the area, lower rates are often just a simple request away.  The owner has to put people in beds...empty rooms generate zero income.  I almost always get a lower rate or at least a better room (nothing beats a private jacuzzi after a long day's ride!).  Kinda the same thing as with rental cars and airline tix.

[1moreroad]

I'm being lazy and not reading thru the whole thread, so shoot me if this has already been said.  Unless you're in an extremely low vacancy situation (Americade for instance), or you're dealing with the only lodging in the area, lower rates are often just a simple request away.  ... Kinda the same thing as with rental cars and airline tix.

Good point.  Like hotels, planes, on average, are 85% full which is why it's hard to negotiate lower prices.  Before 9/11 I got about half a dozen upgrades to first class just for asking.  Not anymore.

IIRC, the worst rate will always be walking into the hotel itself.  Call first.  In Russellville, we sat in a parking lot and called the national numbers for the 3 or 4 hotels we could see to check rates.  If you find the best rate, make the reservation or walk into the hotel and ask them to beat it.