Where should I stay while chasing? [Archive]

Tim Vasquez

12-04-2004, 03:59 AM

I've never been disappointed with Best Westerns. Though you get the obligatory cardboard-box motel room, they tend to throw in extra amenities that you don't find at Days Inn, Holiday Inn, etc.

Use extreme care when using credit cards, particularly in large hotels that have many employees. A growing form of theft is occurring where a guest arrives and pays cash. The front desk clerk bills it to whatever credit card they last handled and pockets the cash, assuming you will overlook the charge or the accounting for the charge will get lost in their front office bureaucracy. This has happened to me twice, but only at the big, impersonal hotels. Hilton and Radisson.

Tim

Craig Maire II

12-13-2004, 07:42 PM

I've always enjoyed staying at Comfort Inns. Thev'e always been clean, had cable TV, swimming pools, etc. plus a continental breakfast. If you have a Triple AAA card you can use it to get a discount. Also, make sure your hotel of choice is located in a "good" area so you can avoid vehicle break-ins, gas theft, etc. Plus it can be rather difficult to get a decent sleep with emergency vehicles constantly screaming by, people partying outside etc.

Tony Laubach

12-13-2004, 08:13 PM

I'm a cheapo chaser, and if I am chasing alone, I tend to bunk out in the backseat of my car. Upon some talks I heard earlier this season, I am even thinking of grabbing a tent and trying that a night or two while I'm out.

As for hotel preference, I tend to use cheaper is better, but with WiFi and high speed access priorities, I have began to pay the extra few bucks a night to stay at those particular places.

Motel 6s are always a decent cheapo bet. Usually if I elect for a hotel, more times than not, its cause I want a shower and a bed to sleep in; and more often than not, I'm in the target area or I don't have to be out early the next day. Outside of that, I tend to maximize my cash by sleeping in the car or a very cheap hotel.

I guess it depends on your preference, though. If you're like me, I tend to stay in hotels only when I can enjoy them. If I have to be up and out the door by 8am, then I tend to crash out in the car. It's just easier for me being as I am usually up with the sun while sleeping in the car, which means I never oversleep if I need to be at a certain target area by such-and-such time. Keep in mind that I have a small Mercury Tracer, so hopefully your vehicle offers more space options than my car. I have slept two people in there before, so I know it can be done.

Again, this is all on your preference. If you don't mind the crampy car, then save yourself some cash and use it. Besides, I typically like to spend my money on a good dinner afterwards. And if I've been on the road for a couple days, the cash I save not staying in a hotel may get me a nice room in a hotel with a pool or something to enjoy for bit of a downday!

Just my thoughts!

Ciao!

Rockwell Schrock

12-13-2004, 08:54 PM

Tony Laubach

12-13-2004, 09:10 PM

Or... do you just not take a shower because you're afraid it will ruin your lucky five-day run of successful tornado days? :-D

That, too... I haven't run into a long enough stretch of days where that's been an issue.. last year, being my first serious year on the road, I found myself chasing areas close enough to home on the second day.. as I mentioned earlier, I will get a hotel if out for extended periods, but usually, I'm not sleeping in the car more than a night or two at a time.

David Wolfson

12-13-2004, 10:43 PM

If we were doing the car camping, I'd look into the truck stops -- the ones with discounts,wi-fi, showers, and safe all-night parking.

As chains go, the Best Westerns are pretty reliable and not very expensive, and most of them will have free high-speed internet by the spring.

mikegeukes

12-14-2004, 10:12 PM

Plenty of motel chains out there to choose from:
-AmeriHost Inn (http://www.amerihostinn.com/) -AmericInn (http://www.americinn.com/) -Baymont Inns (http://www.baymontinns.com/) -Best Inns (http://www.bestinn.com/) -Best Value Inn (http://www.bestvalueinn.com/)
-Best Western (http://www.bestwestern.com/) -Budget Host (http://www.budgethost.com/) -Candlewood Suites (http://www.candlewoodsuites.com/) -Clarion Hotels (http://www.clarionhotel.com/) -ComfortInn (http://www.comfortinn.com/)

-ComfortSuites (http://www.comfortsuites.com/) -Country Inns (http://www.countryinns.com/) -Courtyard (http://www.courtyard.com/) -Days Inn (http://www.daysinn.com/) -DoubleTree (http://www.doubletree.com/)
-DruryHotels (http://www.druryhotels.com/) -Econo Lodge (http://www.econolodge.com/) -Embassy Suites (http://www.embassy-suites.com/) -Extended Stay (http://www.exstay.com/) -FairfieldInn (http://www.fairfieldinn.com/)

-GuestHouse Inn (http://www.guesthouseintl.com/) -HamptonInn (http://www.hamptoninn.com/) -HawthornSuites (http://www.hawthorn.com/) -Hilton (http://www.hilton.com/) -HolidayInn (http://www.holiday-inn.com/)
-HolidayInn Express (http://www.hiexpress.com/) -Homewood Suites (http://www.homewood-suites.com/) -Howard Johnson (http://www.hojo.com/) -Knights Inn (http://www.knightsinn.com/) -LaQuinta (http://www.laquinta.com/)

-MainStaySuites (http://www.mainstaysuites.com/) -Marriott (http://www.marriott.com/) -Microtel (http://www.microtelinn.com/) -Motel6 (http://www.motel6.com/) -Park Inn (http://www.parkinn.com/)
-ParkPlaza (http://www.parkplaza.com/) -QualityInn (http://www.qualityinn.com/) -Radisson (http://www.radisson.com/) -Ramada (http://www.ramada.com/) -RedRoofInn (http://www.redroof.com/)

-Residence (http://www.residenceinn.com/) -Rodeway Inn (http://www.rodewayinn.com/) -Select Inn (http://www.selectinn.com/) -Sheraton (http://www.stanwoodhotels.com/) -ShoneysInn (http://www.shoneysinn.com/)
-Signature Inns (http://www.signature-inns.com/) -Sleep Inn (http://www.sleepinn.com/) -SpringHill Suites (http://www.springhillsuites.com/) -Staybridge Suites (http://www.staybridgesuites.com/) -Studio Plus (http://www.studioplus.com/)
-Super8 (http://www.super8.com/) -TownePlace Suites (http://www.towneplacesuites.com/) -Travelodge (http://www.travelodge.com/) -Wingate Inns (http://www.wingateinns.com/)

Mik

mikegeukes

12-14-2004, 11:53 PM

Accomodations or Lodging Directory by State:
http://www.colorado.com/activities/default.asp?t=4 -Colorado
http://www.enjoyillinois.com/accomodations.html -Illinois
http://www.in.gov/enjoyindiana/ -Indiana
http://www.traveliowa.com/thingstodo/accommodations -Iowa

http://www.travelks.com -Kansas
http://www.exploreminnesota.com/lodging -Minnesota
http://www.missouritourism.org/mainpage.cf...0&BottomNavID=0 (http://www.missouritourism.org/mainpage.cfm?SectionID=6&LeftNavID=0&SubNavID=0&BottomNavID=0) -Missouri
http://www.visitnebraska.org/myplanner/acc...ommodations.asp (http://www.visitnebraska.org/myplanner/accommodations.asp) -Nebraska

http://ndtourism.com/accommodations/ -North Dakota
http://www.travelok.com/toStay/index.asp -Oklahoma
http://travelsd.com/VSD/VSDSearch2.asp -South Dakota
http://www.traveltex.com/Search_Accommodat...SN=6097137&LS=0 (http://www.traveltex.com/Search_Accommodations.asp?SN=6097137&LS=0) -Texas

Mike

APritchard

12-15-2004, 07:37 PM

Sleeping in your car sounds like a good deal, but what do you do about hygiene? You can wash up anywhere, but what about showers and such? Or... do you just not take a shower because you're afraid it will ruin your lucky five-day run of successful tornado days? :-D

Not as if mother nature cares how you smell! :wink: If one were in need of some quick sleep on the way back...how safe are rest areas? Can you just park with the truckers and catch some winks? Anyone else who bunks in their cars sleep anywhere else?

Tony Laubach

12-15-2004, 09:11 PM

If one were in need of some quick sleep on the way back...how safe are rest areas? Can you just park with the truckers and catch some winks?

I have never had an issue.. in fact, I've planned trips on rest stop locations. I slept over night at nearly a dozen this year, including Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and Texas. Never have I had any issues at all with bad people, the boogie man, or highway patrol. I guess til I do, I will completely vouch for them! I usually leave the windows cracked a hair to avoid the morning interior fog-up. Still, no problems.

Joe Nield

12-15-2004, 10:36 PM

Let it be known that, as he has proven over and over again, Mike Geukes is the information master.

Amos Magliocco

12-15-2004, 11:36 PM

When I lived in south Florida and during my two years in Indiana, when I have not lived in north Texas, I have taken long chase vacations of three weeks or more. I guess the biggest lesson I've learned about accomodations is that, under those particular circumstances, you need a bed---a mattress, and you need to be OUT of your vehicle.

During a protracted chase vacation, your vehicle becomes your home. You're in there for as many as twenty hours a day. You eat in there, download data in there, drive dozens of hours to and from targets in there, and ultimately chase in there, too. It gets messy and smelly and claustrophobic after a week or two of this same routine.

So if you can afford it, or if you can find other chasers to help defer the costs (even if it means sleeping on the floor) there's a lot to be said for a room with a television, a chair, a few electrical outlets to recharge your gear, and most importantly, a shower in the morning.

If you can't afford it, you can't afford it. It won't kill you to sleep in your car. Once your a reach a certain age, however, it might. LOL.

If you're willing to do a little legwork, you can find cheap Mom & Pop joints for $30-40 per night, and if you can round up a few more chasers, you can make it very reasonable to split.

Matthew Hatton

02-04-2005, 04:27 PM

Indeed, a hotel room regardless of what chain is running it does offer the ability to wash, charge, rest and watch TV and go online a lot easier than whilst in your car. I think I must have stayed in 28 different motels last May - that was fun but you do get into the routine of unloading the vehicle every night, setting up in your room, and reversing the entire process in the morning.

Always make sure you get your breakfast as often you dont have time later on (probably for another thread but good advice all the same).

Scott Roberts

01-23-2008, 02:44 PM

Because I have to produce my newscasts in the middle of the night, a motel room with Wi-Fi is mandatory for me if I'm out overnight. I have joined the loyalty programs of several chains, and usually just book something form the road once I know where I'm going to be -- price and wi-fi being the primary considerations.

Following are my recommendations (with the bias that all I care about on a chase night is somewhere to crash and somewhere to work):

I have had the best experiences with Super8 and Days Inn.
Best Westerns are great, but typically more expensive.
I also use several of the Choice hotels brands, but have been burned at enough Quality Inns to avoid them.
When I want to treat myself, I go to LaQuinta or Holiday Inn Express.

Between chasing and business, I have accumulated enough points at most chains for a free night from time to time.

As for the "where" strategy...if I'm on a multi-day chase, I bed down as far toward the next day's target as I can legitimately do so. Given that I have to start working between 11pm and 1am, that's not so far as it was a couple of years ago. If I'm at the end of an outing, I simply stop as soon as I find a place.

Bart_Comstock

01-23-2008, 02:56 PM

If any of you happen to end up in the same town as I am at the end of the night and there is a Marriott around that isn't full, I'd be willing to split the cost on a room. I can get a discount at Marriotts that range from 35-48 dollars a night. Just PM me or look for me on Spotter Network after a chase.

Dan Robinson

01-23-2008, 03:11 PM

This is a moot point, as you rarely have many choices of where to stay at the end of a day. You take whatever is in the small town that is nearest to you. I stay wherever has the lowest rate with WIFI, and that varies from town to town. Many times you won't find even that, having to settle for no internet just to get a decent sleep, unless you want to drive 2 hours to the next town at 2AM. A lot of the little $40/night mom-and-pop hotels have internet now which is making things easier.

Truck stop showers run 6 to 9 bucks if you choose to sleep in your vehicle. Sleeping in your car is a whole other thread, but one that has been covered before:

http://stormtrack.org/forum/showthread.php?t=11770

EDIT: This is another three-year-old thread revived! Fooled me for a minute - I thought this looked familiar.

Bill Schintler

01-23-2008, 05:47 PM

Super-8's are usually my first choice for economy-class lodging while chasing. Just about all of them have WIFI in the rooms these days. As has already been mentioned, there is a considerable range in quality from one hotel to the next. While most are clean and comfortable, a few should be avoided. NEVER stay at the Garden City, KS Super-8.

Another concern when considering lodging: bed bugs. I've never encountered them while traveling (yet), but a recent bed bug epidemic is underway in this country. Look at the bed bug registry below:

http://www.bedbugregistry.com/

There's not many entries for hotels in chase alley, but just because a particular hotel does not appear in this registry, that doesn't necessarily mean they don't have them. When you check into your room, the first thing you should do is check for signs of bed bugs.

- bill

Jody Radzik

01-23-2008, 05:52 PM

Tony Laubach

01-23-2008, 06:00 PM

Amazing the difference several years makes (my original posts back in 2004 in this thread).

I prefer Best Western these days, but am at a point where I have membership accounts with all the major chains and collect points through the year. With that said, I do where its cheaper or who has the best points deals ongoing at the time.

But Best Western is always my preference.

Bart_Comstock

01-23-2008, 06:03 PM

I've been told that Walmart allows camping in vehicles in their parking lots, so I try to find a Walmart if I'm going to be sleeping in my truck. Every time I've done this I've been left alone, and I usually notice a few other vehicles that are parked there for the same reason I am.

Actually that is laziness on the behalf of the stores GM and "Asset Protection Officer" (security guard) as this is not allowed by Wal-Mart. The reason I know this is I have connections that works here in Bentonville (i wont say any relation or names as not to get them in trouble) at the scattered administrative buildings, including a few that work in the Asset Protection Department and they have told me this when I asked them out of curiosity and to see if it were an option while chasing. Also I just mean this as a helpfull FYI and not to personally shoot down your Idea Jody.

Verne Carlson

01-23-2008, 06:11 PM

Here's a site that lists the Walmarts that do NOT allow overnight camping so presumably the others do allow it:

http://www.freecampgrounds.com/walmart_nocamping.aspx

This site talks about camping for free at Walmarts':

http://www.freecampgrounds.com/othercamps.html

I called the corporate offices of Wal-Mart in Arkansas and asked what its overnight RV parking policy was. They were very friendly and said it was company policy to allow Rv'ers overnight parking. They also said it would be advisable to check in with the store manager when you arrive as a courtesy. However, they said if we ran into a store that refused us we were to report this to them. We have stayed in a number of Wal-Marts and have been welcomed with open arms. Management even alerts security to keep and eye on the rigs during a stay.

Johnathan Brouwer

01-23-2008, 06:37 PM

Solve all your problems with this...works for us!

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d132/garbunkel/marquis_homeimage.jpg
Actually, we do insist on staying somewhere, the Best Westerns have worked for us. I have a Credit Card I use for chasing that has a low limit (2500k) that way I protect my self a bit against fraud. We also use a debt style card that we pre-load with a equal amount from each of us, we then use that for gas...Can you imagine how much the hog above would use?

Bart_Comstock

01-23-2008, 08:06 PM

Here's a site that lists the Walmarts that do NOT allow overnight camping so presumably the others do allow it:

http://www.freecampgrounds.com/walmart_nocamping.aspx

This site talks about camping for free at Walmarts':

http://www.freecampgrounds.com/othercamps.html

Depends on the situation, one or two RV's on the end of the lot is alright, people camping out of their cars is frowned upon due to liability reasons and to keep the lot free for shoppers. That is what I have been told by people that work here in Bentonville at the HQ but they did tell me it is up to the manager to say yeah or neigh to the RV's.

Chris Wilburn

01-23-2008, 09:53 PM

I have found that some small towns have abandoned houses that you can pull up to and park under the carport and sleep. lol Bart and I did this one time in Sharon, OK just south of Woodward. We just thought all we needed was a 4-5 hours sleep and it suited us just fine. As far as good place to stay the cheaper the better I say. I and most chasers for that matter are only there long enough to get some sleep so the cheaper the better works, esp. if you are solo. If you can split a room with two or three people then that changes things for sure.

Jody Radzik

01-23-2008, 10:41 PM

I just mean this as a helpfull FYI

It's good to know, Bart. Thanks.

Linda Kitchen

01-23-2008, 11:45 PM

We look for Best Western rooms that you can pull up to the door. It makes dragging all our stuff in so much easier. The Best Westerns are clean and a good value since Kathy and I split a room. I love motel life!!

mikedeason

01-24-2008, 12:51 AM

Sleeping in your car sounds like a good deal, but what do you do about hygiene? You can wash up anywhere, but what about showers and such? Or... do you just not take a shower because you're afraid it will ruin your lucky five-day run of successful tornado days? :-D

Acutally there are some state parks in the plains (Kansas comes readily to mind) which have some pretty decent shower facilities and such. I've used the one up at Tuttle Creek before.

Jason Boggs

01-24-2008, 07:55 AM

Since the first time I stayed in one 2 years ago...Holiday Inn Express is the motel of choice for me.

Jason Foster

01-24-2008, 01:53 PM

Solve all your problems with this...works for us!

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d132/garbunkel/marquis_homeimage.jpg

That's funny. I've actually thought of that idea before. However, my spin on it was that I was thinking of it being more a replica of some of the EOC mobile command vehicles. I would purchase a blank RV (no interior, and basic white outer paint). I would custom build the interior to house about 6 or 8 people (chasers and support crew). It would have a forecast desk, video editing desk, and a communications desk. One hurdle is the high speed internet access, I'm sure there's solutions, but the costs for high speed while mobile was high for that many users. The savings part is that there would be no hotel costs, however, you still need to have two or three chase vehicles driving with the RV, since the RV obviously couldn't storm intercept. As an additional money maker part to it, I thought of offering forecasting and computer access to other chasers on the road. It could be done on board or though a local wireless network.

After some research though the cost of the RV was about 400% the normal cost for a chase season. I couldn't see recouping the money until about the 10th year of chasing (just to break even). The cost of the RV plus the Gas for the RV and associated chase vehicles really killed the cost.

But is surely will be my solution if I end up making big bucks, and cost is no option. Because I'll likely be seeing the rest of the country in an RV for at least a year.

But to answer your original question, don't rule out State Parks. These are especially good on down days, since they are usually located in neat areas to visit (like my favorite Clayton Lake S.P. in n.e. NM). A lot better than sleeping in the car (which may be breaking the law, like here in Maryland). You do need a tent and sleeping bag, but those don't take up much space. State Parks usually are $8-$15 a night. Sometimes KOA and other private campgrounds work well too.

Jason Foster

01-24-2008, 02:07 PM

Hotel
Tip#1
Stopping at rest stops and truck stops along the Interstates, usually you can pick-up the coupon books with discounted rates.

I've paid around $50 average (per night) with those....and as little as $35.

Dan Nichols

01-25-2008, 10:08 AM

I like the Brandon Motor Inn (Rt. 60, Brandon FL), near Tampa. They're not a chain, and have decent prices. From it, I can locally chase 3-4 miles towards Tampa, before traffic gets hairy, have access to either Rts. 4 and 75, or go east several miles, if something develops there. Happily, Florida t-storms are usually slow-moving. Otherwise, it's usually Motel 6, Super 8, or Econo Lodge, or any other budget place. An outdoor roofed balcony over my head is a must, if at all possible.

Shane Adams

01-25-2008, 10:26 AM

It's rare that we stay out, but when we do the choice is simple. Does it have a roof and four walls? Is it clean? Yes? Excellent.
Sprint MB cards eliminate 99% of the decision-making headaches of choosing a place to stay. Besides, after we've driven all day and already spent a boatload, money is the last variable on our minds. We take the next thing we see, because usually it's a small town with no chains and they're all the same once you're talking independently-run motels.

Hotwire and similar sites can be beneficial in larger areas for savings, but because you have to reserve the room hours in advance to get the deal, it's nearly impossible to use because you never know where you're going to end up.

Tom Tackett

01-27-2008, 01:47 AM

Two of my favorite and frequent stops in the Texas Panhandle are the Big Texan Hotel, which is the step-child to the famous restaurant, and the Days Inn in Dumas. http://www.bigtexan.com/motel.htm

The Dumas Days Inn is fairly new, very clean, and quite comfortable. We stay there for work all the time when up that way. I stay in Amarillo at da Big Texan Hotel when passing through town like for heading to Colorado to the Storm Chaser Convention or for snow skiing.

Bart_Comstock

01-27-2008, 06:10 AM

I need to revise a previous statement I have made and say that since I just took a new full time job I am leaving the hotel I work at will no longer be able to get my discount at Marriott Hotels starting February 13th, 08.

Jay McCoy

01-27-2008, 09:38 AM

I have stayed in many places from top end comfort inns to bottom end roach motels. Most I have survived with little mental anguish except one place that still haunts me (actually 2). DO NOT stay at the Days Inn in Altus for any reason!! I cant even describe the filth and danger of this place. From black smoke stains on the walls where lights had shorted out to bed sheets that still has sweat stains from the previous occupant!! Then there was the black mold all over the walls and tub in the bathroom.

The second was a small mom-pop hotel in Electra, Tx near Wichita Falls. They hadnt changed the furniture or bedsheets since the 70's even though the orange and brown shag carpet was interesting. The TV even had one of those old 1 clicker tv remotes. All it would do is go up and tunr it on/off. If you past a channel you had to go all the way through them all to get back to yours. I should have known when I went into the office and they were behind bullet proof glass and had a bank drawer to slide the keys through.

I used to base where we stayed on internet availability then price. Now with data cards its easier to stay in the lower priced hotels like a motel 6 or days inn. Ofcourse I still love the Comfort Inns and Marriots but those are luxuries.

Dan Robinson

01-27-2008, 12:39 PM

The worst hotel I stayed at was a small independent one in Guymon, OK. Bugs crawling in the bed sheets and everything dirty, as in not cleaned in weeks. I slept in my sleeping bag on the bed after flicking all the bugs off.

The interesting thing about the cheap hotels is that the ones run by Americans (like the one in Guymon) tend to be worse. The cheaper hotels that are run by people of foreign descent (Middle Eastern, Asian or Indian) are usually ones that you can trust to be cleaner and nicer. Some are as nice as major chains.

Robert Edmonds

01-27-2008, 02:29 PM

Jerry Prsha

01-27-2008, 02:59 PM

A searchable database would be awesome! Great idea Robert!

Jason Foster

01-27-2008, 04:11 PM

I frequently stay at cheap hotels. However, I do get concerned about how clean these hotels are. After what Dan Robinson said, I was wondering has ST ever made a list of hotels to avoid? If not I think we should make such a list. I think this would be helpful when we come into a town that we have not stayed at before.

I had the same idea. Probably should have asked if someone else started too, or if anyone had such a database.

It'll likely take a while, but I'm starting with the testimonals listed here.

APritchard

01-27-2008, 07:36 PM

I had the same idea. Probably should have asked if someone else started too, or if anyone had such a database.

It'll likely take a while, but I'm starting with the testimonals listed here.

Sounds like a good idea when I read it, but then when I imagine myself in the field and finding a motel I don't really envision myself checking the ST database first. That's just me obviously, maybe others feel they'd use it more often but I figure I'd likely just have to find out the hard way.

Jason Foster

01-27-2008, 08:13 PM

Sounds like a good idea when I read it, but then when I imagine myself in the field and finding a motel I don't really envision myself checking the ST database first. That's just me obviously, maybe others feel they'd use it more often but I figure I'd likely just have to find out the hard way.

Andrew, I thought about that too, but I like making resources for chasers to use whether or not I may or may not use it.

I will say, it's not going to be an all intensive list, I'll likely look into having folks submit there own testimonals, just like the only hotel websites, but restrict it to the chase territory, and to the lower cost hotels ($100 or less per night).

Jerry Prsha

01-27-2008, 08:56 PM

Sounds like a good idea when I read it, but then when I imagine myself in the field and finding a motel I don't really envision myself checking the ST database first. That's just me obviously, maybe others feel they'd use it more often but I figure I'd likely just have to find out the hard way.

I really do think I'd check into it while on the road. No one wants to check into a "scummy" place and I'd definitely drive to the surrounding towns just to have a comfortable stay and a good night's sleep.

I stayed at a Red Roof Inn and although the hotel was acceptable, I was worried about someone breaking into my vehicle all night. Had I known it was in such a bad neighborhood before I drove there, I might have paid more to stay closer (and sleep better) and not drive extra miles looking for a cheaper rate. I was just too tired to keep looking.

Dennis Sherrod

01-27-2008, 09:24 PM

I think the idea of a "preferred motel" list is a good one. From my own experience, many motels, including the chains, will offer some type of discount to people from a group or club if their motel is promoted or listed on some type of list. I have found that if a particular motel offers, say a best rate of $55.00 - $60.00 per night, they will be glad to offer a rate of at least $10.00 - $15.00 off of that if their motel is listed as a preferred place to stay. Possibly other perks routinely included are; later check-out times, no charges for two or more people, free room upgrades, etc. It is in their best interest to offer these type discounts as they know they will likely be getting some extra business for several months per year. Obviously this does not work with all motels, but it worth asking the owner / manager if a good place is found. The worse they can do is say no and the best is that we can possibly find some good prices and safer places to park and be able to share this info with each other.

Robert Edmonds

01-27-2008, 09:36 PM

Wesley Luginbyhl

01-27-2008, 10:15 PM

If you are ever going to stay in a Motel6 in Amarillo, go to the one in the center of town. It is almost always 5+ dollars cheaper than the ones on the Eastern and Western edge of town along I-40. I dont think I have seen it one time in the past fews years where they were ever the same price. I dont know about the quality of any of them though. I figure it is common practice among most hotels along interstates like that to be cheaper more towards the center of town, since people normally stop at the first place they see.

Jason Foster

01-28-2008, 01:53 PM

The second was a small mom-pop hotel in Electra, Tx near Wichita Falls. They hadnt changed the furniture or bedsheets since the 70's even though the orange and brown shag carpet was interesting. The TV even had one of those old 1 clicker tv remotes. All it would do is go up and tunr it on/off. If you past a channel you had to go all the way through them all to get back to yours. I should have known when I went into the office and they were behind bullet proof glass and had a bank drawer to slide the keys through.

Jay:

Sounds kinda like one Weathervine crew got stuck with a few years ago on Memorial Day (last place in town with available rooms). The had midgets a prostitutes running around all night. We took shifts watching the vehicles all night. I believe it was a Comfort Inn, but I think its the renovated Ramada on highway 287 on the west side of town.

Anyway, do you know the name of that hotel. Was it possibly the Electra Inn?

richhorodner

01-28-2008, 03:38 PM

Jay:

They had midgets and prostitutes running around all night.

That's funny; at least a little. Do small people have a high (tall) crime rate?

http://www.ristoons.com/wp-content/uploads/attackedbyamidgetsamurai.png

Chad Cowan

01-28-2008, 03:49 PM

I am in the process of creating a database for chasers to share their experiences with lodging in tornado alley. This will be open for all to view and edit.

The link will be up tonight.

Jason Foster

01-28-2008, 03:58 PM

Chad:

I was just working one up too. I'll likely have a preview in a few hours. I'll take a peak at yours when its up.

Jay McCoy

01-28-2008, 04:30 PM

Jay:

Sounds kinda like one Weathervine crew got stuck with a few years ago on Memorial Day (last place in town with available rooms). The had midgets a prostitutes running around all night. We took shifts watching the vehicles all night. I believe it was a Comfort Inn, but I think its the renovated Ramada on highway 287 on the west side of town.

Anyway, do you know the name of that hotel. Was it possibly the Electra Inn?

That may be the name of the hotel. It is on the east side right by a bar. It is just a strip drive up motel. They were having some big concert in Wichita Falls so all the rooms were booked. this is all there was until you got to Childress and we were way too tired to go any further plus we had nasty storms to our west. In fact we were awakened 3 times during the night for either golfball hail 1 time and 2 tornado warnings. Between the nasty room and the weather it was a night from hell. That and All 3 of us (Kanani, me, Bill) were fighting with each other cause we missed the tornado due to vehicle trouble and we were sick of being in the car with each other plus arguing with people back home. I think that is the night Bill's wife left him and Kanani and her BF broke up.

All I will say is .. chase from hell!!!!!!!

Chad Cowan

01-28-2008, 11:41 PM

Here is the beginnings of the Tornado Alley Lodging database, anyone can view the page but you must have a Google account to add to it. Add your favorite motel on the plains or list one to avoid:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pLViHbYLVYoPxQ3n1FXS7bA

This is the URL for adding entries or to edit previous ones; switch between states by the sheet tabs at the bottom:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pLViHbYLVYoPxQ3n1FXS7bA&inv=chadlcowan@gmail.com&t=4692919808437342145&guest

Dennis Sherrod

02-13-2008, 02:58 PM

In addition to Chad's post above on motels, (Chad is updating his list)
I am working on a "project" to see if I can come up with a discount program for chasers at various motels. I would like input from members on particular cities they frequently, usually, or normally stay. The names of particular motels would also be helpful if you have them.
Most all of the chain motels will offer us a "corporate" discount, but we may also find some of the independent motels receptive. In addition, numerous of the chain motels are individually owned and operated and will offer better deals locally than through a corporate program. If we could all save an average of $10-$20 per night, it would be nice.
I would also like to add or include in this list, any local favorite restaurants that others have enjoyed or recommend.
Please forward via PM or Email or through this post, if allowed, any of the following info that will help us.
1. Most common or requested cities to stay in.
2. Particular motels names if known.
3. Favorite or recommended restaurants.
4. Any other helpful info.
I will keep everyone up to date on how this project is working.
This project is not a part of Stormtrack, but I am working on this to further benefit all of us.
Thanks.

Phil Kurimski

02-13-2008, 07:16 PM

I prefer the Comfort Inn chains...which includes Quality Inns etc. I stay there so much I signed up for their rewards and get extra bonus points because I am a Gold Member. Then I get to cash in the points for free nites...can't beat that deal.

We should set up a database on the good hotels and dives throughout the plains. I can't tell you how many times I stay at a hotel and their WiFi is on the fritz. We could look these up ahead of time and avoid them before we check in. There was a little known hotel we stayed at in Great Bend, Kansas last year which was top notch and fairly cheap...but the name escapes me.

Michael Towers

02-13-2008, 08:00 PM

I prefer the Comfort Inn chains...which includes Quality Inns etc.

My choice (no pun intended) also, I usually get what I'm expecting, no nasty surprises. Clean room, free breakfast, Wi-Fi, fridge, ample space, reasonable prices usually around $75-$90, AAA discount. The only bad experience I had with the chain was the Quality Inn in Lubbock, never been disappointed with Comfort Inn. I've listed a few places I've stayed in Chad's database, good idea Chad. Wish I'd have known about the Super 8 in Garden City beforehand:eek: