When on our own, we usually look for 3-star or 3-diamond facilities with mid-range prices. Those are the kinds most available in most places. When making advanced reservations or even when you can see the street-appeal of a place, it is not always easy to decide which one will best meet your requirements. These comments are offered to help you make a choice if you are looking for accommodations in any of the towns listed here.

Guymon, Oklahoma

Comfort Inn

May 9, 2006: This is the newest motel in Guymon. We evidently called for reservations, because our confirmation number is not listed on the web site. So any cancellations or changes would have to be made on the telephone.

The price for the ground-floor king suite was $94.49 at the Internet Users Rate. Other rates started at $85.49.

Grand Junction, Colorado

Doubletree Hotel

This hotel was being renovated in the public area, which made it a little inconvenient for those staying during the renovations. Our room was just fine. We had no complaints. The restaurant was under-used because of a convention being held at the hotel. The convention had plans for the attendees that did not include the dining room.

The room rate for Non-smoking King room with a pull-out sofa at the AAA or AARP discount was $153.36 including taxes on 5/9/06.

Salt Lake City, UT

Embassy Suites

All of our 241 Spacious Two-Room Suites will make you feel right at home. With a living room and a private bedroom, there is room to spread out to work our relax. Each suite includes a sleeper sofa, a well-lit dining/work table, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, iron, two telephones with data ports, wireless Internet access, and two remote control televisions with cable and Nintendo. All told, it's an ideal home away from home.

Recreation opportunities abound here. You can de-stress in our indoor pool, whirlpool and sauna, or re-energize in our fitness center. With several world class ski resorts within 30 minutes of your suite, you'll enjoy some of the greatest skiing on earth and a variety of all-season outdoor activities. But, don't just take our word for it...make Salt Lake City and the Embassy Suites Hotel your next destination. Free shuttle chauffered us downtown and back on our schedlue.

This a room with king bed, $156.32 including taxes, with AAA / AARP discount — 5/10/06.

Boise, ID

Doubletree, Riverside

The Doubletree Hotel Boise - Riverside is the only full-service, nationally branded hotel in the Boise area located on the banks of the Boise River in a relaxed courtyard setting. Many rooms feature stunning views of the beautiful Boise River. Local companies provide river tours to learn about the flora, geology and history of the river or take a personal stroll through the riverside courtyard to enjoy the native wildlife and wildflowers.

Whether it is the variety of the breakfast buffet or the appeal of a steak dinner with one of Idaho's famous potatoes that you seek, you'll find what you're looking for on the Riverside Grill's menu. The restaurant is open from 6:00AM - 11:00 PM. Room service is also available.

Enjoy spacious king guestrooms; many with courtyard or river views. Most rooms 30% larger than Doubletree brand standard. Hilton HHonors® members receive both Points & Miles® for the same stay.

Our reservation was for 2 Adults for a non-smoking Premium Courtyard King Room with a patio or balcony. It is equipped with a garden tub and double vanity, and complimentary hi speed internet. We got the DREAM DEAL which includes breakfast. The price was $178.02 including taxes on May 11, 2006.

This is a rambling patched together facility. Our first assigned room was one with a river view. The river was totally obliterated by overgrown trees, and the room seemed miles from the main part of the hotel. Rather than a feeling of seclusion, we had the feeling of isolation with a long walk in a parking lot to dinner. We moved to a room closer and newer. Then we could navigate the maze-like halls with their dead ends, and connecting flights of two and three stairs. The ethernet-based broadband internet did work. The food was ok and they supplied a free coctails and hors d'orves in a little room in the evening

Portland, OR

Embassy Suites Hotel, Portland — Washington Square

This hotel has not yet been rated.

The room rate was $104, with a retirement discount for guests over 50 years old. This was one of the lowest rates of the trip. It includes a King two-room suite, with cooked-to-order breakfast, evening reception, complimentary Hi Speed Internet, sofabed, refrigerator, and microwave.

Seattle, WA

Best Western Executive Inn

This is an older hotel, probably built when they had the World's Fair in Seattle. It is within a block or two of the Space Needle and Seattle Center.

The published AAA/AARP discounted room rate was $135.96 on May 13^th and 14^th, 2006. These are weekend rates for a King "Deluxe Quality" Room.

Not rated.

Nanaimo, BC

Coast Bastion Inn

Overlooking Georgia Strait, the Coast Bastion Inn in Nanaimo BC is a premier hotel with facilities to suit all travellers. Enjoy the convenience of staying at a downtown Nanaimo hotel, and take in the beautiful ocean view from each and every guest room. The Coast Bastion Inn in Nanaimo features meeting rooms for conferences and personal gatherings. Coast Hotels & Resorts' Coast Bastion Inn is one of the most popular hotels in Nanaimo.

Amenities: Coffee Maker, Modem Hookup, Balcony with ocean view, air conditioning, Cable TV, 24-hour room service.

Premium Room: Beautiful rooms with full ocean view with one king bed. Business amenities supplied (pens, pencils, paper clips, Post-it notes) Includes all comfort and superior room amenities: Terry cloth bathrobes Upgraded bathroom amenities, 27" flat screen television, Approximately 450 square feet.

This room rate was $165 on May 15, 2006. That's about $145 USD. Parking is an additional $4.75 CAD for 24 hours.

Not rated.

Tofino, BC

Pacific Sands Beach Resort

Pacific Sands Beach Resort is located on Cox Bay just 8 km. south of the picturesque Village of Tofino. Our Ocean Front Suites & Villas offer a wide range of floor plans and amenities that appeal to both couples and families.

All units are equipped with full kitchens, fireplaces and private decks or patios facing the beach. Peruse through the accommodation section for more details and to assist you in choosing the accommodation that’s right for you. The area around Tofino and Clayoquot Sound offers numerous opportunities for beach combing, kayaking, surfing, fishing, golfing, wild life viewing, photography and storm watching. Pacific Sands has teamed up with some of the area’s finest operators and have put together some great packages to enhance your west coast experience.

We stayed in a Lighthouse Suite, a one bedroom oceanview suite with queen size bed in bedroom, double sofa bed in living room, bathroom with bath & shower, full kitchen with gas range, microwave, coffee maker, TV, VCR, fireplace. Each unit has a patio or deck. Maximum 4 people. Children permitted in ground floor units only. Dura-Flame Fire Logs only in fireplace.

This accommodation has not been rated.

The Senior room rate for this Gold Award Winner provided a room with king bed was $144.50 ($127 USD)per night in the spring season on May 13^th, 14^th, and 15^th, 2006.

Not Rated

Campbell River, BC

Silky's B & B

It really doesn't matter what the accommodations are if the proprietor doesn't honor the reservation. When we arrived at Silky's she had left a note on the door sending us to a neighbor's house. True the neighbor also had a bed and breakfast, but be didn't know anything about the neighbor, or whether we'd be welcome or not. Actually, it couldn't have turned out better. Our stay at Mariner's Haven with Bob Deerly and Lynda Jamison was just great.

Silky's Bed and Breakfast guest house in Campbell River is located on the oceanfront of the inland passage on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Enjoy the private rain forest, private beach, resident eagle's nest, fishing, bird watching, wild life viewing opportunities, and abundant sea life including dolphins, sea lions, sea birds and frequent sightings of orcas (killer whales). Cultural and historic tours of the area are also available.

Bedrooms are created for comfort and joy. Enjoy the visual charm of each bedroom and awaken to your personal scenic view of the ocean from your private deck. Relax and enjoy the smell of the sea and the cedars. Each waterfront room at the B&B has a view of the ocean's endless tidal currents, an acreage of gardens and natural fauna of BC. Attention to detail is evident everywhere.

Our room with 1 queen bed was $160 CDN including taxes per night. That's about $140 USD.

Now rated. Don't bother with Silky in Campbell River. Go to Mariner's Haven. It has a better view and proprietor's who are friendly and hospitable. See our pictures of Campbell River and Mariner's Haven.

Victoria, BC

Admiral Inn

Just looking at their Web site, you feel that this is the friendliest place around. And a telephone conversation gives the same impression. We'll soon know if these impressions are correct.

Admiral guests enjoy an excellent harbourside location in a relatively quiet part of town, right beside the Clipper Terminal. It is just a short and pleasant walk to attractions, shopping and restaurants.

Having been recently decorated and fitted with quality furnishings our rooms are attractive and comfortable while our advertised rates are still among the best in this area.

All our rooms have a balcony or patio, colour cable TV (with closed caption option), and direct dial telephone, refrigerator, and coffee maker. Of course they have their own bathroom with tub and shower. Free parking is available on premises. Complimentary local telephone calls and welcome cup of tea or coffee. Housekeeping units and suites have full size equipment (fridge, stove etc.) and are supplied with place settings for four. We have Discount Vouchers for many Victoria activities - restaurants, car rental, tours etc. exclusively for our guests. At The Admiral you can do your laundry or use the guest computer or wireless connection to explore the internet or send and receive emails.

We asked for a best view room, and got the Honeymoon Suite with extra-elegant decor (white Ash furniture with four poster bed) and an excellent view of the harbour especially romantic by night; just right for a special occasion.

Enjoy Complimentary Continental Breakfast in our lounge or patio area; for other meals there are 8 restaurants within a block (a few minutes walk) of The Admirals Victoria Hotel.

We paid $149 CAD for the the Honeymoon Suite — that's under $132 US.

Not Rated

Port Angeles, WA

Best Western Olympic Lodge

Enter a world of casual elegance, supreme comfort, and warm hospitality - the Best Western Olympic Lodge. From the moment you arrive, we are at your service. Your suite or guest room has been carefully prepared especially for you. Our spacious lobby with its magnificent stone fireplace provides a warm setting with a majestic view of the Olympics. We are conveniently located at the heart of the Olympic National Park. At our hotel you are always just steps away from an adventure and where the sea greets the mountains. Explore nearby Hurricane Ridge showcasing the glacier-covered peaks, sub alpine tundra, and steep river valleys of the Olympic Mountains. The Olympic Peninsula is rugged coastline with crashing surf, stately pines mantled in quiet green moss, deep blue bays, evergreen sanctuaries, tidal pools brimming with life, and sun mixed with cooling, quenching rains. Travel through teeming, active cities and moss covered, tranquil woods. It's all at the doorstep of the Best Western Olympic Lodge.

Accommodations—Offline only.
Area Attractions—Offline only

It was 107.10 with Senior/AARP discount for an Oversized King room with microwave and refrigerator.

Not Rated

Astoria, OR

Holiday Inn Express

The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Astoria is located in the heart of historic Astoria, the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains.

Set on the banks of the Columbia River, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Astoria offers spectacular and unobstructed views of the mighty river and its commercial and leisure traffic.

Hotel features include complimentary continental breakfast and free local phone calls. Enjoy a unique breakfast experience at our new Express Start Breakfast Bar served every morning featuring a selection of fruits, juices, cereals, breads/pastries, and even hardboiled eggs. We have also created the world's best tasting cinnamon roll.

We stayed one night and paid $159.95 a king room with fireplace and river view on May 26, 2006. It was $20 higher than a week night because it was a Firday.

Not Rated

Brookings, OR

BW Beachfront Inn

Experience the spectacular sights and sounds of the Pacific Ocean from the Brookings area's only oceanfront hotel- the Best Western Beachfront Inn. Just six miles from the California border, the Brooking-Harbor area is Oregon's gateway to the most scenic coast on the continent. Each of our 78 guestrooms has its own private deck overlooking some of the most dramatic scenery you will see in North America. Many of the rooms are within 50 feet of the surf. Other room amenities include: king or queen beds, refrigerators and microwave ovens, remote control TV and direct dial phones. Also available are Jaczuzzi suites with private oceanview whirlpool tub, executive suites, kitchenettes and handicapped facilities. Hotel amenities include a heated pool, a large outdoor spa, a great sundeck and meeting rooms. Located on one of Oregon's warmest beaches, activities abound from the simple pleasures of beachcombing and exploring tidepools to the excitement of a deep-sea fishing trip, or watching the ever changing moods of the ocean. With lovely restaurants, boat docks and quaint seacoast folklore, Brookings-Harbor and the Best Western Beachfront Inn have it all.

We paid $138.60 with a Senior discount for a king room with balcony and a view on May 27, 2006.

Not Rated

Sonoma Wine Country, Rohnert Park, CA

DoubleTree Hotel

Wine Country themed king or double queen accommodations. Two telephones with two phone lines and hi-speed connectivity. Irons and Board, coffeemaker, hairdryer, nintendo, on-demand pay per view, sitting area and large desk, tile bathrooms, some include separate vanity areas. All King rooms include sofa beds to accommodate additional guests. Golf course and courtyard views available.

The price was $172.29 including tax (AARP Discount) per night for a large room with king bed, TV, HI-Speed Internet, and private bath.

Not Rated

Santa Cruz, CA

Hampton Inn

Hampton Inn is a leading brand of quality, value-priced hotels. Here you'll find clean, fresh, comfortable rooms standard with a coffee maker, iron and ironing board, and complimentary in-room movie channel. Enjoy complimentary local calls and no surcharge for using a calling card. Guests also enjoy the following complimentary items: On the HouseTM hot breakfast, Hampton's On the RunTM breakfast bags (Monday-Friday), high speed internet access in every room, wireless internet access in the lobby, meeting rooms and public areas, coffee and tea in the lobby 24 hours a day, and USA Today(R) copies Monday-Friday. Hampton also offers a 24 hour front desk, message and fax service. As always your stay is backed by the 100% Hampton Guarantee. If you're not 100% satisfied, we don't expect you to pay. That's our promise and your guarantee. That's 100% Hampton.TM

The Hotel Features A Contemporary Design Complimenting The Interior Atrium. The Rooms Feature Pine Furniture With 27 Inch Remote Control Tvs-2 Dual Line Phones With Dataports-video Players-iron And Ironing Boards-hair Dryers- Coffee Makers And Alarm Clocks. The Rooms Also Feature Voice Mail And T-1 Internet Access.

We paid $157.41 including tax for a senior discounted king room with a study area.

Not Rated

Hampton Inn Santa Cruz and Lake Havasu City

Hampton Inn, Santa Cruz Santa Cruz Courtyard

Santa Cruz Room Hampton Inn, Lake Havasu

Lake Havasu, King Room Lake Havasu, Suite

Lake Havasu, AZ

Hampton Inn

Two blocks from Windsor Beach on the Colorado River and a quarter-mile from 45-mile-long Lake Havasu, this hotel is located just a mile from downtown Lake Havasu City. The hotel provides complimentary transportation to the airport, eight miles away. Numerous recreational opportunities can be had here, including boating, fishing, water skiing, jet skiing, rafting, and four-wheel-drive desert excursions. An outdoor pool, spa tub, and fitness room are on site. Additional amenities include a business center with complimentary high-speed Internet access, two restaurants and a lounge with nightly entertainment, and free parking.

This four-story hotel offers 162 air-conditioned guestrooms with large windows or balconies offering street-side, lake, or mountain views. Contemporary decor features color schemes of burgundy, blue, or green. Amenities include refrigerators, microwaves, video-game consoles (surcharge), and cable TV with free HBO and pay movies.

The price was $131.69 including tax with AARP discount per night for a king room with balcony and lake view.

Not Rated

Sedona, AZ

Matterhorn Inn

A customer review: From the hotel we had an amazing view of the red rock formations and could sit out on the deck watching the moon. Its location is great; central to all of the shopping and dining. My room was well stocked, clean, comfortable and quiet. The managers know the area and take the time to help you make the most out of your trip. I got up before sunrise within a few minutes I was in a prime photograpy location, same for sunset thanks to some tips. Check out my photos.

Panoramic red rock views from your private balcony or patio. Located in the center of uptown Sedona! Just steps from Sedona's fine art galleries and restaurants. Individual climate controlled rooms. All non-smoking rooms. Outdoor whirlpool spa and heated pool (in season) In room coffeemakers and complimentary coffee. Twenty-five inch color cable television. Voice mail, free local phone calls. Convenient in-room refrigerator. In-room dataport telephones. Limited pet rooms available. AAA Rated - Three Diamonds

We paid $130.50 including tax with AAA discount for this "classic king bedroom."

not rated

Silver City, NM

Holiday Inn Express

The Holiday Inn Express Hotel Silver City, New Mexico is near Historic Downtown Silver City with it's restaurants, galleries and shopping. The Gila National Forest and Wilderness areas, Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, City of Rocks State Park, Faywood Hot Springs, Glenwood Catwalk Recreation Area, Chino Mine, Tyrone Mine and the WNMU Campus are within easy driving distance. Tourist and real estate relocation information are available in our lobby. The goal of our hotel is to provide our guests with an inviting, comfortable and safe atmosphere that exceeds expectations. We will do this by providing both our guests and our employees with a positive experience while maintaining our honesty, integrity and love for what we do.

Hotel features include complimentary Express Start breakfast and free local phone calls. Visit Silver City, NM and stay smart at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel.

The price was $110.95 US per night for us senior citizens for a king room.

Not Rated.

Odessa, TX

MCM Eleganté

Towering over suburban Odessa, and convenient to Midland, the newly renovated and completely refurbished MCM Eleganté Hotel and Conference Center crowns the city as the premier, full-service hotel. Experience tropical elegance and a relaxing atmosphere in West Texas suitable to any typ of traveler.

The MCM Eleganté Hotel is West Texas' only 4-star hotel. We offer every accommodation you expect from a premium hotel, including oversized guest rooms, all new furnishings, new banquet facilities, fitness center, aht Getaway Spa & Salon, Concierge Level, recreational park, Hertz Rental Car desk, outside fire pit, in-room Starbucks Coffee and Bath & Body Work amenities, and above all, our emphasis on impeccable service and hospitality which is bound to impress.

We paid $123.17 including taxes with AAA/AARP/Senior discount for the Concierge King Room including evening cocktails & hors d'oeuvres, and breakfast!

Not Rated

Granbury, TX

There's no place like home!