Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Amenities
»
Most properties offer in-room wi-fi. It's typically free in budget and midrange lodgings,
while top-end hotels often charge a fee.
»
Many smaller properties, especially B&Bs, ban smoking. Marriott and Westin brand ho-
tels are 100% smoke free. Other properties may have rooms set aside for smokers
.
»
Air-conditioning is not a standard amenity at most budget and midrange places. If you
want it, be sure to ask about it when you book.
Discounts
»
In winter, prices can plummet by as much as 50%.
»
Membership in the American Automobile Association (AAA) or an affiliated automobile
association, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) or other organizations also
yield modest savings (usually 10%).
»
Check the hotel websites listed throughout this guide for special online rates. The usual
suspects also offer discounted room prices throughout Canada:
Priceline
(
www.priceline.com
)
Hotwire
(
www.hotwire.com
)
Expedia
(
www.expedia.com
)
Travelocity
(
www.travelocity.com
)
Tripadvisor
(
www.tripadvisor.com
)
B&Bs
»
Bed & Breakfast Online
(
www.bbcanada.com
)
is the main booking agency for proper-
ties nationwide.
»
In Canada B&Bs, known as
gîtes
in French, are essentially converted private homes
whose owners live on-site. People who like privacy may find B&Bs too intimate, as walls
are rarely soundproof and it's usual to mingle with your hosts and other guests.
»
Standards vary widely, sometimes even within a single B&B. The cheapest rooms tend
to be small with few amenities and a shared bathroom. Nicer ones have added features
such as a balcony, a fireplace and an ensuite bathroom. Breakfast is always included in
the rates (though it might be continental instead of a full cooked affair).
»
Not all B&Bs accept children, while others cater to them.
»
Minimum stays (usually two nights) are common, and many B&Bs are only open sea-
sonally.
Search WWH ::
Custom Search