What Is A Best Value Accommodation?
There is always one question anyone traveling to the USA asks themselves – what are the best value accommodations in the United States that I can stay in to enhance my vacation?
When one says “Best Value”, it generally covers 3 criteria:
*Would you stay here again and recommend others stay here on their vacations?
*Is the basic room listed around $200 USD plus tax (or less) per night? (Peak times will affect this which is ok)
*Would staying here enhance your holiday compared to staying at another property? Even better – do you get an authentic experience that allows you to connect to the place you are visiting?
As a result of these considerations, I have comprised an epic list of accommodations – with the help of a number of trusted travel professionals like myself, that you should consider staying in when traveling in the USA. Now, there are tons of amazing hotels out there. This will always be true. A lot that go above and beyond and give you an experience, rather than just a place to sleep. But the ones chosen to appear here have been hand selected by us seasoned travelers and writers who have stayed at hundreds of properties in the past 10 years – so they know value when they see it.
To show the current value of these properties at the time of publication, I have included info boxes like this showing selected dates in September 2018, January 2019 and April 2019 (which covers weekday and weekends) so the price can be compared across certain times of year if applicable. Prices are either shown as direct bookings or using discount sites like Trivago – which covers rates from all the main players – Expedia, Booking.com, Hotels.com and Wotif.com.
All room rates mentioned are for 2 people, in a 1 bed room – or 2 double beds/queen beds room – if it is similar in price. Do bear in mind April is currently very HIGH in price for most of the accommodations, so those prices will lower in time – but have skewed a number of properties as being higher than they usually are.
Not all 50 states are represented just yet either, this will be a piece that is consistently being added to as I and others continue to find and stay in amazing properties on our travels here. I have reviewed all hotels that have been written by others, and I can safely say I am absolutely dying to stay in a lot of these – or return back to the ones I recommend if I am ever in that city again.
Be sure to bookmark this article, share it with your friends and keep coming back to read this. It will be updated often. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to connect with me in my US Travel Group – so you can ask any questions, gain tips and find worthwhile travel information in the lead up to your trip. It’s a great community to be part of.
All recommendations are listed below in an alphabetical State by State basis, and further broken down into individual cities. Use the Table of Contents to get you to your desired city if you prefer. If you have a region that you’re looking for that is not on here yet, contact me and I will see if I have any recommendations for you that I can offer.
Best Value Accommodations In The USA
California
Anaheim (Disneyland)
– Howard Johnson by Wyndham Anaheim Hotel –
Recommended By Rhiannon Of Rhiannon’s Travels
Website: https://www.hojoanaheim.com/
Location: 1380 South Harbor Boulevard Anaheim, California 92802
Nearby Attractions/Restaurants: Disneyland & California Adventure Park (8 min walk); McDonalds (4 min walk); Anaheim Garden Walk Mall (16 min walk); Mimi’s Cafe (2 min walk); Denny’s (7 min walk); IHOP (6 min walk)
Included/Free Amenities: Free wifi access in all rooms and public areas; Free parking; Swimming pool; Pirate themed water playground; Games room; Coin-operated laundromats; Access to drink vending machines.
Additional Amenities: Convenient access to a shuttle from the hotel to Disneyland Resort ($5.50 per adult, $2 per child for one day).
Suitable For: Couples, small families, large families.
Accommodation Overview:
Howard Johnson Anaheim is the perfect hotel for couples and families planning a visit to Disneyland. Being only a short 8 minute walk to Disneyland, California Adventure Park and Downtown Disney, you’ll be in the perfect location to get your Disney day started early, without having to wake up at the crack of dawn!
Given that Disneyland is very much aimed at children, there’s no shortage of familiar restaurants and fast food places nearby. McDonalds, Denny’s and IHOP are all within a 10 minute walk from your hotel room – can’t get much better than that! There’s also Mimi’s Cafe, which is part of Howard Johnson Hotel and only a short 2 minute walk away.
There is also convenient access to a shuttle bus to and from Disneyland Resort, which will come in handy after a long day at the parks if you don’t want to walk the 8 minutes back to Howard Johnson.
This hotel is a great option for anyone who is visiting Anaheim for the first time. There are plenty of places to shop nearby, an included swimming pool and pirate themed water playground to keep kids entertained when you’re not at Disneyland, plus free wifi for the duration of your stay.
I’ve personally stayed in this hotel three times, and will definitely stay again next time I visit Anaheim. It’s the perfect hotel for someone who wants to be close to Disneyland Resort, but doesn’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on one night in one of the official Disney hotels.
September 2018
Direct Price – $177 – $209 USD per night (Pre-Paid Rate, Wyndham Rewards Rate and Best Available Rate)
Discounted Price – $177 USD per night (Trivago – Expedia, Booking, Hotels, Wotif etc)
Which one to book? The cheapest rate for this hotel right now is Trivago or the Direct Pre-Paid Option.
January 2019
Direct Price – $177 – 198 USD (Wyndham Reward Rate and Best Available Rate)
Discounted Price – $198 USD (Trivago – Expedia, Booking, Hotels, Wotif etc)
Which one to book? The cheapest rate for this hotel right now is the Wyndham Rewards Rate – FREE Membership rate for Wyndham members.
April 2019
Direct Price – $217 – $256 USD (Pre-Paid Rate and Best Available Rate)
Discounted Price – $217 USD (Trivago – Expedia, Booking, Hotels, Wotif etc)
Which one to book? The cheapest rate for this hotel right now is Trivago or the Direct Pre-Paid Option.
Florida
St. Augustine
– Jaybird’s Inn –
Recommended By Diana Of MVMT Blog
Website: http://www.jaybirdsinn.com/
Location: Address: 2700 North Ponce de Leon Blvd. St. Augustine, Florida 32084
Nearby Attractions/Restaurants: The hotel has a restaurant called Jaybird’s Restaurant that’s located in an adjacent building. Jaybirds is about a 15-20 minute walk to St. Augustine’s historic district, where you can find tons of dining options and some of the most famous local attractions, like the Castillo de San Marcos (the old fort). Most attractions are within walking distance, or you can rent a bike from the hotel (free!) and bike around, or take the trolley that runs around town.
Included/Free Amenities: Wifi is complimentary. The hotel also offers free bike rentals, outdoor swimming pool, game room, free drinks in the lobby 24/7, and a complimentary continental breakfast for however many guests are staying in the room.
Paid For Amenities: You can book tours around the city through the hotel. Also, if you want to go to the beach and do any water sports, you can book those through the hotel as well. The hotel also offers golf packages if you are interested in that too.
Suitable For: Singles, couples and families. Jaybirds is particularly fun for families, I think, since there is a game room at the hotel, but it’s really perfectly suited for any type of traveler too.
Accommodation Overview:
Jaybird’s Inn is a cozy little hotel in St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest city in America! It is located about a 15-20 minute walk from St. Augustine’s historic district, the “city centre” if you will, or about a 5 minute drive. If you plan to rent a car and drive around, you’ll be happy to know that there’s free parking at the hotel. Otherwise, you can easily access most of St. Augustine by foot from the hotel, or you can rent a bicycle through the hotel for free! There are also trolleys that you can take throughout the city if you’re tired of walking, and scooter rentals just down the street from the hotel.
To add to the convenience of staying here, there is a restaurant on site that offers affordable and good food, and a complimentary continental breakfast is served each morning – so you can have breakfast from the comfort of your hotel and without having to spend any extra money. Additional amenities include an outdoor pool, a game room, and free drinks in the lobby 24/7.
The rooms at Jaybird’s Inn are spacious and accented with bright colors that really liven the room. All the essentials are included, like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, etc. so you don’t have to worry about bringing any of that in your travel pack.
If you’re looking to get out on the water or go out for a day of golf, the hotel can arrange all of that for you as well. The convenience of staying here is unbeatable, as everything you need for exploring St. Augustine can be found here.
For the price, you won’t find anything better than Jaybird’s Inn when visiting St. Augustine, Florida.
September 2018
Direct Price – $98 – $131 USD (Best Available Rate)
Discounted Price – $98 – $131 USD (Trivago – Expedia, Booking, Hotels, Wotif etc)
Which one to book? The Direct Price and Discounted Price are the same. Hotels.com has incentives to book with them – Book 10 stays and get one free.
January 2019
Direct Price – $109 – $131 USD (Best Available Rate)
Discounted Price – $109 USD (Trivago – Expedia, Booking, Hotels, Wotif etc)
Which one to book? The Direct Price and Discounted Price are the same on weekdays, but the Discounted Price is cheaper on some weekends.
April 2019
Direct Price – $131 – $160 USD (Best Available Rate)
Discounted Price – $131 – $160 USD (Trivago – Expedia, Booking, Hotels, Wotif etc)
Which one to book? The Direct Price and Discounted Price are the same. Hotels.com has incentives to book with them – Book 10 stays and get one free.
Hawaii
(Big Island – Hilo)
– Hilo Bay Oceanfront Bed & Breakfast –
Recommendation By LC from Birdgehls
© Hilo Bay Oceanfront Bed & Breakfast Website
Website: https://www.hilobayoceanfront.com/ Location: 56 Pukihae St, Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Nearby Attractions/Restaurants: Hilo Town, Rainbow Falls, Mauna Kea, Pacific Tsunami Museum, beach parks. Included/Free Amenities: Wi-fi, parking, wheelchair access, wine bar and snacks, tea and coffee, laundry, breakfast. Suitable For: Couples and singles.
Accommodation Overview:
*The May 2018 Volcano is not impacting this property – now more than ever they need your business to survive in the coming months and years to come.
I stayed at Hilo Bay Oceanfront Bed & Breakfast in late 2017, in what owner Everell described as “the best room in the house”. The B&B is a recently renovated grand old house on the outskirts of Hilo town, perched over the ocean.
The room I stayed in is extraordinary – large with a comfortable king-sized bed and loveseat, looking out onto ocean views. I fell asleep to the sound of the waves each night.
© Hilo Bay Oceanfront Bed & Breakfast Website
Everell and his wife Cheryl run the B&B and do their utmost to provide an exceptional service to their guests. Breakfast is prepared daily, featuring fresh fruit and products from the Big Island. You can mix with other guests or keep to yourself – the choice is all yours.
The B&B is located a stone’s throw from the town of Hilo – you can drive or walk there on foot. Volcano National Park is a forty minute drive away (easily doable as a day trip) and you can be at Hilo International Airport in under twenty minutes.
September 2018
Direct Price – $211 – 227 USD (Best Available Rate)
Discounted Price – $206 – $256 USD (Trivago – Expedia, Booking, Hotels, Wotif etc)
Which one to book? The cheapest rate is booking Direct on weekdays. The Discounted Price is better on some weekends – even cheaper than weekday rates at times.
January 2019
Direct Price – $217 – $262 USD (Best Available Rate)
Discounted Price – $239 USD (Trivago – Expedia, Booking, Hotels, Wotif etc)
Which one to book? The cheapest rate is the Direct Price.
April 2019
Direct Price – $194 – $227 USD (Best Available Rate)
Discounted Price – $239 USD (Trivago – Expedia, Booking, Hotels, Wotif etc)
Which one to book? The cheapest rate is the Direct Price.
Louisiana
New Orleans
– The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery –
Recommended by Julia Of Through Julia’s Lens
Website: https://old77hotel.com/
Location: 535 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
Nearby Attractions/Restaurants: Walking distance to the French Quarter and Warehouse District. For restaurants, Compère Lapin is in the hotel and St. James Cheese Company is right next door.
Included/Free Amenities: Free wifi.
Additional Amenities: There’s an art gallery with work from local artists on site if you want to purchase any artwork.
Suitable For: It’s more for adults so couples and singles more than families
Accommodation Overview:
When I visited New Orleans with my mom, we stayed at The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery, which was a beautiful hotel in an old chandlery and warehouse. It was within walking distance to the French Quarter, so we could easily get to the main sights of New Orleans while getting a good night’s sleep away from any noisy nightlife. And the staff was really nice and helpful, especially when we arrived earlier than check in time.
The hotel also has some really interesting history! The historic building was used as a coffee warehouse on the Port of New Orleans in the 1800s. Later, it was turned into a chandlery, or a general store, and it traded and sold everything from medicines to ropes for ships passing through the city.
To connect with its chandlery past, the hotel has a store that sells local goods, and it features local artwork in a gallery and all the rooms. It also plays up its historic look with retro designs with hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, detailed tilework, and décor with old radios and paintings. It’s so different from any other hotel I’ve visited in the US and I loved seeing all the historic décor!
The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery is the perfect place to stay in New Orleans! You can easily walk to the French Quarter and the Warehouse District, and you can get a good night’s sleep away from any partiers in the French Quarter.
September 2018
Direct Price – $135 – 396 USD (AAA, Pre- Paid and Best Available Rate)
Discounted Price – $131 USD (Trivago – Zen Hotels etc)
Which one to book? The cheapest rate is the Discounted Price on both weekday and weekends. However, the Direct Price is also quite good on a weekday if you have AAA Membership Benefits.
January 2019
Direct Price – $146 – $262 USD (Best Available Rate)
Discounted Price – $139 USD (Trivago – Expedia, Booking, Hotels, Wotif etc)
Which one to book? The cheapest rate is the Discounted Price.
April 2019
Direct Price – $329 – $370 USD (Best Available Rate)
Discounted Price – $175- 189 USD (Trivago – Expedia, Booking, Hotels, Wotif etc)
Which one to book? The cheapest rate is the Discounted Price.
Missouri
St. Louis
– Drury Plaza Hotel At The Arch –
Recommended by Enchanted Serendipity
Website: https://www.druryhotels.com/locations/st-louis-mo/drury-plaza-hotel-st-louis-at-the-arch
Location: 2 South 4th St, St. Louis, Missouri, 63102
Nearby Attractions/Restaurants: Gateway Arch (1 block), Busch Stadium (2 blocks), Ballpark Village (2 blocks), City Hall (6 blocks)
Included/Free Amenities: FREE wifi, FREE hot breakfast; FREE popcorn and soda in the lobby; FREE hot food and drinks for “Kickbacks” every night from 5:30pm – 7pm; microwave in room, free gym access, swimming pool, pets are allowed.
Additional Amenities: On site parking is $20 USD a night. Off site parking is also available.
Suitable For: Singles, Couples, Families.
Accommodation Overview:
Staying in a city like St.Louis makes guests want to have a piece of the action.
I stayed here with an American friend, prior to embarking on a 2 week road trip around the Midwest. This was the perfect place to start our trip for so many reasons.
© Drury Plaza Hotel At The Arch Website
The room was comfortable and modern and exactly what we needed for a girls weekend in town. We had a bed each and a partial view of the Gateway Arch – which made our stay in St Louis that little more exciting. Our location was smack bang in the city center. We were right on the doorstep of Busch Stadium and the Ballpark Village which was full of restaurants and bars, which meant we didn’t even need to work out how to get back to the hotel after a night out – we were right there!
The signature for Drury hotels though – and what truly makes them a brand to reckon with – is their FREE hot breakfasts, FREE soda and popcorn (in the lobby) and the 5:30pm ‘Kickbacks” which run until 7pm. These are amazing value – particularly for families who may not want to eat out in restaurants because of the little ones. When we stayed we had kickbacks that included hot dogs, baked potatoes and pasta. We also had 2 free alcoholic drinks each per day as part of our allowance with this extra. You could literally eat dinner here should you wish to.
The kickbacks are definitely a reason to stay in a Drury but overall they are great value anyway. There is such a great atmosphere during this “happy hour” with guests interacting and sharing in the delights of complimentary items before heading out for a night on the town or off to their room to relax after some food. It made our stay in St. Louis that much better.
For $200 or so (sometimes less) per night – this is incredible value!
September 2018
Direct Price – $221 – $245 USD (AAA and Drury Rewards Rate- FREE Membership)
Discounted Price – $245 – $316 USD (Trivago – Expedia, Booking.com, Hotels.com etc)
Which one to book? The cheapest rate is the AAA Rate (if you have a qualifying membership on both weekday and weekends followed by the Drury Rewards Rate.
January 2019
Direct Price – $176 – $185 USD (AAA & Drury Rewards Rate – FREE Membership)
Discounted Price – $185 – $292 USD (Trivago – Expedia, Booking, Hotels, Wotif etc)
Which one to book? The cheapest rate is the Direct Price AAA but the Drury Rewards Rate is not much higher if you don’t have a qualifying AAA membership.
April 2019
Direct Price – $274 USD (Drury Rewards Rate)
Discounted Price – $280 – 292 USD (Trivago – Expedia, Booking, Hotels, Wotif etc)
Which one to book? The cheapest rate is the Direct Price.
Nevada
Las Vegas
– Hooters Casino & Hotel –
Recommended by Enchanted Serendipity
Website: www.hooterscasinohotel.com/
Location: 115 East Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109
Nearby Attractions/Restaurants (Walking): Tropicana Casino (1 min), MGM Casino (1 min), Las Vegas Strip (1 min), Las Vegas sign (33 mins), Fashion Show Mall (45 mins) Included/Free Amenities: Casino on site, Cable television, free parking. Resort fee $35 – allows for daily wifi, gym and pool access.
Additional Amenities: Hooters restaurant on site. Stay, Play and Eat Specials.
Suitable For: Singles, Couples, Families.
Accommodation Overview:
When I have previously stayed in Vegas, I always ensure I am smack bang on the Strip. But in 2017, I wanted a cheap accommodation that wouldn’t cost the end of the Earth and didn’t know if I would find anything. In Vegas, I am rarely in the room anyway – so a comfortable bed is all I ever need.
Hooters was the perfect place for me to base myself for 4 nights, with a huge room, a king bed and a casino – all a girl needs really.
Hooters is a real diamond in the rough property in Vegas – it cost me $300 (including resort fee!) for 4 nights which is truly the biggest steal within the Strip. Other hotels can come close price wise to this property, but Hooters are generally cheaper no matter when you visit – which makes all the difference.
The ‘Stay, Play and Eat’ option is very good value for money for what can be as little as $10 extra – with a $25 food voucher per day, and $10 Slot play, $10 match play, and free parking. This option is only available to new members though.
The room was all I needed – and was far more spacious than many hotel rooms I have had in Vegas. I will always look to Hooters first when visiting here.
September 2018
Direct Price –
$84 USD, AAA Rate – $77 USD
Discounted Price – (Trivago – Expedia, Booking.com, Hotels.com etc)
$82 USD
Which one to book? The cheapest rate is the Discounted Price – though if you have a AAA qualifying membership you can get it even cheaper.
January 2019
Direct Price –
$84 USD , AAA Rate – $82 USD
Discounted Price – (Trivago – Expedia, Booking, Hotels, Wotif etc)
$92 USD
Which one to book? The cheapest rate is the Direct Price if you stay 3 nights.
April 2019
Direct Price –
$93 USD (save 20% currently if you stay 3 nights) AAA Rate – $96 USD
Discounted Price – (Trivago – Expedia, Booking, Hotels, Wotif etc)
$88 USD
Which one to book? The Discounted Price is cheaper.
New York
New York City
– Pod Hotel (51st Street) –
Recommended by Enchanted Serendipity
© Pod Hotels website
Website: https://www.thepodhotel.com/
Location: 230 E 51st St, New York City, 10022
Nearby Attractions/Restaurants (Walking): Radio City Music Hall (14 mins), Times Square (20 mins), Madison Square Garden, (35mins) Central Park (20 mins), Rockefeller Center (12 mins), Chrysler Building (12 mins), Bryant Park (20 mins), 5th Ave (10 mins).
Included/Free Amenities: Free wifi, safe in room, ipod/iphone dock
Additional Amenities: Luggage storage on departure and arrival, rooftop bar, cafe with food and drink available for purchase.
Suitable For: Singles, Couples.
© Pod Hotel 39 Website
Accommodation Overview:
Pod Hotels are a hotel chain I have been staying in for years when traveling in New York. As a solo traveler, I found their first property on 51st and 3rd Avenue in 2008 – which was budget friendly, comfortable and with an awesome atmosphere, which was very hard to beat in value. Traveling alone can feel lonely – but not here. There are ample opportunities to interact with other guests and just get out of your room for a while in the gadget-friendly common areas – which is a priority that Pod have been focused on for over a decade.
The success of Pod has increased with more Pods opening in New York – one on 39th and one in Times Square, and also in Brooklyn. In 2017, Pod opened up in Washington D.C. which was an awesome opportunity for the city.
When it comes to New York City you can’t go wrong with any of the Pod Hotels. They all have the same set up and structure, with bunk bed rooms and single rooms (with shared bathrooms – which are keep cleaner than most hotel bathrooms!); single bed rooms, double bed rooms and queen bed rooms (with private bathrooms) to entice all types of travelers. It is not a young person hotel by any means.
© Pod Hotel 51 Website
I always stay at the 51st location though because it is close to Central Park and the uptown areas of Manhattan. But further to this, the price of the 51st location is a little cheaper than the others, likely because it was the first location and is older than the rest – but in no way does it lack what the others have! The rooftop views alone make it one of the best rooftops in the city. I often get a shared bath single bed room, but I have stayed in a double room with private bathroom too. Both are great options – and if you do go the shared bathroom option the staff really ensure the bathrooms are cleaned every hour it seems. There are a number of them on each floor too which means you don’t need to wait too long for one.
I can’t recommend this hotel and the entire Pod chain more. I can’t wait to return to New York and enjoy an afternoon on an amazing rooftop – last time I visited it was Winter and far too cold to enjoy that!
September 2018
Direct Price –
2 Bunk Bed Room – $226 USD (with current offer of 2 complimentary glasses of wine on arrival – *Room Has A Shared Bathroom) 1 Double Bed Room – $318 USD (with current offer of 2 complimentary glasses of wine on arrival.
Discounted Price – (Trivago – Expedia, Booking.com, Hotels.com etc)
2 Bunk Bed Room (Shared Bathroom) – $227 USD – 1 Double Bed Room – $354 USD
Which one to book? The cheapest rate is the Direct Price which as of June 2018 offers 2 complimentary glasses of wine on arrival. The Bunk Bed Room has a shared bathroom with other guests on the floor.
January 2019
Direct Price –
2 Bunk Bed Room – $111 (with current offer of 2 complimentary glasses of wine on arrival – *Room Has A Shared Bathroom) 1 Double Bed Room – $134 USD (with current offer of 2 complimentary glasses of wine on arrival.)
Discounted Price – (Trivago – Expedia, Booking, Hotels, Wotif etc)
2 Bunk Bed Room (Shared Bathroom) – $111 USD – 1 Double Bed Room – $135 USD
Which one to book? Both rates are the same, but the Direct Price offers 2 complimentary glasses of wine on arrival as of June 2018. The bunk bed room has a shared bathroom with other guests on the floor.
April 2019
Direct Price –
2 Bunk Bed Room – $226 USD (with current offer of 2 complimentary glasses of wine on arrival – *Room Has A Shared Bathroom)
1 Double Bed Room – $352 USD (with current offer of 2 complimentary glasses of wine on arrival.)
Discounted Price – (Trivago – Expedia, Booking, Hotels, Wotif etc)
2 Bunk Bed Room (Shared Bathroom) – $226 USD
1 Double Bed Room – $318 USD
Which one to book? The cheapest rate for the bunk bed room is for the Direct Price due to the complimentary wine, but the bunk bed room has a shared bathroom with other guests on the floor. The Double room is cheaper with the Discounted Price – but with the current offer of 2 complimentary glasses of wine on arrival – it almost evens out.
Oregon
Portland
– Northwest Portland Hostel and Guesthouse –
Recommended By Chantell of Adoration 4 Adventure
© Northwest Portland Hostel & Guesthouse Website
Website: https://www.nwportlandhostel.com/ Location: 479 NW 18th Avenue, (on the corner of NW 18th Avenue & Glisan Street), Portland, Oregon 97209 Nearby Attractions/Restaurants?: Washington Park, Downtown Portland, Breweries, Blue Star Donuts, Voodoo Donuts, Westside Riverwalk. Included/Free Amenities: Free wifi in all areas; complimentary breakfast (local daily-fresh-baked bagel with toppings); guest phone and laptop available to borrow; free luggage storage the day of a guest’s arrival and departure; bike storage and bike stand for working on bikes; complimentary towels and padlocks to borrow; extra pillows and blankets provided upon request. Parking permits for a small fee. Free daily events: Mondays at the Movie (with popcorn); Tuesday Live Folk Music in the Café; Wednesday Games Night; Thursday Brewery Tour; Friday Night Tap Tasting (sample the Hostel Cafe’s local beers, ciders, wine & kombucha on tap, as well as local sodas and root beer); Saturday Communal Pasta Dinner, Sunday Morning Walking Tour. Additional Amenities:The living area spaces offer kitchens with equipment and utensils, stove ranges, fridge/freezers and microwaves. There are a number of community spaces with dining areas, library, living rooms and 90% private home-style bathrooms (rather than stalls). The bathrooms have biodegradable soap pumps in all of the showers and there are a number or courtyard areas and separate smoking areas – inside areas and rooms are all smoke free. Waste is reduced with ride share boards, bath-product free-shelves near every restroom, kitchen spaces have free food shelves where guests can gather or leave items so that no food goes to waste and a free book shelf where guests can take or leave books in a variety of languages. If you’re traveling solo, they have a Facebook group to connect guests, and a cafe where guests can engage in the local community and also meet locals. Suitable For: Couples, singles, families – groups and families of more than 6 can inquire about booking the larger rooms.
Accommodation Overview:
Northwest Portland Hostel & Guesthouse is a welcoming environment for travellers from all walks of life, with communal and comfortable spaces, knowledgeable and friendly staff, and free daily events. I have stayed here as a solo traveller in their hostel section, as well as a couple in their guesthouse. Rooms available include: 4-Bed Dorm, 4-6 Bed Dorm, 6-8 Bed Dorm, Double Bed, Queen Bed, Double and Single Bed, Single Bed, and Family Rooms with a large bed and bunks.
© Northwest Portland Hostel & Guesthouse
Northwest Portland offers more than just accommodation, providing a total PDX (Portland Interantional Airport) experience from check-in to checkout. The 24-hour reception can assist with parking permits, bike storage, lockers, and free city maps.
If you have no idea where to start, you can ask the reception for recommendations or join other guests on one of the daily events such as brewery and walking tours. I have taken both a free brewery tour, as well as a guided hike booked through Northwest Portland which were both memorable highlights from my trip.
© Northwest Portland Hostel & Guesthouse
Complimentary breakfast is provided daily with freshly baked bagels served with tea, coffee, or juice. NW Portland has a new Hostel Café with full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu, mainly sourced from local ingredients. The cuisine is “healthy American” with many vegetarian and vegan options. Guests can wash it down with a choice of eight local tap beers, cider, wine, and kombucha.
© Northwest Portland Hostel & Guesthouse
It is located only walking distance to the centre of Portland as well major foodie attractions such as Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House and Voodoo Donuts. Getting here is easy, with a direct bus from the airport, and only 12 blocks from the Greyhound bus station. NW Portland Hostel sells Trimet day passes from the front desk, which can be used on the local buses, light rail (MAX), and commuter rail (WES).
September 2018 – Through to 2019
(Currently accepting booking online through to December 2018)
Direct Price – $40 – $160 USD (Shared Rooms & Private Room – different bed options)
Discounted Price $40 – $160 USD (Expedia, Bookings.com, Hotels.com etc)
Which one to book? The same rate is available whether you book Direct or Discounted. I would suggest booking direct based on this – especially if you have special requests or need a larger room for a family etc.
Utah
Monument Valley
– Goulding’s Lodge –
Recommended By Enchanted Serendipity
Website: http://www.gouldings.com/ Location: 1000 Goulding’s Trading Post Rd, Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah, 84536 Nearby Attractions/Restaurants: Monument Valley, Goulding’s Lodge Museum, Forrest Gump Sign, Scenic Views Included/Free Amenities: Free wi-fi, free parking, wheelchair access, free museum on site, restaurant on site, grocery store for buying food, gas station next door, suite apartments have kitchenettes, outdoor balcony. Additional Amenities: Lodge rooms, Suites, Apartments and an RV Park with Tent Sites. There is a by donation museum for all guests and the public to visit – full of movie memorabilia, historic artifacts and more. Proceeds from these donations are used towards college scholarships for local students in the area each year. Suitable For: Couples, singles and families.
Accommodation Overview:
Monument Valley has limited accommodation options. But, the ones on offer more than make up for this – and truly enhance your experience here.
When it comes to one of the biggest ‘bucket list’ destinations in the USA, being here surrounded by nature is just an amazing feeling. Staying at Goulding’s Lodge is also just as amazing. I was there in April 2017 and paid less than $200 USD for the 1 bedroom kitchenette suite.
The modern rooms are lovely, and the suites allow guests to cook their own meals in the privacy of their own “home” for the evening. Sitting out on the balcony is a nice touch and allows guests to bask in the natural views that no city can provide. The cabin I booked had 2 beds – one in a bedroom and one in the kitchen area, making this a steal of a price if 4 people were to stay. For a solo traveler, this was the perfect escape for me – and the wifi and cable television options were more than enough to occupy me when night fell.
There are other accommodation options too – from tent sites, to RV parking, to rooms in the lodge – which means all travelers are welcome here.
Waking up early is a must, with many taking in the views of sunrise at Monument Valley itself for this moment – but I chose to sit on my balcony and watch it all take place in true silence, as night became day. It was unforgettable.
The location of this property is smack bang in the center of the Monument Valley area – a $20 admission per car into the Navajo Park will get you access there. But if you want to enjoy more than just a John Wayne movie moment at the on-site museum at Goulding’s (which is a wonderful donation based attraction); you can experience Forrest Gump and the Highway on US 163 (towards Mexican Hat) that he stops his long run on (which has picture perfect views everyone wants a picture of!) It is all found right here! To read my post on this area in even more detail click here.
I cannot wait to come back to Goulding’s Lodge on my next visit. This is truly a once in a lifetime experience and I will never forget it.
Average price per night for a 1 bed room in the Lodge or a 1 bedroom Kitchenette Suite including tax (USD):
September 2018
Direct Price – $285 – 341 USD (1 bedroom kitchenette)
Discounted Price – $259 – $395 USD (1 bedroom kitchenette on Trivago – Expedia, Booking, Hotels, Wotif etc)
Which one to book? The cheapest rate is the Discounted Price. Though, depending on the room, direct may also be worth looking at.
January 2019
Direct Price – $122 USD (Queen Room in Lodge)
Discounted Price – $95 USD (Queen Room on Trivago – Expedia, Booking, Hotels, Wotif etc)
Which one to book? The cheapest rate is the Discounted Price. Rooms for these rates are in the lodge. Cabin rooms with kitchenettes are more but very much worth it – and allow for more people.
April 2019
Direct Price – $199 USD (Queen Room in Lodge)
Discounted Price – $198 USD (Queen Room on Trivago – Expedia, Booking, Hotels, Wotif etc)
Which one to book? The rates are the same no matter which one you book.
Now To Book Your Best Value Accommodation
There are many amazing accommodations available in the United States.
These are just some of the most memorable and best value options out there. Prices will fluctuate in comparison to those listed – so keep an eye out on any you’re interested in staying at.
As an added bonus, if you book regularly with discounted sites like Hotels.com after 10 stays you get a free night valued at the average spend you spent across the 10 nights. I use this myself and paid $40 for a Saturday night stay in my hometown of Melbourne that was worth $150 because I had a discount accumulated for $110! Can’t beat that!
Don’t forget, if you’re planning a trip, be sure to connect with me in my US Travel Group – so you can ask any questions, gain tips and find worthwhile travel information in the lead up to your trip.
Pin This For Your Next American Adventure
Heading to Monument and had already booked Goulding’s – keen to go now. I think you should explain the ‘resort fee’ in Vegas in more detail, we were shocked to be charged having “overlooked” the fine print. It adds up especially when it ended up being more than our bargain hotel room.
Heading to Zion as Page as well – I’ve booked both but would be keen for any tips 🙂
Hi Helena! Thanks for stopping by to ask further questions.
Cities like Las Vegas have resort fees on 99% of their major hotels which are a minimum of $20 USD plus tax per day. They are not optional. This basically means that you will be forced to pay them even if you don’t use what they include. When it comes to Hooters – you are still getting the best deal with them as every other hotel on the main part of the Strip has higher pricing and resort fees. So thus, why Hooters is still a great all-round hotel even with this fee. Other US cities have this fee but not as much as what Vegas has.I will be sure to add more info in on resort fees so people are aware of how they work.
If you pass through Page be sure to stay at Red Rock Motel, I will be adding that to this post soon. Its run by a lovely couple! Do not miss Horseshoe Bend whilst there either. And Antelope Canyon if tickets are available. Let me know if you have any other questions 🙂
This is such a great resource. I love how you have it all laid out. The view at Goulding’s look incredible.
Thanks so much Corinne. I am so glad you liked it! Let me know if you ever want any recommendations!
I am all about value, so this is a great list! I prefer not to stay at Airbnbs but in some cases that has been the only reasonably priced option. Pinning this post for future reference.
Thanks so much Anisa! Any tips or recommendations – just ask!