Crossing the US without paying "The Man" (corporate firms)

[Highmac]

Watched a documentary last night by a Brit called Dave Gorman. He had spent four months on a tour of the States in which as he put it, he stayed in anonymous chain hotels and 'hated every minute of it'. So he set out to find the Unchained America.

He bought a 1970 Ford Torino station wagon and set off to drive from San Francisco to New York, using only independent eating places, motels and gas stations. If it comes your way, it's well worth a look. Bit slow to start but it is worth sticking with. However if you do, please excuse the language when the car breaks down....

[Gregg]

Thought you meant Uncle Sam, or his 48 brothers... and their toll roads!

[gunug]

There is something comforting about a nice "pricey" hotel room that is part of a chain of them; it's like eating an Egg McMuffin, because you know what you're going to get.  I know there are just as likely to be questionable cleaning practices (watching CSI tells me that) and that you're paying the toll to the man but god bless Marriott at least occasionally!

[krissel]

Ouch, first mistake was buying the 1970 Ford Torino....

[Xairbusdriver]

Haven't seen the video yet, short of time...
However, there's no 'magic' in 'chain' motels/hotels. The only rule that seems to work for me is "You get what you pay for." If you want a room for 19.95 a night, don't expect working clock radios, although there may be a clock in the room. Do not leave that room after entering. Prop a chair under the door knob when you turn in, assuming there is a chair in the room.

Nor does a high price garauntee a satisfactory stay. But it is much more likely. It really depends on the management and how well they know the staff, form the utility guy to the maids to the cooks. Doesn't matter whether it's a chain or an independent. If everyone doesn't recognize you as the source of their pay, there will be problems.

BTW, all the prices seem to be going the same way as the National Debt...

[Gregg]

Maybe a good search would turn up the story I heard about on the news. It might be a local Milwaukee thing, but I didn't actually see it, just saw the tease. They were reporting on the results of a CSI-type survey to find out which hotels were the most germ free. Of course, they said the results would surprise you. Anyway, seems like that's a pretty important measuring stick.