Hello all! I am self employed and travel on the road often for work with an enclosed trailer in tow. I recently tried to stay at a cheaper hotel this past weekend to save some money (Sleep Inn) and had an awful experience. I generally stay at Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn, and hotels in that range. It seems on average I say I'd spend $125 a night.
I looked into getting AAA, but didn't really notice any discounts for having AAA vs going through Expedia. I do most of my booking through Expedia and will save $10 here or there with Expedia rewards. I find it cheapest to book the cheapest hotel with decent reviews(Holiday Inn Express, Marriot, Hampton Inn, etc) rather than sticking to one brand and trying to get brand rewards.
I have been strongly considering trading in my work trailer for a toy hauler or enclosed trailer with living quarters and then either paying minimal fees for a campground or parking in random walmart parking lots. Also looked into truck bed campers but not sure my F350 can handle a bed camper plus trailer, it's not a dually. Plus the bed campers are as much as if not more than toy haulers it seems. But, I'd sort of be investing my money rather than throwing it away in a hotel.
Before I go that extreme of a route, are there any tips or tricks I might be missing for getting the best deals on hotels? I always scope out Expedia, Trip Advisor, and kayak which for the most part all end up having the same rates. I have heard very negative things about Priceline so I have avoided that site altogether.
I am not against cheaper hotels like best western, red roof inn, days inn but I always do my searches based on reviews and those hotels are never near the top.
Thanks in advance for any input or suggestions!!!!
I looked into getting AAA, but didn't really notice any discounts for having AAA vs going through Expedia. I do most of my booking through Expedia and will save $10 here or there with Expedia rewards. I find it cheapest to book the cheapest hotel with decent reviews(Holiday Inn Express, Marriot, Hampton Inn, etc) rather than sticking to one brand and trying to get brand rewards.
I have been strongly considering trading in my work trailer for a toy hauler or enclosed trailer with living quarters and then either paying minimal fees for a campground or parking in random walmart parking lots. Also looked into truck bed campers but not sure my F350 can handle a bed camper plus trailer, it's not a dually. Plus the bed campers are as much as if not more than toy haulers it seems. But, I'd sort of be investing my money rather than throwing it away in a hotel.
Before I go that extreme of a route, are there any tips or tricks I might be missing for getting the best deals on hotels? I always scope out Expedia, Trip Advisor, and kayak which for the most part all end up having the same rates. I have heard very negative things about Priceline so I have avoided that site altogether.
I am not against cheaper hotels like best western, red roof inn, days inn but I always do my searches based on reviews and those hotels are never near the top.
Thanks in advance for any input or suggestions!!!!