Canada & USA Holiday Summer 2016 - have I got this right ?

John259

Murphy_The_Cat wrote: »

Previously Motel 6 & Super 8 haven't fit in with what we've been looking for.

Fair enough, they're not everyone's choices. I've used both over large parts of the USA (and Super 8 in Canada) and they suit me. Motel 6 is basic but always clean, safe and well run (if you like Aldi and Lidl, you'll like Motel 6). Super 8 is virtually indistinguishable from the more expensive chains such as Days Inn, Comfort Inn, La Quinta etc except there's not usually a restaurant in the building, only a breakfast room.

They're worth risking for one night IMHO.

Murphy_The_Cat

John259 wrote: »

They're worth risking for one night IMHO.

thanks John
We're in Seattle for 4 nights, so I'm looking for somwhere that'll enhance our stay in the area, rather than a 'crash pad' to simply sleep in, before we go travelling onwards.
Everett is looking likely, with easy access to Whidbey Island.

John259

Yes, M6 and S8 are more suitable for road trips than longer stays.

Maybe try Google Maps for all accommodation in the Seattle area?
https://goo.gl/maps/bXMMadNd78A2

Murphy_The_Cat

John259 wrote: »

Yes, M6 and S8 are more suitable for road trips than longer stays.

Maybe try Google Maps for all accommodation in the Seattle area?
https://goo.gl/maps/bXMMadNd78A2

There is oodles of accomodation to choose from. Its finding one that fits the money/location/facilities equation.
Summer in Seattle seems to be simply an expensive proposition, particularly if you want/need/like a hotel with facilities, breakfast, pool etc.
This place look tempting
& handy for the Boeing factory tour as well.


We've previously stayed on the outskits of Washington DC, Boston, NYC (over the water in NJ), Dallas, Alburquerque etc and its always worked for us. We're happy to explore the area surrounding a city and go into a city fro sightseeing/touristing etc. We've never felt the need to be in the belly of the beast.
Close enough is OK !

PeacefulWaters

I've taken to booking cancellable rates and then changing them nearer the time and switching to cheaper accommodation should that become available.

Saved around £250 that way last year.

Murphy_The_Cat

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

I've taken to booking cancellable rates and then changing them nearer the time and switching to cheaper accommodation should that become available.

Saved around £250 that way last year.

I try and be as openminded as possible, backed up with a healthy dose of pragmatism.
e.g for one part of this trip, I've booked/pre paid via IHG Family & Friends rate and the total is £667.
Currently, the best cancellable/flexible price is £842.

The F&F price has to be booked no less than 12 days before and is subject to availability.
You/I could be lucky and either a) the F&F rooms are available for £667 much closer to holiday time, and/or b) the flexible/cancellable rate drops to £667 or less.
I've gone for plan c) and got the rooms for £667 & prepaid for them.

Because I am as I am, I'll go back on a weekly basis now and keep an eye on the tariff, for future trips.
Doing the same thing for flights can be an interesting exercise as well :beer: (if you can be faffed and are prepared for fluctuations)

withabix

The 'Dump' in Vancouver is called East Hastings Street.

It is easily avoided. Vancouver pretty much 'keeps' all of its homeless and junkies all in one place!

You will find them sleeping on the vents of the Skytrain tunnels in the main shopping area (Granville/Waterfront) in the winter, but that's no different to London...

pelirocco

I have never updated travel info on my ESTA , last time we entered the US (August )it was via Chicago we didn't even have to see a human immigration officer we just just a machine , I can't remember if it asked us our travel plans.I was just amazed how quick and easy it was.

jackieblack

pelirocco wrote: »

last time we entered the US (August )it was via Chicago we didn't even have to see a human immigration officer we just just a machine , I can't remember if it asked us our travel plans.I was just amazed how quick and easy it was.

Same for me on arrival in Boston. My heart sank when I saw the kiosks, the one in the supermarket always shouts at me, I couldn't imagine an immigration kiosk would be any friendlier, but it was very quick and easy

Murphy_The_Cat

I'm home dear :beer:

From items on this thread.
The Border crossing charge from Canada to the US is $6 each payable in cash or credit card (at the crossing point South of Vancouver). Not as straight forward as arriving by air and a bit more thorough being 'interviewed' inside the building rather that at a desk.
Don't forget to return the form when you leave the country !

East Hastings street has a LOT of junkies, drunks and alternative lifestyle people on it (literally hundreds, but it is a long street !) easilly avoided, but its one of the main routes to the harbour front.

Everything went seamlessly. Except for East Hastings Street, Vancouver and Whistler were gorgeous.