Rooms Under $100

What’s the big deal about hotel rooms for $100 or less (“R & R for Under $100,” Feb. 25)? Given the economy, I’m sure many families cannot afford to spend $100 plus tax for one night’s lodging. Last September, my husband and I drove to the Grand Canyon, Branson, Mo., and Illinois to visit friends and family. Our nightly lodging averaged $60.55 with tax, and we stayed at Best Western, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Days Inn and Ramada. We made no reservations, except at the Grand Canyon and Branson. We usually stopped about 4 p.m. and shopped for the best price. We took advantage of our AAA and AARP memberships and we inquired about promotional rates. One hotel was going to charge us more on our homeward-bound journey than it did on our trip east. When confronted, they gave us the lower rate. Yes, do dicker! I’m sure the hotels will charge whatever the traffic will bear, but traveling off-season has many advantages. How about a contest for hotels $75 or less? We can give you the names of a few dandies.

MR. & MRS. G.E. DAVIS

Corona del Mar