Page 28 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

26  VISITING THE USA

Where to Stay of the hostels affiliated with
Hostelling International (HI).
The US offers a variety of accommodations to suit all tastes These can be found in the
and budgets. At the high end of the comfort scale, visitors centers of nearly all major cities
can choose from luxury hotels and resorts, found in most and near popular destinations.
major cities. Country inns and bed-and-breakfasts (B&Bs), They offer affordable beds in
dormitory-style shared rooms,
usually located in large, refurbished historic houses, offer a segregated by gender, and many
more personal atmosphere. If you’re traveling on a budget, also have a few private rooms for
there are numerous convenient and inexpensive motels all couples or families. Some hostels
along the high ways. For those who wish to experience wide are housed in unique buildings,
open spaces, there are more than enough campgrounds in such as lighthouses or
parks and forests. renovated army barracks.
All hostels have kitchen facilities,
bathrooms, and common rooms.
HI Hostels have several rules,
Hotels and Resorts beds, a bathroom, a TV, free Wi-Fi, including no alcohol and occa-
Hotels in the US range from and a phone. Buffet breakfast, sionally a curfew; guests are some-
sprawling beach resorts and though this can be basic, is times expected to bring their own
spas, to historic icons and some usually included. bed linen or pay rental charges. HI
of the world's best chain hotels, Many motels are run as part Hostels are open to travelers of all
such as the Hilton, Marriott, of national franchises, but ages, although non-members are
and Starwood groups. some of the more pleasant ones asked to pay a nominal surcharge
There are also a number of are locally owned. The most in addition to nightly rates, which
classic older hotels in traditional popular motel chains include is usually $15–50 for a dormitory
vacation spots, notably the Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, room. In many urban areas,
early 20th-century rustic lodges and Super 8. there are also a number of
that are found in state and privately run hostels that offer
national parks. Some of these basic rooms or dormitory beds.
parks’ famous hotels, such as Bed-and-Breakfast
and Historic Inns
Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Inn
(see p593), are located in Historic inns usually offer a classier, Campgrounds
unforgettably scenic locations. more enriching experience. Most local, state, and national
An alternative to the chain or Generally located in beautifully parks, national forests, and other
resort properties are the boutique restored historic homes or public lands provide parking and
hotels. These all have their own mansions, they are often decorated a single or double campsite for
distinctive atmosphere and stress with heirlooms and antiques. B&Bs, tents. The sites are equipped with
service over amenities. They can on the other hand, offer a wider a picnic table, a campfire pit,
be expensive, so ask for special choice, from rooms in private toilet facilities, and sometimes
rates or promotions. homes, where you may have to hot showers (see p47). Some are
share a bathroom, to luxurious fancier, with electrical and water
private accommodations that differ “hook-ups” for self-contained
Business Travelers from historic inns in name only. recreational vehicles (RVs).
Many downtown hotels cater to Most of these establishments are Overnight fees vary with location,
business people, and some offer run as full-time businesses by facilities, and season but generally
“club-level” accommodations professional staff. run from $20 to $50 a night. Many
with extra-large rooms. These Many inns and B&Bs rent out campgrounds accept advance
suites usually provide breakfast, rooms on a nightly basis, though reservations, however, some
snacks, and evening cocktails. some offer discounts for week- operate on a “first-come, first-
long stays. B&Bs also offer break- served” basis. Services such as
fast, often served communally. Woodall’s and Good Sam carry
Motels
These are usually fairly lavish, listings of campsites.
Most motels provide reliable multi-course affairs, with eggs, Privately operated camp-
overnight accommodations. savory treats, and pastries. Some grounds, such as those run by
Usually located along the high- B&Bs, especially in rural areas Kampgrounds of America (KOA)
ways, they offer parking for your near popular tourist sites, may offer several features, including
car right next to your room. also serve gourmet dinners game rooms, swimming pools,
Motels tend to have fewer featuring regional specialties. and grocery stores. Some also
amenities than hotels, and are offer log cabins, suitable for
less expensive. Services may Hostels families. The most popular
include swimming pools and campgrounds fill up early during
children’s play areas as well as a For solo travelers, one of the weekends and in the summer.
restaurant. The rooms typically best ways to meet others and It is also a good idea to set up
have one large or two smaller save money is to take advantage camp well before sunset.

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