Affordable chase accommodation

[Karen Politte]

Obviously, this year's chase season is now upon us and in full swing. Lucky chasers will be departing to chase this morning from locations no more than a couple of hours from the target area. However - for myself and a good number of keen chasers - it's not that easy. Living outside the Plains creates tremendous statistical and financial obstacles to being able to chase. When you factor in gas prices at over $3.10/gallon (usually about $60 to fill-up now), and add that to average chain hotel room rates of over $80/night, chasing becomes an activity reserved mainly for the very rich or very lucky.

In view of this, I thought it might be a good idea to start some kind of memo list of affordable accommodation for chasers out of state who have not choice but to find accommodation in another state to make their chasing possible. If you know of any hotels, motels or B&Bs offering clean rooms at great prices - here's the thread to post about them in!

Here's my contribution:

Western Inn
[SIZE=-1]16605 W South Ave[/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]Tonkawa, OK 74653[/SIZE]

[SIZE=-1](580) 628-2577‎[/SIZE]
http://www.westerninnmotel.com/

I can personally vouch for their accommodation. Great, clean rooms at a non-chain prices (<$50/room/night), and WiFi. Can't get any better than that for your Oklahoma target!!

KP

 

[Paul Austin]

As a plains chaser living in FL, I can certainly appreciate any savings suggestions. I might have a few to offer up myself. In the meantime, anyone contributing to this list might also consider listing hotels on Chad Cowan's list:

http://www.stormtrack.org/forum/showthread.php?t=15026&highlight=hotel+list

 

[John J. Holt]

Honey Wheat Bed and Breakfast
304 3rd st.
Alva, Oklahoma 73717
1-580-327-6244

45.00 a night
The food is awsome and I have connections...
If your in the area call me KE5OHL on 147.180 I will help you anyway I can.

 

[Justin Turcotte]

Get your gas in a larger town. You can save 10-15 cents a gallon by not waiting until you are in middle-of-nowhere. Bring your own pop, snacks, and lunch if possible. If you buy a couple 20 oz bottles of Coke and a bag of chips at the gas station you just plunked down $5. Hotel rooms are a bigger challenge given logistics. You just never really know where you will end up. That said, if you are fairly confident in an area you can use of of many online booking sites which will save you 20% or more off the walk-in rate. I suspect you can even book the afternoon/evening of a chase and still get the discount.

 

[Jason Foster]

Hotel Tip

For savings on storm chasing, see this previous thread:

http://www.stormtrack.org/forum/showthread.php?t=14803

As for accommodations, don't forget this tip:

Hotel
Tip#1
Stopping at rest stops and truck stops along the Interstates (and sometimes Denny's Restuarants), usually you can pick-up the coupon books with discounted Hotel/Motel rates.

These coupon books can usually drop you hotel rates to under $50 if you book early.

 

[J Kinkaid]

If your coming from FL or AZ budget and Avis have $5 a day rental cars and they can be returned in any other citys . If you would like full details just ask !