Motel 6 Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Seniors

To attract the mature traveler market the Motel 6 chain, whose folksy radio commercials blanket the airwaves with the promise, “We’ll leave the light on for you,” is making a big push.

Motel 6 recently became the largest motel in the world when it expanded its Las Vegas outlet to 900 rooms.

With 440 motels in 40 states across the United States, Motel 6 also claims to have the lowest prices of any chain, from $15.95 to $28.95 for one person, with a $6 charge (sometimes less) for a second person. The most you can pay for two persons in a Motel 6 is $34.95.

(The rate at the Las Vegas Motel 6 is $21.95 single, plus $6 for an additional person.) Children under 18 in the same room are free, and small pets are permitted.

All Motel 6 rooms include free color TV, with a choice of free feature movies. There is no charge for local phone calls and no service charge for long-distance calls. Most sites have a swimming pool, and all are adjacent to or within a short walking distance of a restaurant or coffee shop.

Motel 6 also offers itinerary planning for cross-country trips, including suggestions for stops along the way, cities to visit and sightseeing attractions.

A directory of Motel 6 sites with locater maps for each is available free. Motel 6 does not have a toll-free telephone number, however. For a copy of the directory or for reservation information, call (505) 891-6161 or write to Motel 6, Department MT, 14651 Dallas Parkway, Dallas 75240.

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A new twist for mature travelers doing Europe is called Autour, combined from “auto tour.” While it’s a trifle expensive, it’s an option for seniors who can afford the extra vacation time. The program takes a group to a starting point, rents automobiles and leaves people free to tour at leisure every day, rejoining the group in the afternoon. Next day, after breakfast with the group, you hop into your car and take off for a day of sightseeing and your next stop. There is a minimum of regimentation.

Each day you are given maps and a suggested itinerary, plus suggestions for lunch spots. Driving distances average 150 miles a day. Very little time is spent in cities, and most hotels are deluxe Old World charmers offering superb dinners. Many hotel stops are for two or three nights. Daytime driving trips usually begin about 10 a.m., with a return at 3 p.m. You can, of course, make your day trip longer or shorter.

The 1988 Alpine Autours offer 21 days through the Alpine regions of Yugoslavia, Austria and Italy, with optional side trips to Germany and Switzerland. Two departure dates remain: Aug. 31 and Oct. 5. Each tour is limited to 24 persons, and guides are furnished throughout. Air travel from Los Angeles is via JAT Yugoslavian Airlines.

Full fare per person, including air, two meals daily, hotel, maps and guides, is $3,395, with a $250 single supplement. Automobile rentals begin at $150 per week.

For more information and a fact sheet, call Autour toll-free at (800) 443-7519, or write to Alpine Autour, 14 Forest Ave., Caldwell, N.J. 07006.

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Mature travelers 60 and over can get discounts on trips to Hawaii offered by Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays, effective through Dec. 15. Travelers may choose from packages that include one, two, three or four of the Hawaiian Islands, with stays from eight days/seven nights to 16 days/15 nights. All packages include round-trip air transportation, flower leis on arrival, transfers between airport, hotel or condominium accommodations, one-day car rental and a travel gift. Departures are daily.

For example, a seven-night visit to the island of Oahu from Los Angeles starts at $509. An assortment of packages include a Waikiki stay, plus one or more neighbor islands. To qualify for the senior citizen discounts you must provide proof of being at least 60. Discount savings also apply to persons accompanying the mature traveler.

For complete details on Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays packages, including prices, contact your travel agent or call toll-free (800) 2 HAWAII. Or write to Pleasant Hawaiian Holidays, Senior Discounts, 2404 Townsgate Road, Westlake Village, Calif. 91361-2589.

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Due to an editing mistake in last week’s story on the Antelope Valley Bus Co., Jackie Carter was incorrectly identified as having been former President Jimmy Carter’s wife. We regret this error.