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My wife is probably typical of many. She refuses to stay in a motel or lodging that is not a name brand...Holiday Inn, Best Western, etc. We had some horrible experiences with mom & pop motels.
Just to add a counterpoint, BOTH my wife and I try to avoid chain motels as often as we can in our travels - as do friends we've traveled with over the years. Some of our worst experiences have been in said chains, as have our most mundane. We've developed a keen sense for good mom'n'pop hotels, motels and restaurants, and they're at the heart of what both of us think makes travel fun. Yes, we've had some clinkers, but it's all part of the adventure that we think travel should be, rather than the uniform sameness and indifference of the average chain.
I've harped on this before, and I'm not going to go into the gory details again - I just don't have the energy - but there really IS a market out there for people who DON'T want everyplace to be just like everyplace else. Thank God there are a few Chama's and Ely's left for the rest of us. These comments aren't about railfans vs non-railfans, they're about people who actually prefer real local character (warts and all) as opposed to travel being almost like being at home.
I'm not criticizing those who feel otherwise. Rather, pointing out that there is a viable need (and market!) for places the rest of us can go.
Scott
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/04/2010 08:24PM by Scott Turner.