This post will be short.
Disclaimer: As a general rule, I will choose something unique or special over a chain hotel whenever possible. But, we all have occasions when we just need to “pull over and spend the night.” This post applies to times like that.
Recently my Silver Fox and I needed to be in Troy, AL for 2 nights for a family funeral. We drove to a very nice Best Western in a great location for our activities coming up and went in to get a room. When Steve asked what the room rate would be, he was told “$103.00.” He said, “We’ll be staying for 2 nights. Is that the best rate you have?” He mentioned several memberships we have that give very small discounts, but the girl at the desk said, “You need to drive down the road just a little bit to a gas station, a McDonald’s or a Waffle House and pick up the free Alabama Travel Coupons book. We have a good discount in that book.” Sure enough. We quickly found one of the books and ended up saving $56.00 on those 2 nights. A BIG discount. Much better than AAA, AARP or any of the others that are common.
Current Alabama Coupon book in effect until April 30, 2016.
If you are traveling soon and will be stopping overnight at places yet to be determined, I highly recommend that you either find a book for the state you are in (go to a Welcome Center when you cross a state line) OR go to travelcoupons.com. Make note of the 17 states that offer these discounts. Keep this reference handy on your iPhone or iPad. Then, when you come into a town, look first at the hotel to see if you think you can be safe and comfortable. Find the discount coupon and walk in ready to claim your good deal. Why pay more?
Great insight as I never pick up those books. But could have used it when we were stuck in a blizzard and stayed the night at a Best Western.
I know!! Who knew? I will try to keep a current one handy from now on.