Reasons why the seasoned traveler might want to avoid chain hotels and choose privately run lodging instead.
Many Americans view travel as an endless series of hotel rooms so similar that it can be difficult to remember what chain you've chosen as shelter for the night. Standard hotel rooms even with ammenties offer little variance from the basic bed or beds, dresser with television, desk, and bathroom. After a few nights on the road the identity of a particular chain over another begins to blur until travelers lose interest in their surroundings.
Other choices to replace those chain hotels with something more unique abound in almost every city and state. Bed and breakfasts have become a popular type of lodging that many prefer over standard hotel rooms. Most bed and breakfast operations are within someone's home, often a historic building with definite style. Often compared to a stay with family or friends, bed and breakfast lodgings are most popular with childless couples and retired tourists. Many of these small, cozy settings limit children and others don't allow anyone below a certain age as guests. If you travel with children, it's wise to check before making reservations at a bed and breakfast inn.
Other family oriented inns offer similar ammenties but in settings tailored to meet the needs of a family with children. Such inns offer less antique furnishings and more comfort for all ages. Some even furnish a crib for children below two.
Another option becoming increasingly more popular are state run lodges. Almost each of the fifty United States offer state operated resorts and lodges that provide yet another alternative to boring hotel rooms. By choosing a state lodge travelers may be able to stay atop Arkansas' Rich Mountain (Queen Wilhelmina Inn) or take in trout fishing at the new Emery Melton Inn at Missouri's Roaring River State Park. Oklahoma prides itself on offering a number of state operated resorts and lodges as do most other states. Accomodations can be as simple as a cabin dating from the 1930's to five star lodges with every ammenity.
If travels take you to popular vacation destinations that range from the music and family fun of Branson, Missouri to the sun drenched sands of the Gulf Coast, tourists can rent condos from local real estate agents for a temporary home away from home. Traditional resorts in such areas also offer space, comfort, and the freedom to prepare your own meals. This can be both fun and cost saving. Most kitchens are fully equipped with everything from the stove to the silverware!
Some real estate offices even rent out private homes and apartments while the occasional owner is interested in swapping residences for a vacation period. Listings for such rentals can be found online or by scanning newspapers for the region you plan to visit. Area tourist guides often provide contact information as well.
Each of these options offer unique charm and flexibility not found in chain hotels. Anyone who wishes to make their next vacation out of the ordinary should step away from the chains and try another option.
