Careers with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.

As of December 31, 2008, Starwood's hotel portfolio included owned, leased, managed and franchised hotels totaling 942 hotels with approximately 285,000 rooms in approximately 100 countries.

Also as of December 31, 2008, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. had 145,000 people employed - all put together, of whom approximately 36% were employed in the United States. Approximately 37% of the U.S.-based employees are covered by various union agreements providing for basic pay rates, working hours, other conditions of employment and orderly settlement of labor disputes.

A career in Hospitality and/or at Starwood does not necessarily mean that you end up handling customers/facilities. There's all kinds of jobs available at Starwood, including accounting, architecture, engineering, telemarketing, legal, etc. You can find the full list of job functions at Starwood here.

Benefits vary depending on your preferred job location, but these are some which will possibly be offered:-

• Comprehensive, low cost health insurance for you and your family
• Dental and vision insurance coverage
• Company-sponsored retirement plans - 401(k)
• Life Insurance and Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Adoption Assistance
• Domestic Partner eligibility

Starwood also offers paid time off and vacation programs, and encourages associates to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Plus, you get massive discounts at Starwood properties. Employees can stay at their hotels & resorts for as little as $29 per night. You get free or discounted meals at the property's cafeteria where you work.

And you get steep discounts at Starwood local business partners, on things like computers, new cars, entertainment, car rentals, magazines, electronics, and mobile phone service.

You can start by creating a jobalert profile, in which case you're notified of new openings matching your profile.

Or simply start searching for Starwood jobs here - www.starwoodhotels.com/corporate/careers/search/index.html

Careers with Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG)

Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) is the biggest hotel group in the world, with over 620,000 rooms in more than 4200 hotels, spread across seven brands and nearly 100 countries. Guests make over 180 million stays at IHG hotels every year.

Naturally, it's not easy to summarize the entire careers section of IHG in one blog post. And the HR Dept at IHG recognizes the vast spread and teh difficulty in implementing uniform hiring practices.

To that end, they have made it easy by allowing prospective employees to create online profiles in IHG's database, so it becomes easy to match and track applicationsa nd new openings. If you want to create your own profile for IHG jobs, click here.

IHG is an equal opportunity employer, and with operations spread across nearly 100 countries, it's reltively easy if you want to move to a specific country. Please note, however, that IHG does not automatically sponsor candidates for work permits and visas to work in a new country.

Possible benefits include:-

• Incentive opportunities based on company and individual performance
• Long term incentives available at select levels within the organisation
• Medical, Dental, Life, and Disability Insurance
• Pension or 401(k) retirement plans
• Discounted hotel room rates for you and your family around the world
• Paid time off and company designated holidays
• Flexible work arrangements to help balance work and home
• Health and wellness programs
• Training, continuous education, and educational assistance
• Employee discounts and special offers

You can start your search for IHG's full-time jobs and those for graduates here - www.ihgplc.com/index.asp?pageid=430

Careers with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

San Francisco based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is on Forbes' list of 'The 100 Best Companies To Work For.' And that's not just some corporate feel-good achievement program. Kimpton was awarded as the best place to work in the Bay Area in 2007.

Plus, they actually take good care of their employees, their hotels and their customers. Kimpton's committment to the environment and to providing a family-friendly atmosphere and amenities for guests is legendary. They have branded programs under which all Kimpton Hotels and restaurants adher to the same standards set by the Kimpton Kids and

Benefits at Kimpton include comprehensive medical benefits, long and short term disability, paid vacation time, tuition reimbursement and employee discounts, paid sabbaticals for general managers and executive chefs, and a managers' parental leave program, for mothers, fathers and partners. They even have a pet care program, which covers all kinds of pets, from furry to feathered.

Factor in the vast spread of Kimpton Hotels across the nation, coupled with career development options like Kimpton University, the management trainee program, and the Mentor and Leadership programs, and you have a pretty good chance for giving your budding career in hospitality a nice boost with a job at Kimpton.

And they have an online application process, which makes it even easier to apply for a position with Kimpton, regardless of your physical location.

You can start your search for employment and the application process at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants here - www.kimptonhotels.com/HR/jobsearch.aspx

Disneyland Resort Jobs

Goes without saying that a Disney career is a magical experience. It's one of the biggest brands in the world, and a job at the Disneyland Resort is a virtual guarantee that your career in hospitality will have a bright future.

But you might not need to look beyond Disney, because Disney employees enjoy the 'Disney Difference.' That means weekly pay, health-care insurance options, paid vacation and sick leave,
retirement plans, annual pay increases and premium-pay incentives may be available for certain positions, employee stock purchase program, and credit union membership.

Plus, you get theme park admission, discounts on tickets, dining and recreation locations throughout the Resort, discounts at select Disney Resort hotels, and assistance with work/personal issues like childcare and budgeting.

You also have access to on-site learning centers and programs, training opportunities and an educational reimbursement program, and commuter assistance.

But being part of such a well-known consumer oriented family-friendly brand as Disney has some additional requirements for cast members which may not be required at other companies. For example, the guidelines for your appearance and look, attire, jewelry, etc. are very strict - No tatoos, and very specific rules for facial hair. More details here.

Due to the seasonal nature of it's business, Disneyland has a lot of opportunities for part-time and seasonal workers.

Start your search for jobs at the Disneyland Resort here - http://disney.go.com/disneycareers/disneyland/index.html

Careers with Joie de Vivre Hotels

Joie de Vivre, or as it is better known - JDV Hotels, is a San Francisco based company which runs boutique hotels in California. JDV was founded by Chip Conley in 1987.

Joie de Vivre Hotel's parent company is Joie de Vivre Hospitality, which oversees all of the other businesses beyond the boutique hotels including restaurants, spas, and affiliate hotels. When you tote it all up, JDV rakes in about $200 million in annual revenues.

In 2008, Joie de Vivre Hospitality was ranked as the 2nd best place to work in the Bay area in the 501-1,500 employees category. In the hospitality sector, the industry employee turnover rate is about 70%. Joie de Vivre has consistently been about a third of the industry average, coming in at around 25%.

After three years and every three years thereafter, salaried managers at JDV receive a four-week, paid sabbatical - a benefit Joie de Vivre paved the way to create in the hospitality industry.

An extensive learning and development umbrella - JDV University - offers opportunities for personal growth like surfing, card-making and hiking in the California redwoods along with extensive professional development of ESL courses and front desk host academies. Joie de Vivre has invested over $70,000 to help it's employees learn English as a second language in 2008 alone.

You also get two complimentary stays each quarter at any of JDV's California hotels, along with discounts at Joie de Vivre restaurants for you and your guests. And also spa treatments at discounted rates.

To begin searching for jobs with JDV, start here - www.jdv.jobs/, or here - www.jdvhotels.com/careers.

Careers with Marriott International

Marriott International (www.marriott.com/) has been named as one of the 100 best companies to work for in 2008 by Fortune Magazine. And with 14 brands spread across more than 3200 proeprties in over 66 countries, Marriott offers plenty of choice and scope for career development.

Marriott International is based in Bethesda, Maryland, very near to where it began in 1927 as a root beer stand in Washington DC. Today, Marriott operates or franchises hotels, resorts, executive accommodations and suites worldwide, translating into approximately 515,000 rooms and more than 10,000 vacation ownership villas.

Marriott participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program and Marriott’s benefits package includes:

• Medical, dental, life & disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Continuing education/tuition reimbursement
• Ongoing training and career development programs
• Work/family programs and services
• Discounts on hotel rooms, food & beverage

You can start your online job search for careers with Marriott International here. If you're looking for internships or summer jobs, start here.

Careers with Hilton Hotels Corp

For those looking for careers in hospitality, Hilton Hotels Corp. offers a unique opportunity. It's one of the biggest hotel groups in the world, with more than 3,200 hotels and 545,000 rooms in over 77 countries and regions.

Hilton is currently based in Beverly Hills, California, but they're in the process of moving everything to FairFax, Virginia. They also have an Operations Center in Memphis.

Careers at Hilton range from hotels and call centers to the corporate offices and vacation ownership properties, and internships and summer jobs. If you're looking for jobs at any of Hilton's hotels, click here.

For 'Reservations & Customer Care Call Centers' start here. These include many telecommute jobs.

And here's the ones for their Corporate Offices. If you're anywhere near the Washington DC Metro area, now might be a good time to check out the jobs at Hilton's HQ, since they're setting up shop in Fairfax, VA, and have plans to hire hundreds of area residents.

And here's the jobs for Hilton Grand vacations, and for their Memphis Operations Center, and if you're looking for an internship or a summer job, click here.

European breakfast at Lincoln Park inn Chicago

The Lincoln Park Inn, located in the Lincoln Park neighbourhood and a short distance from Wrigley Field, is steeped in history, having been in existence in Chicago since the 1920s. And the stiff upper lip, conservative style and the European touch is still in evidence in the decor, with the chandeliers and the dark brown furnishings.

And the European style breakfast room, where you get served with complimentary hot breakfast with eggs and sausage and waffles and piping hot coffee, instead of the usual American muffins and juice. You might find a few upscale hotels on the lake shores offering this stuff with room service and charging you heaven and earth for it. But you can bet your boots you won't find a complimentary breakfast like this at one of the Chicago motels - even if you're willing to pay for it.

You also get a few other things you won't find at a motel - like concierge and business services, 24 hour front desk, dry cleaning service, and complimentary internet. In room amenities in the 74 air-conditioned guestrooms include wireless internet, cable and satellite TV, refrigerator, iron & board and hair dryer (on request), housekeeping, and shower/tub combo bathrooms with complimentary toileteries.

If you need them, the hotel also has cribs and rollaway beds. Rates from $100 onwards. The Lincoln Park Inn is pet friendly, subject to fees charged per pet. All in all, if you want to save a couple of hundred bucks in hotel bills on a weekend trip, and/or spend the same on shopping and dining and checking out the Chicago attractions, then this is the place for you.

Info: 601 W Diversey Pkwy Chicago IL 60614; (773) 348-2810; www.innlp.com/

Get a taste of Americana at Crystal City Hotel

You won't believe how hard it is to find a cheap but decent place to stay in Washington DC. Either you're staying at a posh hotel on Pennsylvania Ave with a view of the White House, or you're thrown into one of the few remaining Washington DC motels.

Which is why I was pleasantly surprised to find the Americana Hotel in the Crystal City neighbourhood in Arlington, VA. It's just a short hop to all the important attractions in Washington DC (less than a mile), and more importantly, the hotel offers rates from $79 onwards.

The Americana is a family-owned business which opened it's doors in 1963, and offers free shuttle service and free parking, along with complimentary wireless internet. And to top it off, you get a free continental breakfast with coffee, tea, milk & orange juice, 3 different types of cereal, donuts, pastries & muffins, croissants & bagels with cream cheese, and fresh fruits including apples, oranges & bananas.

In-room amenities include cable TV, iron & board, hairdryer, and a mini-refrigerator and work desk. Guest room options include a standard room with 1 bed, a standard double, standard King and standard Queen, and a Deluxe King. Rates vary from $79 for the standard with 1 bed to $99 for the King Deluxe and $119 for the standard double.

No doubt you'll be able to find better digs within walking distance of the White House, but the question is - Do you want to enjoy the luxuries and pleasures offered by Washington DC vacations, or by a Washington DC hotel room?

Info: 1400 Jefferson Davis Highway Arlington VA 22202; (703) 979-3772; www.americanahotel.com/

Malibu has the nicest Motel in Los Angeles

When you look at the gated palatial mansions of the studio producers and Hollywood bigwigs lining the private Malibu beaches, you'd think it would be hard to find a place to stay in this area for around $119. You'd be wrong, because The Malibu Motel does.

The Malibu Motel, in it's own words, is "the coolest motel in one of the most beautiful places on earth." Think that's a whopper? Maybe... But you have to admit that Malibu is indeed one of the most beautiful places on earth - That's why the Hollywood billionares live here.

As for the motel itself, well, it's not the Roosevelt or the Beverly Hills Hotel, and you'd be hard pressed to find a star in any of the 18 rooms on offer, but still, it is one of coolest Los Angeles motels, which is not such a bad deal.

Especially when you consider the location, within walking distance to Malibu's excellent restaurants and shops, steps to the finest beaches and trails in the world.

The Malibu Motel offers 9 rooms with king beds and 9 more rooms with 2 queen beds. Each room has a private ocean view deck. Amenities offered include a pool, cable TV and HBO, internet access, refrigerators, comfortable beds with 400 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets and duvet covers. Room rates starting from $119.

Info: 22541 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu CA 90265; (310) 456 6169; www.themalibumotel.com/

Check out Ruby Montana's collection at the Coral Sands inn Palm Springs

Ruby Montana's quaint Coral Sands Inn is a throwback to the days when Palm Springs was known as the 'playland of the stars', and the homes of Liberace, Elvis, Peter Lawford, and the Kennedys were all part of the attractions of Palm Springs.

The Coral Sands Inn was built in 1952, and the shocking pink, the kidney-shaped pool and the distinct themed rooms with swaying palms and sweeping views of the mountains were all meant to reinforce this impression of 'Hollywood in the Desert.'

Doesn't mean that all the Palm Springs motels are as kitschy as the Coral Sands Inn. It was just a passing phase - garish, expensive and in-your-face, lead by the over-the-top antics of the King, and like it or not, that's the way it was, and the Coral Sands Inn seems to be stuck in the same time wrap even now.

And if you don't believe me, just consider the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Suite, the Liberace Room, the Yiddish Cowgirl Room, the infamous Poodle Room, and three more, each containing museum-quality vintage decorations from Montana’s private collection of western furniture, collectibles, folk art, and contemporary work by world-famous artists. Oh, and let's not forget Ruby Montana herself. And her Chihuahuas.

And this slightly odd, but unique, decor and furnishings only help the Coral Sands Inn stand apart as a go-to venue for getaways. It also helps that the hotel is located slam-bang in the middle of the best Palm Springs has to offer, including the local golf courses, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to the top of Mt. San Jacinto, many fine restaurants, great shopping, and antiquing to die for.

Rates from $110 to $189, depending on when and which suite you book. the Coral Sands Inn offers a choice fo 7 different suites. The $110 are the Queen bed suites without kitchens. For $189, you get a King suite with a fully equipped kitchen. And if you stay for 2 nights, you get the 3rd night free.

There's a lotta different ways to enjoy Palm Springs vacations, and if you want a taste of the way that Elvis used to enjoy his desert getaways, then no better person to show you than Ruby Montana.

Info: 210 West Stevens Palm Springs CA 922621; (866) 820-8302 or (760) 325-4900; www.coralsandspalmsprings.com/;

What's a Flatotel? It's a New York City Hotel

The Flatotel is just one of the many midtown Manhattan hotels. Only difference is that this one offers apartment sized rooms. Hence the name Flatotel. And you have more choice, to boot. Choose from amongst 11 guestrooms, 47 suites, 9 one and two bedroom suites and 5 tower suites featuring full size kitchens.

It's got a high-class New Yorkish feel to it, with upscale custom designed furniture, branded bath amenities, specialized dietary menus, state-of-the-art Sky gym, in room massage and spa services, both indoor and outdoor dining as well as private lounging and entertainment areas, valet parking, 24-hour concierge and room service, an in-house restaurant (Moda) which offers fancy Mediterranian cuisine and a lounge, and high-tech and very plush business and meeting facilities. Oh, and limo servioces to and from the airports.

And the in-room amenities at the Flatotel are stunning enough to shame the self-respecting owners of most New York motels into committing hara-kiri. The hotel offers oversized rooms with views of the Manhattan Skyline, with original, customized King, Queen, and Double beds with luxurious duvets and pillows and 320 thread count Egyptian linen.

Large flat screen TVs with full cable access, video on-demand with entertainment center with DVD players, mahogany wood blinds, in room safe and refrigerator, full turn down service and newspaper delivery to the room.

When you have all this within walking distance to Times Square and all the other famed New York attractions in the vicinity, it makes for a very luxurious experience. And of course, luxury and convinience don't come cheap. Especially not in the Big Apple. Rates at the Flatotel start from around $321.

But they do have a few nice package deals, including a 4th night free if you book in for 3 days.

Info: 135 W 52nd Street New York NY 10019; (212) 887-9400; www.flatotel.com/

Name the Motel on the beach in Del Mar

What's so special about the Del Mar Motel? Nothing much, except maybe that it's the only motel right on the beach in Del Mar, so you can step out of your room and on to the white sandiness of one of the most beautiful San Diego beaches, with the surf and the crashing waves of the Pacific awaiting you.

Oh, and around the corner from the hotel there's a few attractions, like say, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Race Track and Fairgrounds, and the village of Del Mar, with it's specialty boutiques, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Venture a few miles further, and you have the famed San Diego attractions like Sea World and the San Diego Zoo and the Gaslamp Quarter with the Ballpark and the Convention Center surrounded by all the swanky clubs and posh restaurants. Speaking of food, if you're staying at the Del Mar Motel, the oceanfront Poseidon Restaurant is right next door, where you can grab a quick bite or enjoy some gourmet delicacies.

They (the hotel) also offer you an oceanview sundeck, and a picnic and bbq area. And boogie boards, beach chairs and sand toys are available at the front desk. The 44 air-conditioned guestrooms are kitted out with refrigerators, coffee makers, hair dryers, irons & ironing boards, and cable TV with HBO.

You get on-site parking, and cribs and rollaway beds are available on request. Guest room options include King bed with partial ocean views, 2 doubles with partial views, and full ocean view rooms.

Even though it's called the Del Mar Motel, the rates aren't really comparable to other San Diego motels. Rates here vary from $139 to $309, depending on season and choice of room. A King bed room with partial view in the winter costs $139, while an ocean view room in the summer costs $309.

Summer rates start on May 23th. Two night minimum stay required on weekends. Oh, and they have a few specials and packages going. If you stay 3 nights, you get the 4th night free (midweek).

Info: 1702 Coast Blvd Del Mar CA 92014; (800) 223-8449 or (858) 755-1534; www.delmarmotelonthebeach.com/

Gold-diggers seeking ElDorado Motor inn to Atlantic City

Really. The casinos of Vegas and AC are the modern equivalent of goldmines. It's where all the money, and the boom towns and the glamor and hot chicks are, and piss-poor gold-diggers come in from all over the map, and blow their life-savings, desperate to strike gold.

And of course, there's the Japanese tourist groups, who come in by the bus load from New York for weekend trips, wanting to soak in the whole 'experience' of Atlantic City vacations.

And the ElDorado Motor Inn is right there, waiting to house these sad-sacks, right next to the goldmines. The ElDorado sits adjacent to the Tropicana Casino, just a block away from the beach and the Atlantic City Boardwalk, and a short stroll down to the pier. Truth is, the motel isn't half-bad. It's pretty decent, actually, if you compare it to some of the other Atlantic City motels that peek out in between the big casinos.

The air-conditioned guestrooms with balconies and direct exterior access are equipped with refrigerators, cable TV and HBO, complimentary internet and free local calls, and private bathrooms with complimentary toileteries and a shower/tub combo. Iron & board and rollaway beds are available on request.

The ElDorado offers free parking, a 24-hour front desk and a microwave in the lobby. Standard rates from $51.99 onwards, for which you get all of the above plus 1 King bed in a room with a view of the casino and a partial view of the Atlantic ocean.

It's not that bad a deal, and if you get wiped out in the casinos, and want to go back to your little Jersey towns with the nice picture-postcard New Jersey beaches, then at least you won't regret blowing a big wad on an expensive hotel room.

Info: 2741 Pacific Ave Atlantic City NJ 08401; (609) 345-5956

Chill out on the Rooftop of the Essex inn Chicago

Unlike Los Angeles and New York, where every other hotel has a nifty rooftop pool, Chicago didn't really have many fab rooftop hang-outs. Well, maybe a few...Like the Essex Inn, which has a rooftop garden, swimming pool and a fitness center.

The massive pool looks more like an atrium or an Olympic competition tank, with the enclosure and the deck chairs and flags and all. The 1350 square foot fitness center, fully equipped with cardio machines, weight-training equipment, CrossTrainers, Lifecycles, treadmills and free-weights, is even more swanky with 6 TV sets. Like I said, the rooftop of the Essex Inn is a nice place to hangout in Chicago. View isn't bad either.

To make it even more of an attraction, the onsite restaurant - Savoy Bar & Grill - is a great place to just sit back and watch the activity in Grant Park across the street. Dining options include Greek, Mexican, and Italian specialties, as well as ribs, roast sirloin, and fried shrimp.

And considering all these facilities, the upscale guest rooms and suites and the perfect location on Michigan Avenue with a bunch of major tourist attractions in Chicago bunched around it, the rates, starting from $199, are pretty darn reasonable.

Of course, you could shave more than 100 dollars off that tab if you looked for some cheap Chicago motels to stay in, and then popped in to the Essex Inn to enjoy the other amenities.

But if this is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing, then the best way to enjoy your Chicago vacations would be to book in at the Essex Inn and let the luxury wash over you.

Info: 800 South Michigan Avenue Chicago IL 60605; (312) 939-2800; www.essexinn.com/

Deluxe Extended Stay Lodging in Washington DC

Sometimes, things in the Betway don't get done so quickly, and in such cases, you might find yourself stuck on extended Washington DC vacations. But you can't just waltz into the few remaining Washington DC motels - you're going to need to maintain a certain standard. This is where the deluxe all-suite digs of Extended America come in real handy.

Take, for instance, the Extended Stay Deluxe Washington, D.C. - Fairfax. There's two of them in Fairfax, actually - we're talking about the one on 3997 Fair Ridge Drive. Offers studios with rates from $64.99 onwards. You get fully-equipped kitchens and plenty of work and leisure space, with separate sleeping, living and working areas.

The kitchen comes equipped with a full size refrigerator/freezer, microwave, stovetop, coffee/tea maker, dishwasher, and dining and cooking utensils. And if that's not enough, you get housekeeping and they also serve compliementary coffee and a continental breakfast.

The 93 suites also offer wireless internet (one time fee of $4.99 per stay), cable TV, iron & board, hair dryer, sofa bed, on-site guest laundry, 24-hour front desk, air-conditioned public areas, an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness facility.

And the location offers easy access to public transport, with all the major tourist attractions in Washington DC in between 15-20 miles off. Dulles International Airport is about 20 minutes away.

Info: 3997 Fair Ridge Dr Fairfax VA 22033; (703) 359-5000; website

American Idols found in Bevonshire Lodge Motel in LA

Well, actually, it's wannabe American Idols that are to found in the Bevonshire Lodge Motel on Beverly Blvd., because it's cheap. Course, there's no shortage of cheap Los Angeles motels, but this one is close to CBS Television City where the show is taped.

It's not exactly a hip location to hang out at, but if you're visiting CBS Studios, then you could do a lot worse. Believe me. There's n number of places in the Fairfax District, and especially around the Groove and CBS Studios which are filled with transients and wannabe Hollywood stars who actually do all kinds of weird stuff.

But the Bevonshire Lodge isn't like that, and besides, it has a neat pool in the courtyard, surrounded by the rooms and stairwells. If you're a bit athletic, you could easily jump off the first floor balcony straight into the pool.

The air conditioned guest rooms start at $60 per night for a standard room with a King bed, and $65 for a double, and $85 for a family room which sleeps 5 people. In addition to the heated outdoor pool, you also get free external parking, safe deposit boxes, cable TV and complimentary coffee in the lobby.

If you're a tourist looking to enjoy your Los Angeles vacations, they'll help you out with your tour arrangements and offer car rental discounts. Which you're going to need, because when you're in Los Angeles, you're going to need either a tour bus or a car - trust me.

It's 10 miles to the wonderful Los Angeles beaches and the Santa Monica Pier, and if you don't have some form of hop-in hop-out transport to see all the tourist attractions in Los Angeles, you're going to need a new pair of legs in a couple of days.

Info: 7575 Beverly Blvd Los Angeles CA 90036; (323) 936-6154; www.bevonshire.com/

Take the Metro to the Motel in New York

Actually it's called the Subway in New York, but that's not what we're talking about. We're talking about the Metro Motel in Queens, New York. It's an ideal and effective cost-saver if you're a visitor enjoying New York vacations - the motel is just 10-15 minutes off Manhattan, and the advantages of relatively cheap facilities in Queens.

The Metro Motel offers 120 rooms ideal for both families and business travelers. You don't have a view of the famed New York attractions like the Empire State Building like you do with other New York motels that are actually located in Manhattan. But you do get close proximity to New York landmarks like the Queens Shopping Center, Flushing Meadows (where the U.S. Open Tennis tournament is played) and Shea Stadium.

You also get to enjoy the delightful ethnic and cultural smells and sounds and sights of Queens, which is a melting pot for the latest wave of immigrants. You'll find Bollywood songs being played on street-front stores and the exotic smell of spices mixing with the sights of jewlry stores and saree mannequins in display windows. Chinatown is nearby and cheap Asian food is available a-plenty. It's all part of the New York experience.

You get free parking (10 minutes from Manhattan and La Guardia - that's got to be worth a fortune...) and a choice of a standard room or a Jacuzzi suite. Large beds, lots of glass, which makes the place look bigger than it actually is. The color schemes are a bit heavy, but overall, it's a decent enough place. You have free parking, proximity to the airport and Manhattan and easy accesibility to public transport, a nice bed and private shower. You could do a lot worse for $88 per night in the Big Apple.

Info: 7300 Queens Blvd and 73rd St Flushing NY 11377; (718) 457-5000; www.metromotel.com/

Villa Rosa spawns intimacy inn Palm Springs

The Villa Rosa Inn, located just off East Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs, CA, has intimacy stamped all over it. For starters, unlike any Palm Springs motels or hotels in the same price range ($79-$149), this secluded property offers just 6 guest rooms and suites.

The limited rooms, the idyllic setting, the sweeping views of the mountains towering above tall swaying palms and the heavy shrubbery which ring the grounds, the heated outdoor pool with deck chairs and poolside dining, the brilliant weather - it all adds up to very, very intimate getaway Palm Springs vacations.

To top it off, they offer you a complimentary breakfast poolside. You can spend the day relaxing, taking dips, enjoying a good book and watching the birds hum and twitter in the shrubs. You can set out on excursions to check out the Palm Springs attractions, play some golf, and do some shopping. Evenings are made even more romantic by the fine restaurants of the Coachella Valley.

All the guest rooms and suites have poolside views, and are equipped with King or queen sized beds, remote control color TV, refrigerators, phones, quality linens, bath & pool towels, and morning paper. Fully appointed kitchens are also available.

You have a choice between a guest room with King bed, another one with the King bed and a private patio, a studio with a King bed and full kitchen, a Junior Suite with a Queen bed and full kitchen, and two 1-Bedroom Suites with King bed, full kitchen and a private patio. The rates vary based on season and preference of guest room/suite.

A 2-night minimum stay (3-nights for holidays) is required.

Info: 1577 South Indian Trail Palm Springs CA 92264; (760) 327-5915; Reservations: (800) 457-7605; www.villarosainn.com/

Mission possible at Bay Motel

The Mission Bay Motel in the heart of Pacific Beach makes it possible to enjoy San Diego vacations without spending a lot. The motel is located just steps from the Pacific Ocean, with one of the most popular San Diego beaches and the boardwalk stretching for 2 miles right in front of the motel.

You can just pretend to be a beach bum, and spend all your time lazing on the beach, or you cna take a walk or bike ride along the board walk. Evenings you can spend in the nearby bars or go to the Gaslamp Quarter, take in a ball game, get drunk and raise cain.

Also near the motel is the Mission Bay Park, in case you're the outdoorsy type who enjoys wtaer sports. Of course, you also have Sea World and Belmont Park in Mission Bay.

The Mission Bay Motel offers 50 guest rooms, with a choice of single, double and triple beds, or a pseudo-suite with double beds and a kitchenette. The kitchenette has a 2 burner electric stove, sink and small refrigerator, along with dishes, utensils and pots & pans.

Spring rates vary from $89 to $119, depending on your prefernce of rooms. You get free parking (1 vehicle per room) and all rooms come with showers, phones, and Cable TV. $5 extra for teens, and children below age 12 stay free, as long as they accompanied by a paying adult.

All said and done, the Mission Bay Motel can be said to be a fine specimen, amongst San Diego motels. Sure, you don't get room service at 2 am, but it's well maintained, has no 'bad elements', and if you're getting a room for the entire family at around $100 with the Pacific Ocean and the beach in front of your eyes, I guess I'd be willing to forego the room service, the uniformed staff and the shiny brass doorknobs.

Info: 4221 Mission Blvd San Diego CA 92109; (619) 231-5701; Reservations: 1-866-649-5828; www.missionbaymotel.com/

Santa Monica Motel brings Pacific Sands to your doorstep

It's true. You won't find any other Los Angeles motels so close to the Santa Monica Pier. The Pacific Sands Motel is located right across the street from the Santa Monica Beach and Pier.

The motel offers an outdoor pool and complimentary wireless. I'm sure there must be plenty of cheaper digs in Venice Beach, but as far as the City of Santa Monica is concerned, I don't think you'll find anything less than $100, so close to the beach and pier.

Not only are you getting a room right on one of the most beautiful Los Angeles beaches, but you also get the Pier, Pacific Park, Muscle Beach, the Carousel, the Ferris Wheel and all the other famed Santa Monica attractions at your doorstep. It's one of the premier tourist hot-spots on the West Coast.

Amenities offered by the motel, in addition to those listed above, include cable TV, hair dryer, iron & board (on request), work desks, housekeeping and 24-hour front desk. The guest rooms are furnished retro-style, with direct exterior access and private bathrooms. The heated outdoor pool is a nice touch - walled to offer you some privacy from the exterior, with a nice hedge and palms swaying in the background.

It's not exactly the Ritz, and the double beds are kinda squeezed into the rooms, or maybe it's because the beds are huge. Plus, they charge you $7 for over-night parking. But still, considering the rates and the location, it's probably a fair enough deal. Especially if you're with family. Children below 14 stay free, and they even have some rooms, with extra beds, especially built for large family groups. Rollaway beds and cribs available upon request.

Info: 1515 Ocean Ave Santa Monica CA 90401; (310) 395-6133; www.pacificsandshotel.com/

Sea Breeze Blows Thru New Atlantic City Motel

Actually, the New Sea Breeze is a motel in Pleasantville, NJ, which is a couple of miles from the AJ casinos and another mile more to the beaches, Boardwalk and other well-known attractions in Atlantic City.

But 2 miles shouldn't be too much of a bother to somebody who wants to hit the casinos. I mean, other than this, your options are to either pay through the nose to stay at a luxury hotel/casino complex, or stay at one of the miserable dumps which call themselves Atlantic City motels.

Better to spread your wings a bit and enjoy the comforts of a nice small-town NJ motel, set in a picturesque location in Pleasantville, where the Expressway and Black Horse Pike form a gateway linking Atlantic City to mainland New Jersey. It also means that this is the last place (or the first, depending on whether you're coming or going) where you'll see the famed New Jersey beaches along the NJ shores, before you enter the urban mess of Atlantic City.

To make it even more worthwhile, the Sea Breeze actually does blow through the New Sea Breeze Motel. They offer air-conditioned rooms with direct access from the exterior, and balconies overlooking the ocean.

Complimentary parking, a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, housekeeping, iron & board, hairdryers, refrigerators, microwaves, and a television make up the offering even more attractive. Rollaway beds and cribs available upon request.

While the motel does not have it's own dining facilities, there's plenty of restaurants nearby, including all kinds of fast-food joints.

Info: 7080 Black Horse Pike West Atlantic City NJ 08232; (609) 484-0025; website

Apache found in Chicago Motel

It's no wigwam, but it's as good a place as any for an Apache Chief to feel at home. We're talking about the Apache Motel on 5535 N Lincoln Ave in Chicago. In their own words, the Apache Motel offers all the comforts of franchise Chicago motels and hotels, but not the price. Rates at the Apache start from $59.

For which rate you get a King room with a mini-refrigerator, tables and chairs, a ncie desk with a round mirror (which makes it look kind of like a movie set), a dinky TV, nice big windows and a big bed with headboard and all, easy colors and bright lighting. They also have suites and doubles, in case you need bigger digs.

You'll need a drive to get to the downtown Chicago attractions about 9-10 miles away, and about the same to O'Hare airport, but it's well worth it, considering the price. If it's any consolation, Wrigley Field is only 4 miles off, and there's no shortage of restaurants in the vicinity.

Info: 5535 N Lincoln Ave Chicago IL 60625; (773) 728-9400; www.apachemotelchicago.com/

Motel fit for a Highlander in Arlington VA

Do you know why it's so difficult to find Washington DC motels? Because there's so many of them minutes away in Arlington, VA. Given the choice, even people who work in DC opt for an Arlington residence. So when you're in DC, do as DCites do - Stay in Arlington.

And a good choice, if you're on a mean budget, is the Highlander Motel on 3336 Wilson Blvd. The equation is pretty simple - 5 minute walk from Virginia Square Station, free parking, free HBO and free continental breakfast.

Factor in the cheap rates (standard rates from $70), the upwardly mobile neighourhood with condos and apartment blocks coming up around the motel, easy accessibility to public transport and proximity to the Washington DC attractions.

You could say that you're getting the best of both worlds - accomodations in the orbit of the ultra commercialized and hyper-inflated DC proper lodging market, but with the convinience, homey touch and cheapness of Arlington.

There's a busy road out front, but some of the rooms are quiet enough to get a good night's sleep The rooms are quite spacious, relative to the rates and by DC standards, and brightly lit, with floor-to-celing windows and drapes.

And you have a splendid array of dining options, including Mario's Pizza and the aptly named Murky Coffee where you can hang out for free wi-fi internet and murky cups of coffee. What? The Motel itself does not have internet access, and besides, if you're looking for Zagat rated restaurants, DC ain't that far away...

Info: 3336 Wilson Blvd Arlington VA 22201; (703) 524-4300; www.highlandermotel.com/

Visit-ing NYC? Motor inn-to the Plaza

If you motor into the famed Plaza Hotel in New York City, they'll take your motor away, then take away everything else you have and own including your shirt, and then hand you with a bill for the rest. Granted they treat you like royalty, but if you can't afford it, then you might want to consider The Plaza Motor Inn in Secaucus, New Jersey.

It's just a 10 minute drive down to all the wonderful New York attractions, and it'll save you in excess of $200 per night, because rates at The Plaza Motor Inn start from $79. Plus you get free parking - which you won't find at any New York motels.

The Plaza Motor Inn is located directly in the heart of the Secaucus Outlet Center, 20 minutes from Newark International Airport. The Meadowlands Sports Complex - home of the New Jersey Devils, New Jersey Nets, and the New York Giants and Jets football teams, is just 5 minutes away, and there's plenty of facilities nearby, including shopping and restaurants. Best part is that you can park your car for free, and take public transport into Manhattan.

The air-conditioned guest rooms and jacuzzi suites are capable of accomodating between 2-4 guests, and offer wall to wall carpeting, wi-fi internet and cable TV.

Info: 155 Route 3 East Secaucus New Jersey 070941; (888) 421-8382; www.plazamotel.cc/

Study of Cambridge inn Palm Springs

People generally take Palm Springs vacations in order to get away from it all, and enjoy the mix of urban and natural pleasures of the desert. And a study of comfort and a perfect sense of getaway within Palm Springs can be found at the Cambridge Inn.

The Cambridge Inn is located 2 miles from the Palm Springs Convention Center, and 3 miles from the airport, and within walking distance of the downtown Palm Springs attractions. It's a small place, with 66 air-conditioned guest rooms with private patios overlooking the pool and spa. In their own words - 'It's a Home Away from Home.'

Amenities offered include complimentary continental breakfast, coffee/tea maker, refrigerator,
hair dryer, cable TV, private bathrooms with showers and bathtubs, work desks, free wi-fi. You also get free parking, safe deposit boxes, guest laundry services, an outdoor heated pool, outdoor spa tub and whirlpool, and business services.

The guest rooms have direct exterior-access, and are spacious enough for 1 King or 2 double beds, with room left over to throw in a couple more beds in between. The floor-to-ceiling windows with both heavy and light drapes for your preference make it seem like a big luxury hotel room. Actually, the Cambridge Inn is one of the best Palm Springs motels you'll ever see, and offers standard rates from $70.

Info: 1277 South Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs CA; (877) 325-5574; www.cambridgeinnpalmsprings.com/

Check-in to the Marina inn San Diego

What is the best way to enjoy the golden San Diego beaches and other attractions if you're on a budget? You check-in to the Marina Inn Hotel & Suites, 2 blocks from the Cruise Ship Terminal, with the Gaslamp Quarter less than a mile off, and both Sea World and the San Diego Zoo less than 3 miles away. Rates from $59 to $154, depending on your preference of accomodations and date of stay.

If you're looking for San Diego motels, you don't really need to know more than that, but allow me to hammer in a few more nails anyway. The good people at the Marina Inn offer their guests free self-parking, a complimentary breakfast with waffles and coffee, free newspapers, complimentary wireless internet, cable TV with HBO, hairdryers, iron & board, microwaves and refrigerators (last 4 on request).

They have a 24 hr front desk, and you can ask for rollaway beds and cribs, if you need them. The 27 air conditioned guest rooms at the Marina Inn offer views of the Marina with plush pillow-top beds and cherry wood, modern décor. Safes are provided in-room, and so is a coffee maker and free coffee.

After a hard day of checking out all the San Diego attractions, you can relax by walking over to the harbor and enjoying a beautiful sunset over the bay. Best part of it is that the Marina Inn is family and kid-friendly. They even a special kids' suite. Pets are allowed (fee per pet), and they also offer special packages which include discounted attraction tickets. More details here.

There's plenty of good restaurants and 24 hour dining facilities available in the vicinity, including a Denny's and a Steakhouse.

Info: 1943 Pacific Highway San Diego CA 92101; (619) 232-7551; www.marinainnsd.com/

Royal Pagoda found in Los Angeles Motel

Before we get to the details, let's have one thing sorted out - what's a royal pagoda? Well, see, a pagoda is a real stacked up Asian broad - you know, like a big base, a smaller one on top of the base, and another nice one on top of that, and so on. A royal pagoda, we assume, must be one fit for a king, or made for a king.

Which is what the Royal Pagoda Motel in downtown Los Angeles set to be, but the ravages of time have wreaked havoc on this royal dwelling, and it is now what it was meant to be - just another of the many cheap and highly unmemorable Los Angeles motels you'll find dotting downtown.

It's definitely not the Westin Bonaventure, but it's still not so bad, if you consider what they offer - cable TV, free parking and direct access to rooms from the exterior, air conditioning, complimentary toileteries, magentic keys, rollaway beds, hairdryer, iron & board, and microwave (all 4 available on request), in-room refrigirator and wake-up calls.

There's a 24 hour front desk, and free coffee in the lobby. Must be mentioned here that if you're sitting in a motel drinking coffee while the sun shines over the brilliant Los Angeles beaches, then you probably need to have your head examined.

Anyway, the Royal Pagoda's 35 rooms divided into 2 stories offer, in addition to the above mentioned amenities, also offer private bathroms with showers, with a choice of two double beds, 1 King bed or a deluxe unit with two doubles and an attached kitchenette.

The Royal Pagoda is located about 3 miles from Staples Center, 6-7 miles from Hollywood and nearly 10 miles to Universal Studios and the other major Los Angeles attractions, but if you're in the mood for Chinese food and an Asian environment, then you're definitely in the right place.

Info: 995 N Broadway Los Angeles CA 90012; (323) 223-3381; http://royalpagodamotel.com/

Enjoy Ascot at Motel in Atlantic City

Let's keep it simple - the aptly named Ascot Motel is a single block off the casinos and guilty pleasures of the Atlantic City Boardwalk. It offers free garage parking, an outdoor pool and a free continental breakfast. And that's about all that's expected from Atlantic City motels.

It works something like this - you come in with your pockets full, park your ride in the garage, check-in and stow your bag, take a shower and then hit the Atlantic City attractions. Late at night, you come out of the casinos, pockets empty, drunk and feeling wretched that they cleaned out your clock. You walk straight to the hell-raising bars lined up alongside one of the most famed New Jersey beaches, drink away the sorrow and head back to your motel, drunk as a skunk.

Take a nice dip in the pool, cool off a bit and go to bed broke and tired. When you wake up, you still got your car and your bag, you eat the free breakfast, and then you hightail it out of AC, a lot wiser, and a lot less richer. That's how Atlantic City makes money, and the best that can be said is that it's an experience. And the Ascot Motel isn't half as bad as some other motels you could have ended up at.

In addition to the aforementioned pool, breakfast and parking, they also offer a 24-hr front desk, free local calls, housekeeping, hair dryers and iron & ironing boards (on request), a microwave and coffee in the lobby, and the 80 guest rooms are kitted out with cable TV, refrigerators and shower/tub combo. Rollaway beds and cribs available on request. You get all this for rates from $70.

The Tropicana Hotel Coffee shop is nearby, and so are restaurants like Cuba Libre and the Baltimore Grill.

Info: 101 N Iowa Ave Atlantic City NJ 08401; (877) 747-8713

Is Mart Plaza the best place to Holiday inn Chicago?

Sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do. One of these great American traditions happens to be the annual vacation. You slave all year round, scrimp on the little luxuries, and save up enough - so you can blow it all in a weekend of sun n'sand, or shopping and wining and dining.

It's your right, and you deserve it, recession be damned. That's why employers offer paid vacation leave, and travel companies offer family vacation packages. And most often, it's places like New York and Los Angeles which benefit from this tradition, as middle America heads for the coasts. But in the mid-west, Chicago is King. There is other city remotely close to getting the kind of expereince that Chicago vacations offer.

And one of the main beneficiaries of this annual tourist deluge is the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, located adjacent to the Chicago Merchandise Mart, minutes from the Loop, and with the best views of all Downtown Chicago. Within walking distance, you'll find great restaurants, intimate wine bars, exotic art galleries, stunning architecture, and a wealth of other unique Chicago attractions. Most importantly, it's also within walking distance of Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile shopping district.

The Holiday Inn offers 521 guest rooms, including 4 suites, the Cityscape bar - which, as the name suggests, offers sweeping views of Chicago, free wireless internet, indoor swimming pool, fitness center, meeting and banquet facilities for weddings and corporate events.

At any given time, the hotel has at least half a dozen specials, discounts and group package deals. Course, you could cut down much more if you choose to stay at one of the relatively cheap Chicago motels like the Heart O'Chicago. But there isn't really much point in saving up all year for a vacation, and then trying to save money on the vacation too. That would make you Uncle Scrooge.

The whole point is to go out and have fun and be treated like royalty for a couple of days. And that's what you get at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza.

Info: 350 West Mart Center Drive Chicago IL 60654; (312) 836-5000; www.martplaza.com/

Wonderful Days at Hotel inn Broadway NYC

The Days Hotel Broadway is a throwback to the golden days of yore when Bohemians ruled the Big Apple, and successful artists weren't measured by the size of their condo. Those days are gone, but the Days Hotel still offers rooms as cheap as any you'll find at New York motels, while their facilities and location are as good, if not better, than any $250 hotel in the Upper West Side.

The Days Inn is located two subway stops to Times Square & the Theater District. It's close to Columbia University, and just a short stroll to Central Park and all the surrounding major tourist attractions in New York.

The 214 guest rooms at the Days Inn offer you free wireless hi-speed internet, free coffee maker and coffee in guestrooms, hair dryer, in-room safe, complimentary news paper, iron & ironing board. A discounted parking garage, business center and fitness room are available for your use. Refrigirator, cribs, rollaway beds, etc. available for free, upon request.

The hotel also offers laundry and dry cleaning services and a shuttle service. Key West diner is just around the corner, there'sa 24 hr Deli across the street, and plenty of restaurants and pubs within walking distance, including the original Carmine's Restaurant.

Rates from $84 per night.

Info: 215 W 94th Street New York NY 10025; (212) 866-6400; www.dayshotelnyc.com/

Budget Host Travelers Motel in Alexandria, VA

Searching for Washington motels is actually a fool's errand. Nobody has a nice house in Washington DC except for the President and his buddies. That's because everyone lives across the 'pond' in Alexandria, VA.

So when in Washington, do as Virginians do. Find yourself a cheap budget motel in Alexandria. There's plenty to choose from, but unquestionably the best of the lot is the aptly named 'Budget Host Travelers Motel.'

It's located at Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 1, on 5916 Richmond Highway, just minutes away from the attractions in Washington DC, and just a 1/2 mile from the Huntington Metro Subway station.

And best part is that inspite of being relatively cheap, and centrally located, the motel is a perfectly family-friendly place, offering cribs and non-smoking rooms with free parking, complimentary newspapers, high speed internet and cable TV.

Of course, the motel is pretty old, but it's been well maintained, and it's an American family-owned motel. They even have a some books piled up for guests to read near the ice machine. Nightly rates start from around $95. Nice bed, with a reading lamp above the headboard and another one on the table stand next to the bed. Window is a bit small, but then, if you want a room with a view in Washington DC, then you go to the Hay-Adams and pay $600+ for a view of the White House.

All said and done, the Budget Host Travelers Motel, as the name suggests, will allow you to actually spend your money on the pleasures of Washington DC vacations, as opposed to lining the already fat bottonlines of a big hotelier.

Info: 5916 Richmond Highway Alexandria VA 22303; (703) 329-1310

Motel for Surf-er Dudes in Carlsbad, CA

Surf's up, Dude! Why are you still asleep in your motel? Open the door, and you'll step right out on to the golden sands and brilliant weather of one of the best San Diego beaches. Because you're at the Surf Motel in Carlsbad, CA.

The Surf Motel, located right across the street from Carlsbad State Beach, is one of the few remaining classic San Diego motels where you can actually enjoy an extended stay. It's not like your usual motel with seedy transients and peeling walls and stuff. This motel was built to cater to the surf-crazy Californians of yesteryear whose sole ambition in life was to perfect the art of surfing.

If you're looking to spend all your time right on the beach, and not let anything get between you and the water, then this is the right place to be at. It's plenty cheap, has a range of accomodations to suit all kinds of preferences - 28 newly-renovated guest rooms and suites ranging from King, King with kitchenette suite, Queen, 2 Queens and 2 Queens with kitchenette suite.

Each room/suite is equipped with a coffee maker, hairdryer and cable TV, refrigerator and microwave. The Surf Motel also offers amenities like a heated outdoor pool and guest laundry facilities. You get complimentary contiental breakfast each morning. The in-house Armenian Café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.

The Surf Motel also offers package specials including a Legoland package, one for romantic getways, another one for a beach getaway, and one for shopping. More details here.

Info: 3136 Carlsbad Blvd Carlsbad CA 92008; (760) 729-7961; www.surfmotelcarlsbad.com/

Palm Springs hotel? 7 Springs to mind

Given that Palm Springs motels are virtually redundant given the low rates offered their hotels & resorts, I wasn't really surprised to see the 7 Springs Inn & Suites offering rates as low as $58. In fact, the 7 Springs is actually a 1960s motel which has been renovated and upgraded into a decent modern hotel.

The 7 Springs offers rooms, suites and 2 bedroom town homes. With the San Jacinto Mountains in the backdrop and the hotel's two courtyards in the foreground, and with their pool, spa tubs, sauna and BBQ grills waiting for you, the 7 Springs is ideally suited (and situated) to help you enjoy all the pleasures and wonders of Palm Springs vacations.

The $58 air-conditioned room offers a queen bed with 500 thread count sheets, down comforter (bedspread), feather pillows, and pillowtop mattress. You get complimentary high-speed internet access, DVD/CD player, television, microwave, refrigerator, marble bathroom with pedestal sink, and shower/tub combination. There's also an in-room safe.

The hotel is pet-friendly, with a $20 charge per pet per day. The pool is 30x12, one of the two spa tubs can accomodate 6 people and the other one 12. The BBQ facilities comprise of charcoal grills and umbreall tables set for picnics.

The 7 Springs is within 1 mile of the Spa Casino and other downtown Palm Springs attractions. Additional facilities and amenities include free parking, concierge and business services, and dry cleaning. The hotel's lobby offers free coffee and complimentary wireless internet, so it's a good place to set up base with your laptop, if you're in need of extended internet usage.

Info: 950 N. Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs CA 92262; (760) 320-9110

Re-LAX at the Travelodge Airport Hotel in Los Angeles

You can spend the entire time you're in Los Angeles hunting for cheap Los Angeles motels offering rooms at $64.95 per night, which are somewhere in the vicinity of LAX (that's Los Angeles International Airport), with a 24 hr airport shuttle, heated pool, free breakfast, in-room brewed coffee, free incoming faxes, access to a gym, morning newspaper, a 24 hr restaurnat and lounge (Denny's), rooms designed for kids, weekly discount rates, package deals for 'park & fly', pet friendly, and so on and so forth.

Think you can find accomodations in Los Angeles for $65 which offers all this? Only place you're going to it is at Travelodge Hotel at LAX. It's minutes from LAX, and close to southern California beaches and within driving distance of all the major Los Angeles attractions including Beverly Hills, Disneyland, Hermosa Beach, Hollywood, Magic Mountain, Santa Monica, UCLA, Universal Studios and Venice Beach.

The free breakfast offering includes fresh fruit, sweet rolls, bagels, cream cheese, muffins, breads, cereals, hard boiled eggs, milk, juices, coffee & tea.

Amenities, in addition to those listed above, include meeting rooms, a gift shop, guest laundry and same day valet service. Additional in-room amenities include cable TV with HBO, ESPN, CNN and otehr channels, pay per view movies, nintendo player, hair dryer, and iron & board.

They'll also help you out with plans for your Los Angeles vacations, including car rentals and a sight-seeing tour bus which leaves from right outside the hotel. Oh, and they have half-day discount rates. Like I said, the Travelodge LAX is the best thing since sliced bread was invented. Well, maybe that's a bit of a stretch, but...

Info: 5547 W. Century Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90045; (310) 649-4000; www.travelodgelax.com/

Enjoy Luxury & Comfort inn Central Park West

New York's Upper West Side holds some of the best tourist attractions in New York, including including Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Central Park, American Museum of Natural History, the Broadway Theater district, world-class shopping on Fifth Avenue and Radio City Music Hall entertainment venue.

And the Comfort Inn Central Park West is located in the heart of this vibrant nook in the Big Apple. It's also convinient if you want to go further afield, in terms of access to the subway and buses. And it's going to be way better than any New York hotels you'll find for the same price, if at all.

Amenities offered include free deluxe continental breakfast, free high-speed internet, free weekday newspaper, coffee maker and free coffee, an exercise room and concierge desk. You also get copy & fax services, guest laundry, refrigirator, cable/satellite TV, in-room safe, hair dryer, and iron & board. Rates from $289.99.

Info: 31 West 71st St. New York NY 10023; (212) 721-4770; website

Finding Liberty inn Atlantic City

I just read an article which says that people outside Vegas find it hard to believe that Vegas residents are not interested in the incredible pleasures that Sin City offers - The implication being that the casinos and hotels in Las Vegas are enjoyed only by visitors. The situation in Atlantic City is somewhat similar.

Only people who stay in Atlantic City are those who hit the jackpot, or those who are stinking rich. For the commoners, the affordable facilities of Atlantic City motels would be less a vacation than like some punishment.

But there's a way to get around this. You can have fun in the casinos, check out the attractions and the boardwalk and the rest of the routine, and then enjoy a nice drive out alongside the New Jersey beaches. There's plenty of cheap and decent lodging within a 10 mile radius of AC. Take for example, the Liberty Inn at Galloway Township, near Absecon, 5 miles from Atlantic City.

Liberty Inn offers Jacuzzi Suites with DVD players and DVD movies along with Playstation, HBO, cable, high speed internet with computer rentals, unlimited local and long distance phone calls, personal Microwave/fridge, hair dryers, and iron & ironing board.

Services and amenities include free parking, guest laundry, free Ice, tea & coffee with newspapers. They also have vending machines for cigarettes, soda, chips & fast food.

Best part is that you get all this for rates starting from $39. In short, you have everything you need to wrap up Atlantic City vacations on the cheap, without suffering the indiginities that AC heaps on those whose pockets are empty.

Info: 252 E. White Horse PikeRoute 30 - GSP Exit 40 Galloway NJ 08205; (609) 748-8700; www.atlanticcitylibertyinn.com/

River Park Motel suites budget Chicago travelers

Most visitors give this part of Chicago a wide berth, but if you're willing to accept a 15 minute drive down Lake Shore to Michigan Ave and all the world famous attractions of Chicago downtown, then the River Park Motel on Lincoln Ave in Chicago's Northside is pretty much a good deal.

There are no other Chicago motels which will offer you, for $60, an airconditioned guest room with a king bed, cable television, shower and bath, and free wifi internet. It's not exactly cutting edge state-of-the-art luxury, but if you're looking to 'do' Chicago on a budget, then you'll find the River Park Motel suites you just fine.

Rooms are clean and relatively spacious, but not much in the form of decor. Plain wite walls, with a faded poster on the cream wall behind and above the bed. Dinky wooden shelf with some drawers and the television set on top. Lampshade on top of the TV, and a mirror on the wall next to it. Bathroom with a basin and a curtained shower is garishly lit in bright yellow light, but again - the facilities are quite adequate, if not pleasing to the eye.

The bed is just about the biggest thing you'll see in a motel, and nearly stretches out from wall to wall. You could easily accomodate an entire girl scout camp on that bed. You can get a 5% discount if you use a coupon which you can print off their website.

Info: 6060 North Lincoln Avenue Chicago IL 60659; (773) 539-4800; www.riverparkmotel.com/

North by Northgate to the El Cajon Motel San Diego

Tired of getting ripped off by the expensive beach-front San Diego motels and hotels? Head north to the El Cajon Motel, located on Interstate 8 by Northgate in El Cajon.

It's a good 15 miles to the San Diego Zoo, 19 miles to Sea World San Diego. But the drive down to the attractions in San Diego is more than made up for by the El Cajon Motel, in terms of amenities and price. Complimentary amenities include a continental breakfast, guest parking, daily newspapers, and local calls.

Hotel amenities include wireless internet, safe deposit box at the 24-hour front desk, and a business center with fax and photocopy services. Public areas are air conditioned.

In-room amenities include direct access from exterior to each of the motel's 18 air conditioned rooms, blackout drapes/curtains, cable/satellite TV, climate control, coffee/tea maker, cribs available at desk, direct-dial phone, electronic/magnetic keys, extra towels and bedding, fax machine and free local calls, hair dryer (on request), in-room safe, complimentary internet access, and wireless internet, iron/ironing board (on request), private bathroom and shower/tub combination, refrigerator and rollaway beds.

Best part is, you get to use all this for $50 (plus tax) per night. Go to San Diego downtown, and you'll end up paying anywhere between $100 to $300, depending on your preferences and needs. Saving at last 100% per night on lodging, and possibly more, allows you to spend that much more on enjoying your vacations in San Diego.

Info: 461 N Magnolia Ave El Cajon CA 92020; (619) 579-6110; www.northgatesd.com/

Capitol Hill Holding Court in Washington DC

If you're planning to get something done on Capitol Hill, you'll need to find a cheap place to stay. Booking in at a posh luxury hotel is fine, but when the says stretch into weeks, even a corporate expense account can start looking insufficient.

Granted, it's not advisable to check into Motel 6 or one of the other cheapo Washington DC motels (in case you need to entertain), but you can split the difference and end up at a medium-scale hotel, like the Washington Court Hotel on Capitol Hill.

And in fact, they have a 'Spring Fling' promotion, valid until May 31, under which you get a 20% discount off the standard rates. So a deluxe double 'double' room with an executive desk and Italian marble bath, whcih normally costs $248, you get for $198.40.

And believe me, when you're dining at Bistro 525 and you have a room with a marble bath and a view of the US Capitol, $198.40 is very, very reasonable. Plus, it's all very new, because they just completed a massive remodel of the lobby, guest rooms and meeting space. Each guest room now features a new chic, contemporary design, from the carpet, drapes and furniture, to the new LCD TVs and ergonomic work desks.

Additional in-room amenties offered include iron & board, hairdryer, bathrobe, two-line phone, and turndown service upon request. Hotel amenities include a gift shop, dining at Bistro 525, Federal City bar & billiards room, business center, fitness center, concierge desk, 24-hour bell staff services, valet parking, complimentary newspaper, video on demand, in room wireless high speed internet, and express check-out.

It's a convinient location and affordable accomodations, for both business and leisure travelers, looking to make some to check out the world famous Washington DC attractions.

Info: 525 New Jersey Avenue NW Washington DC 20001; (202) 628-2100; http://washingtoncourthotel.com/

Brooklyn Hotel lets you Motor inn to the Atlantic

The Atlantic Motor Inn is 1.5 miles from downtown Brooklyn, 3 miles from Manhattan, 5 miles to JFK, and 8 miles to La Guardia Airport. And it offers hotel rooms for little more than a hundred dollars.

The location & price alone should be more than enough to keep it packed to the rafters with visitors to the Big Apple looking for cheap New York hotels. But the Atlantic Motor Inn has a lot more to offer.

Things like a wall mounted flat panel LCD TV with all major channels plus HBO, pillow top mattress, spa rooms, hair dryer, writing desk and chair, and high speed wireless internet. The bed is solid and big, the mattress much more luxurious than you're likely to find at most other comparable Brooklyn hotels, and the two ornate lampshades on either side of the bed give it a rather artsy look.

A standard room with 1 King/Queen bed clocks in at $102.76 (plus tax), and a spa room goes for $146.63 (plus tax).

If you're a tourist in New York looking for a budget crash pad, you could do a lot worse than the Atlantic Motor Inn. It's just 15 minutes to Wall Street and Chinatown, 20 minutes to the Empire State Building and a short hop from there to Times Square and the other fantabuloustic (it's a word, or should be...) New York attractions.

Info: 1768 Atlantic Ave Brooklyn NY 11213; (718) 771-7171; www.atlanticinnbrooklyn.com/

Hollywood Motel has Coral Sands but no Reef-ers

I wouldn't exactly call the Coral Sands Motel on 1730 N. Western Ave in Hollywood, CA a family friendly motel, but I wouldn't label it as a dump either. Los Angeles is a strange place, and plenty of stuff happens there which would be shocking in other cities, but it's fairly run-of-mill when the same things happen in Los Angeles motels.

If you land up there, you'll get a good education about cruising and alternative lifestyles, but if you're in Hollywood and looking for a cheap place to crash for the night, you could do worse than the Coral Sands Motel.

All 60 rooms are air-conditioned, there's a pool and jacuzzi, free wireless internet, off street parking and 24 hour front desk. The motel provides daily maid service, direct dial telephones and cable TV.

For a motel room in Hollywood 40 minutes from LAX which charges $80, it's not so bad. If you want a room with 2 double beds, that's $10 more, with another $10 for each additional guest. They also have suites and weekly rates, if your stay needs 'extending'.

They offer complimentary coffee and doughnuts in the morning, and the other guests won't bother you, if you don't want to be bothered. If you're willing to consider it all as part of the LA expereince, and think of a stay in the Coral Sands Motel as a part of your tour of the Los Angeles attractions, then it might even be interesting. But if you're looking for a safe and homey place for the wife and kids, then you might want to try elsewhere.

Info: 1730 N. Western Ave. Hollywood CA 90027; (323) 467-5141; www.coralsands-la.com/

Best Motel in the high desert in Joshua Tree National Park

There's certainly no shortage of Palm Springs motels which are convinient not only for enjoying the many and wondorous pleasures of Palm Springs, but also for a foray into the harsh desert and the natural wonder that is Joshua Tree National Park.

But if you wish to extend your stay in Joshua Tree, the High-Desert Motel offers a cheap and decent place to stay, with fully equipped vacation rentals conviniently located right at the gateway into Joshua Tree National Park.

Along with free parking, the motel offers cable television, HBO, in-rrom coffee, a swimming pool, air conditioning, microwave, refrigerator, in-room phones, and bbq areas, along with other picnic needs. Rollaway beds available on request. Motel also offers laundry facilites and high speed and wireless internet. They'll also hook you up with local climbing schools and make horseback riding available.

The motel also offers 10-20% discount coupons for a few local restaurants in Joshua Tree. Coupons are made available when you check-in. A standard room with a King bed at the High Desert Motel costs $65, and you can get a 10% discount if you book via telephone.

A lot of people take vacations in Palm Springs for it's healing powers - the spas, the natural mineral water springs, the golfing and shopping and stuff like that. If you're looking for some physical and mental rejenuvation, you might want to pencil in a week or two for a getaway in Joshua Tree, and do some rock climbing, hiking, horse riding, camping and nature explorations.

Info: 61310 Twenty-nine Palms Highway Joshua Tree CA 92252; Reservations: 760-366-1978 or 888-367-3898; website

Beach front San Diego Motel with a View of the Pacific

How'd you like a motel room with a view of one of the most sought San Diego beaches? That would be the Pacific View Motel in Pacific Beach, located on Emerald Street, right on the beach. That's literally true - You step out of your room and you're on the beach.

The motel offers single rooms, twin rooms, oceanview rooms and also a family suite suitable if you have kids, or if you're in a group of 5-6 kids. Many of the rooms have attached kitchenettes equipped with refrigirator, freezer, microwave, stove and oven.

The rooms are nothing to rave over, but pretty decent and eminently 'livable', compared to some of the other San Diego motels I've seen before. The rooms with two double beds are pretty neat. Floor to ceiling womdpws offer great views of the beach and the Pacific, the beds are nice enough - not hard but firm enough to allow a full night's sleep. Lamps above the headboard and smooth color scheme make for good reading beore bedtime. The poster on the wall above the bed is not exactly a masterpiece, but it's better than an empty wall.

The Pacific View Motel is one of the best places to enjoy extended San Diego vacations on limited budgets - They offer cheap weekly rates, the Pacific Beach location on the beach is just about perfect for wasting your entire day without feeling bored - which is what vacations are all about.

It's also just a short drive to downtown San Diego, where you can enjoy the guilty pleasures of the Gaslamp, as also the family and kid friendly attractions in San Diego including Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Balboa Park and Coronado Island, among others. And you can take day trips to Legoland in Carlsbad, La Jolla and even Tijuana in Mexico.

Motel at Journey's End in Atlantic City

There's precious few indie Atlantic City motels to write about, but if you cast your net a bit wider, you'll bump into nice little gems like the Journey's End Motel in Galloway, NJ.

It's just a short drive from there to the casinos, the Atlantic City beaches and boardwalk, Atlantic City Convention center and all the dining and nightlife and the urban wonders of Vegas-by-the-sea.

Accomodation options include guest rooms with King beds, Jacuzzi King beds, Double beds and Jacuzzi double beds. All guest rooms are equipped with cable TV, hair dryers, refrigirator and microwave. You also get complimentary high speed wireless, coffee, tea and newspaper. There's also an on-site guest laundromat and business services like fax and photo-copy.

Delaratoes Bar & Lounge is right across the street, and there's all kinds of fast food joints, Italian, Asian-Indian and Chinese restaurants in the vicinity.

End game here is that while it may not be the Ritz, it's also light years better than the cheap dumps in Atlantic city proper, which are almost all infested with all kinds of shady losers. However, their online reservation system is on the blink, so you might have to call them up and check the rates, availability, etc.

Info: 250 E White Horse Pike Galloway NJ 08205; (609) 748-1900

Writers Block Special at the Algonquin NYC

You want a 25% discount off of the best available rate at the celebrated and famed Algonquin Hotel in New York City? Start writing. Doesn't matter if it's total crap. You just need to show them some proof of your bottomless well of talent in the form of a literary masterpiece, complete or not.

The Algonquin is rightly a legend amongst New York hotels, but it's also pretty well known in literary circles, thanks to the Round Table established in 1919 by Dorothy Parker and other scribblers. The hotel has never been shy of touting it's part in literary heritage, but now they're officially milking it.

The Algonquin has now come out with a package deal specifically for writers. It's appropriately called 'Writers Block'. "The Algonquin is offering an economically-friendly package to all writers suffering from “block,” whether creative or financial. Literary guests who are seeking inspiration and creative vibes will find solace with the cozy, oak-paneled lobby and the hallways showered with classic New Yorker cartoons. From poet to playwright, novice to novelist, literary beings need only show proof of their written work in-progress or published form to take advantage of this special rate of 25% off the best available rate. Two-night minimum required."

Available throughout 2009. To book this package call (866) 406-5341.

Info: 59 West 44th Street (between 5th & 6th) New York NY 10036; (212) 840-6800; www.algonquinhotel.com/

$76 rooms at the Villa Brasil Motel in Los Angeles

If you're fond of the tango, then now might be a good time to start tangoing. Because I found you the only true Brazilian digs in Los Angeles. That's right. Out of all the hundreds of Los Angeles motels, the Villa Brasil Motel on 11740 Washington Blvd is the only one which offers an authentic Brazilian lodging experience in the City.

That's because you get 2 for the price of 1. In addition to the 18 airconditioned guest rooms, there's also the Cafe Brasil restaurant right next door, which dishes out totally authentic Brazilian cuisine.

As for the motel itself, in addition to free wireless acess, you also get free satellite digital flat screen TV which provides the Rede Globo (Brazilian channel) in addition to the usual HBO, CNN, TNT, ESPN, Discovery, National Geographic, adult and local channels, and so on.

Amenities offered include free parking, maid service, kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, breakfast bar and a complimentary fruit basket. Every room has a Queen size bed and full bathroom. Double bed rooms are also available. The manager is on site 24 hrs.

And in spite of all this, and in spite of having a location ideally suited as a base for vacations in Los Angeles, the motel is still surprisingly cheap, and offers rooms for $76.

Info: 11740 Washington Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90066; (310) 636-0141; www.villabrasilmotel.com/

Lodging meets Art at the Gershwin Hotel in New York

There's very few New York hotels which can match the Chelsea for sheer Bohemian panache and a long history of putting art over commerce. One of them happens to be the Gershwin Hotel on East 27th St, which is now a 100 years old, and still has a 'artist in residence' program.

The artists for 2009 are Mark Webber, painters Elma Alkema & Tina Oelker, with special selections being Siren Deluxe and Yandell Walton.

And the rates offered by the Gershwin start even lower than those charged by the New York motels and hostels. Fabuloso bunk beds for $45-$55, the 'Essential' with a double size bed and basic essentials for $109-$185, Le Standard which has a bit more in the form of amenities than the Essential type (such as a slightly larger room with wireless internet, etc.) for $179-$275.

For those upwardly mobile artists who preer a little more luxurious quarters, the Gershwin offers 'Superior' rooms with a comfortable reading area, designer chairs and artsy lighting for betweem $199-$355.

If you're in a group or have a family, then the Gershwin offers 'Family & Friends' accomodations from $329-$455 with seperate sleeping areas for added privacy and comfort. If you're entertaining a special someone and want to show your taste and class, then the Gershwin's suites are available for $299-$405, equipped with refrigirators and all the things you need to enjoy an extended stay in a hotel suite with a very individualistic touch and decor.

Common services and ameniteis offered to guests, regradless of chocie of guest room, include wireless internet, airconditioning, hair dryers, iron & board, safe deposit boxes, discount parking and baby-sitting and laundry services. The last two have add-on charges applicable.

The Gershwin might be a good place to set up base and get to know the landscape, so to speak, if you're a European artist coming for the first time to New York. Especially so if you're French. The Gershwin has a real spot spot pour Le Francais...

Info: 7 East 27th Street New York NY 10016; (212) 545-8000; www.gershwinhotel.com/

Hotel room with a view in Ocean Beach

What's so special about a hotel room with a view of the ocean? Well, for starters, if you can see the ocean from your room, then it's likely to be a beachfront hotel, and those carry a lot of advantages. Like, it's easy to walk over to the beach...

So anyway, the subject at hand is to discuss the merits of the rather cheap Ocean Beach Hotel, which offers a full unblocked view of the ocean, is located on the beach in Ocean Beach, which is one of the more popular beach communities. So you can enjoy the full pleasure of the San Diego beaches at the Ocean Beach Hotel without having to fork over your entire 401(k).

FYI, far as I know, the beach on Ocean Beach is the only one which offers a 'Dog Beach'. The section to the north end of the beach is open for dog owners to allow their pets to run leash-free. So imagine you're a city-slicker and your dog is totally frustrated with being cooped up in the high-rise condo all day long. Wouldn't it be fun to enjoy your San Diego vacations at the Ocean Beach Hotel, where any time your dog gets antsy, you just hop over to the north end of the beach and let him run wild, with the wind and spray in his face, and paws digging into the soft wet sand. I betcha your dog will never want to leave.

Oh, and if you're a tackler, you can enjoy fishing on the Ocean Beach Pier, where it's legal for anyone to fish even without a valid California fishing license. The view of the ocean from the 1 mile long pier, is, to say the least, magnificent.

As for the Ocean Beach Hotel itself, well, you get complimentary wi-fi, free parking, guest laundry services, microwave, iron and board, refrigerator, hair dryer, and morning coffee in the lobby. It is, of course, pet friendly.

Not that there ain't other hotels and motels in San Diego which offer all this. Sure there's plenty of hotels, cheap motels and vacation rentals lining the beachfront in Ocean Beach. But most of them will take your shirt, and then send you a bill for the rest. And those that are affordable are usually places where you wouldn't stay even if they paid you to do so.

Which is why the Ocean Beach Hotel stands out as a decent ands cheap alternative, with rates from $119.95 onwards. For this rate, you get a room steps away from the beach with a Queen bed and French Provincial furnishings. Complimentary parking, free wi-fi and all the other stuff mentioned above comes with the room.

Info: 5080 Newport Avenue San Diego CA 92107; (619) 223-7191; www.obhotel.com/

Rise and Dine at the 71 Hotel in Chicago

Looking for old world hospitality and charm in a stylishly different hotel? Try the Hotel 71 in Chicago. It is located on the Chicago River at Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue (Magnificent Mile), which means that a middle-of-the-road Hotel 71 has to fight for it's survival. There's luxury chain hotels beating down from one side, and the budget offerings of the Chicago motels and hostels stealing customers from the other side.

So what does the 71 offer that makes it stand out from the pack? Well, for starters, Chicago is very much more conservative in it's hospitality offerings than say, New york or Los Angeles. So the fact that the 71 is a boutique hotel makes it different, as in not so conservative.

Secondly, they're priced well below what the big brand hotels charge. A 2 day getaway weekend package starts at $169. A Rise & Dine package, which includes an in-room daily full American breakfast,costs only $152. A Shop Til You Drop package, which facilitates Magnificent Mile shopping, clocks in at $159.

Amenities offered include concierge, complimentary 24-hour fitness center, 24-hour business center with high-speed internet access, valet parking, same day laundry and dry cleaning, and 10,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and event spaces.

In-room amenities in the 307 guest rooms with river and city views include work desk and leather ergo chair, sesigner bath products, luxurious bed linens, oversized bath sheets, bathroom phone, complimentary in room coffee, individually controlled cooling and heating, complimentary morning newspaper, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, and Non-allergenic pillows (on request).

Combine the rates with the amenities and facilities the 71 offers, and it's as good a bet as any that you'll be hard pressed to find a better deal in Chicago. The hundreds of dollars saved, which otherwise would have ended up in the bank accounts of deep pocketed Hilton or Marriott employees and shareholders, can now be used for your personal spending, in order to enrich and make your Chicago vacations an expereince worth remembering.
Info: 71 East Wacker Drive Chicago IL 60601; (312) 346-7100; www.hotel71.com/

Bear Bites Travelodge in Washington DC for Breakfast

If you're having visions of a grizzly snucking into Washington DC motels and stealing bites out of travelers' brownie bags, you can put the overactive imagination to rest. All we're talking about here is the free Bear Bites breakfast amd other amenities offered by Travelodge motels in and around Washington DC.

Take, for example, the Travelodge on 700 North Washington St in Alexandria, VA. Amenities offered, in addition to the free Bear Bites breakfast, include free parking, free wireless high speed internet, refrigerator, cable TV, 24 hour front desk, and coffee maker.

The location offers convinience and easy transit access if you're visiting the Smithsonian, the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials and the other major tourist attractions in Washington DC.

Rates from $109.99 for a standard room with 1 King Bed. The Travelodge is pet friendly, and sits in a leafy and tree lined residential setting, with a red-brick exterior and neat square windows which makes it look like a friendly neighbourhood pharmacy store with residential partments above.

All said and done, a pretty nice place to spend a night in Washington DC. And even more so when you consider that you can quickly end up blowing hundreds of dollars in 1 night, where luxury hotels in Washington DC are the norm, rather than the exception.

Info: 700 North Washington St, Washington St & Wythe St, Alexandria VA 22314; (703) 836-5100; website