INTRODUCTION - Ireland 2014 - page 57

Lodging Vouchers
Many US travel agents sell vouchers for lodging in Ireland. In essence, you're pay-
ing ahead of time for your lodging, with the assurance that you'll be staying in
B&Bs and guesthouses that live up to certain standards. I don't recommend buying
into these, since your choices will be limited to only the places in Ireland that ac-
cept vouchers. Sure, there are hundreds in the program to choose from. But in this
guidebook, I list any place that offers a good value—a useful location, nice hosts,
and a comfortable and clean room—regardless of what club they do or don't belong
to. Lots of great B&Bs choose not to participate in the voucher program because
theyhavetopaytobepartofit,slicingintotheiralreadythinprofit.AndmanyIrish
B&B owners lament the long wait they endure between the date a traveler stays
with them and the date the voucher company reimburses them. In short, skip it. The
voucher program is just another middleman between you and the innkeeper.
Big, Cheap, Modern Hotels
Hotel chains—popular with budget tour groups—offer predictably comfortable, no-frills
accommodations at reasonable prices. These hotels are popping up in big cities in Ireland.
They can be located near the train station, in the city center, on major arterials, and outside
the city center. What you lose in charm, you gain in savings.
Ican'tstressthisenough:Checkonlineforthecheapestdeals.Butbesuretogothrough
the hotel's website rather than an online middleman.
Chain hotels are ideal for families, offering simple, clean, and modern rooms for up
to four people (two adults/two children) for €100-150, depending on the location. Note
that couples pay the same price for a room as do families (up to four). Most rooms have
a double bed, single bed, five-foot trundle bed, private shower, WC, and TV. Hotels usu-
ally have an attached restaurant, good security, an elevator, and a 24-hour staffed reception
desk. Of course, they're as cozy as a Motel 6, but many travelers love them. You can book
online (be sure to check their websites for deals) or over the phone with a credit card, then
pay when you check in. When you check out, just drop off the key, Lee.
The biggies are Jurys Inn (call their hotels directly or book online at
www.jurysinns.com ) , Comfort/Quality Inns (Republic of Ireland tel. [phone],
Northern Ireland tel. [phone], US tel. [phone], www.choicehotels.com ), and
Travelodge (also has freeway locations for tired drivers, reservation center in Britain tel.
08700-850-950, www.travelodge.co.uk ).