Accommodation Tips
1. Types of Lodgings
Full-service hotels are rare in New England outside cities. Motels abound along highways; expect basic rooms with limited services. The true country inn is alive and well; they often feature a tavern or restaurant, with rooms on the upper levels. B&Bs also thrive – typically, they are large, often Victorian, private homes, with three to a dozen guest rooms and cheery, helpful host-owners.
2. Where to Base Yourself
Don’t stay in the suburbs if you plan to visit Boston; and don’t stay in Boston to visit the countryside – you’ll waste all your time in coming and going. Distances are short in New England, but driving times can be deceptively long. If you want to cover a lot of ground, plan on moving every few days.
3. When to Book
For peak season (for further details see When to Go), book as far ahead as you can; your lodging choices will be slim if you wait. During busy periods like Motorcycle Week in New Hampshire, the nearest lodging to the action may be 50 miles (80 km) away if you have not booked in advance.
4. B&B Inn Associations
Many B&B operators and innkeepers belong to the New England Innkeepers Association, which offers a directory of members at its website, but the most complete online listings are on the commercial website Bed & Breakfasts Online.
www.newenglandinnsandresorts.com • www.bbonline.com
5. Traveling with Children
If you’re traveling with small children, your most economical lodgings will be at motels – especially chain motels, where the usual bed configuration includes two double or queen-size beds per room, and perhaps a couch. Many motels will supply an extra cot for a modest fee. B&Bs often accept children only age 12 or older.
6. Campgrounds
The most economical camping is usually found in federal or state parks, and can be booked at the website of the National Recreation Reservation Service. Private campgrounds can cost twice the price but provide a host of amenities. Many of the region’s private campgrounds belong to the Northeast Campground Association.www.recreation.gov • www.campnca.com
7. Chain Hotels and Motels
Hotel and motel chains are not known for their individuality; they thrive on providing a consistent, predictable product. But they often offer discounts for multiple bookings, and free nights through their loyalty programs. The major chains are: Days Inn; Hilton; Holiday Inn; Marriott; Motel 6; and Starwood.
8. Hidden Extras
Keep in mind that state and local lodging and sales taxes can add as much as 19 per cent to your bill; such charges are inescapable. Resorts typically charge 15 to 20 per cent either for staff gratuities or as a “resort fee” for facilities. Watch out for telephone charges; not only are long-distance calls billed at the highest rates, but you may be charged just for calling outside the hotel.
9. Minimum Stays
Many lodgings require a minimum stay of two or three nights during holiday periods, summer high season, or weekends during foliage season – unless rooms are still available at the last minute.
10. Accessibility
New England still has a long way to go with accessibility for wheelchair users. Many properties have only a few accessible rooms, and those sometimes lack roll-in, roll-out shower stalls. If you need a fully accessible room, ask before making a booking.
