Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Rates & Reservations
Generally, midweek rates are lower except at urban hotels geared toward business trav-
elers, which lure leisure travelers with weekend deals.
Discount membership cards (eg AAA, AARP) may get you about 10% off standard rates
at participating hotels and motels.
Look for freebie ad magazines packed with hotel and motel discount coupons at gas sta-
tions, highway rest areas, tourist offices and online at
HotelCoupons
(
ht-
High season is from June to August everywhere, except the deserts and mountain ski
areas, where December through April are the busiest months.
Demand and prices spike even higher around major holidays and for festivals, when
some properties may impose multiday minimum stays.
Reservations are recommended for weekend and holiday travel year round, and every
day of the week during high season.
Bargaining may be possible for walk-in guests without reservations, especially at off-peak
times.
SLEEPING PRICE RANGES
The following price ranges refer to a private room with bath during high season, unless
otherwise specified. Taxes and breakfast are not normally included in the price.
$
less than $100
$$
$100 to $200
$$$
more than $200
B&Bs & Vacation Rentals
If you want an atmospheric or perhaps romantic alternative to impersonal motels and ho-
tels, bed-and-breakfast inns typically inhabit fine old Victorian houses or other heritage
buildings, bedecked with floral wallpaper and antique furnishings. Travelers who prefer pri-
vacy may find B&Bs too intimate.
Rates often include breakfast, but occasionally do not (never mind what the name 'B&B'
suggests). Amenities vary widely, but rooms with TV and telephone are the exception; the
cheapest units share bathrooms. Standards are high at places certified by the
California
Association of Boutique & Breakfast Inns
(
www.cabbi.com
). Quality varies wildly at hos-
