Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and make careful inquiries before heading up long mountain roads to marginal accom-
modations best suited to hardened anglers.
Motels & Hotels
Motels are cheaper than hotels, with rooms that open to the outside and often surround a
parking lot. Hotels have inside hallways, nicer lobbies and provide extra services.
As a rule, motels offer the best lodging value for money. Rooms are unmemorable but
usually comfortably furnished and clean. Amenities vary, but expect a private bathroom,
cable TV, wi-fi, a telephone with free local calls, heating and air-con. Many have small re-
frigerator, coffeemaker and microwave. Some have kitchenette, coin laundry and swim-
ming pool.
Rental Accommodations
In many coastal areas and in central Oregon and Washington, owners of weekend or va-
cation homes depend on occasional rentals to help pay the mortgage. Most of these well-
maintained, furnished homes have at least three bedrooms. For a family or group of
friends these homes represent some of the best-value lodgings in the area.
Descriptions of rental properties can easily be found on the internet. Local visitor cen-
ters should also be able to supply information. Some restrictions apply: houses are often
occupied by the owners on major holidays and summer weekends, there's usually a min-
imum stay of two nights and there may be a housekeeping fee.
Resorts
Certain parts of Oregon and Washington are home to huge resort communities offering di-
verse rental options such as condominiums, apartments, lodge rooms, cottages and
houses. These are usually privately owned and rented out for supplemental income. More
upscale versions boast amenities such as golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools
and guided outdoor activities.
Discount Cards
If you're a student, bring along your student ID, which can get you discounts on transport-
ation and admission to sights and attractions. Many hostels in the Pacific Northwest are
members of
HI-USA
(
www.hiusa.org
), which is affiliated with HI. You don't need a HI-USA
card to stay at these hostels, but having one saves you a few bucks per night. You can
buy one at the hostel when checking in.
For good lodging discounts, look for coupon books stacked outside highway rest stops.
People over the age of 65 (or sometimes younger) often qualify for the same discounts
as students; any identification showing your date of birth should suffice. Folks 62 or older
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