Vancouver, Whistler & Vancouver Island - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 893

their daily rates and this is what we quote. Seattle hotel rooms are subject to a tax of
15.6% (less for most B&Bs and historical properties).
Oregon Outside Portland, lodging tax is 6% to 10.5%. In Portland it's 11.5% to 14.5%, de-
pending on the size of the hotel.
British Columbia Lodgings in British Columbia attract an 8% provincial sales tax (PST)
plus a 5% goods and services tax (GST). Some British Columbia regions levy an addition-
al tax on overnight accommodations of up to 2%.
B&Bs
If you want an intimate alternative to impersonal hotel rooms, stay at a B&B. They're typ-
ically in large homes (sometimes historical) with charming furnishings and just a few
rooms - usually with private bathrooms. The owners tend to be friendly and are happy to
offer advice on the area. Most B&Bs require reservations, though some will take the occa-
sional drop-in. Nearly all prohibit smoking and many don't allow young children or pets.
Substantial breakfasts are nearly always included in the price, which is usually between
$90 and $200.
B&Bs abound throughout Oregon and Washington but are particularly concentrated on
the islands of Puget Sound and along the Oregon coast. Countless B&B websites compile
lists and photos, including the following:
Washington Bed & Breakfast Guild ( www.wbbg.com )
Oregon Bed & Breakfast Guild ( www.obbg.org )
BC Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers Guild ( www.bcsbestbnbs.com )
Camping & Recreational Vehicles (RVs)
Camping is a wonderful, cheap way to appreciate the outdoors, especially in summer. The
Pacific Northwest is strewn with campgrounds, both public and private, and pitching a tent
usually costs $10 to $20. RV-site costs depend on hookups but generally run from $20 to
$30.
Campground facilities vary widely. Basic or primitive campgrounds usually have vault
toilets, fire pits and (sometimes) drinking water, and are most common in national forests
and on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. The state- and national-park camp-
grounds tend to be the best equipped, featuring picnic benches, flush toilets, hot showers
and RV hookups. Private campgrounds are usually close to town and tend to cater to
RVers, with good services and facilities such as full hookups, showers, coin laundries,
swimming pools, play areas, wi-fi and even small convenience stores.
Most campgrounds along the coast are open year-round, but inland where it snows
they close in winter. Dispersed (or backcountry) camping is only permitted in national
parks with a permit. It's a good idea to reserve campsites in summer.