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My extensive United States travel has brought me to 47 states and 20 National Parks, which also means that I’ve stayed in 100+ different hotels, Airbnbs, and hostels along the way.
Having this experience, I know how hit-or-miss booking accommodations can be. A property looks great in the photos, but only to discover otherwise when you arrive. Believe me, I’ve had my fair share of misses while crisscrossing America, but I’ve also had a ton of fantastic experiences as well. This is the third of a 4 part breakdown by region of the United States of lodging that I personally recommend.
Keep in mind that I tend to be a budget traveler, so some of these locations might not be a right fit for you. But if you’re anything like me, all you’re really looking for is a place to feel comfortable, safe, and pay a reasonable rate. Below is a list of places that meet this criteria. I only recommend places that I have personally stayed and would stay again.
Here is my list of great lodging options in the Western United States!
Burlingame, California
• Red Roof PLUS+: this hotel is just three miles from the San Francisco Airport & 30 minutes from downtown San Francisco. It’s got all the modern amenities and facilitates your connection to the San Francisco Airport, downtown San Francisco, as well as the surrounding attractions.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
• Tolovana Inn: this is a great option if you’re traveling to Cannon Beach or along the Oregon Coast. You can choose from rooms that overlook the ocean or stay on a budget, with the lowest rate starting at $89 (based on season).
Cody, Wyoming
• Super 8: my first stay at this Super 8 was so great that I decided to stay again during my second visit to Cody. The staff is so friendly and helpful, plus the drive into downtown is only a few minutes. Visiting Yellowstone National Park? Just make a left out of the parking lot and you have a direct shot to the East Entrance.
Coos Bay, Oregon
• Motel 6: nothing overly special about this property, except that its right off Highway 101. The staff is friendly, the rooms are decent, and the location is beyond convenient. For both of my road trips down the Oregon Coast, I have opted to stay here.
Florence, Oregon
• Old Town Inn: I was a bit surprised at how much I enjoyed my stay at the Old Town Inn during a road trip in 2012. Great location just off Highway 101 and walking distance to Old Town. Make sure you enjoy the award-winning clam chowder at nearby International C-Food Market!
Hurricane, Utah
• Super 8 Hurricane – Zion National Park: Are you like me and would prefer to drive a little further if it means you can save money on lodging? If so, then the Super 8 in Hurricane is perfect for you! The drive to Zion National Park is about 35 minutes, but you’ll end up saving $50 to $100 a night if you were to stay closer. That price difference made the decision easy for me!
Jackson, Wyoming
• Motel 6: the Jackson Hole area is going to be expensive, no matter what type of accommodations you book. The Motel 6 on Highway 89 is a good option, as downtown Jackson is only a few minutes drive and you’ll be close to may restaurants and shopping centers. I have been very happy with my two stays at the Motel 6.
Lincoln City, Oregon
• Motel 6: you might be seeing a theme with my many stays at Motel 6 & Super 8 properties. I’ve been consistently pleased with nearly all of their locations and rates, and my stay at Motel 6 in Lincoln City, Oregon wasn’t any different. Grab some great coffee and/or breakfast at Mojo Coffee, located just next door.
Moab, Utah
• Motel 6: after a terrible experience at a Moab hostel, I switched to this Motel 6 for the remainder of my stay — and I’m so happy I did! Perfectly located if you’re in town for Arches National Park!
• Moab Under Canvas: Have you ever tried glamping? If not, make this your first experience! Situated 7 miles north of Moab, you’ll love the star-gazing opportunities. Also, home to THE most comfortable bed I have ever slept in!
Oakhurst, California
• Best Western – Yosemite Gateway: another situation where I was willing to drive a tad further for a lower rate just outside Yosemite National Park. The property itself is situated on a hill and is absolutely beautiful! I highly recommend Oakhurst as a good access point and home base when visiting Yosemite.
Port Angeles, Washington
• Super 8: when I decided to re-route my Say Hello To America 2016 road trip to drive the entire Olympic Peninsula (which will include a ton of stops and driving), the perfect overnight stopping point was the Super 8 in Port Angeles.
San Rafael, California
• Airbnb – Marianne: one of the coolest Airbnb properties I have ever stayed in! You can book a stay in “The Tower” in a nice, quiet neighborhood in San Rafael. Marianne is a great host, who provided an outstanding breakfast and hours of great conversation.
Seaside, Oregon
• Shilo Inn: very reasonable price for a hotel in what tends to be a family beach resort town. The Shilo Inn has nice rooms, ample parking, a ton of restaurants & bars within walking distance, and the beach is only ONE block away!
Solvang, California
• Quality Inn: this is definitely the best deal in the Solvang area! The hotel is located in Buellton, but Solvang is just minutes down the road. Considering the extremely reasonable rate, I was impressed by the friendly staff, the very clean and comfortable rooms, and nice breakfast.
Wapiti, Wyoming
• Rand Creek Ranch: for a shakeup of my normal accommodations, I decided to spend a night at Rand Creek Ranch. Located half way between Cody and the Yellowstone East Entrance, you’ll love the solitude of this Wyoming ranch. I loved the spacious cabins, the easy access to Yellowstone, and especially the delicious breakfast basket left on my porch in the morning.
Yellowstone National Park
• Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel: a fantastic option for lodging in the northwest corner of Yellowstone. While there are many room choices , I opted for the ‘Hotel Room without Bath’, which included two queen beds and shared bathrooms with private showers available down the hall. My two favorite things about this hotel? The many elk that roam around the property and the Mammoth Hot Springs are just a quick 10-minute walk away. Make sure you book early!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on them, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting me in this way! Please read my disclosure for more info.
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