Where to stay on the way to WDW???

[TNKBELL]

We are planning our trip to WDW in October!! We are on a very fixed budget and I'm trying to save on every aspect including the drive down. There are 6 of us, Me,DH,DS8,DS6,DD4,DS1. I know priceline would probably be the cheapest route, but with 6 to a room, they would'nt allow that. So I am trying to find clean and safe but cheap hotel rooms. We are stopping in Memphis/Southaven area and also Macon, Georgia. Any suggestions??

 

[dawgsgirl]

Be careful about stopping in Macon. Not the best place to stay.

 

[becca011906]

Do you have to make the stop??? I saw you are in KA and i'm in IN which is about a 18-20 hour drive we are driving stright through NO over night stop. Just just don't have tht much extra $$ to spend this years so we are going to be driving stright though. we are leaving between 4-6PM and hoping to arrive the next day around 2-4pm. There will be 9 of us two vans me, DH, ds5, dd3, dd1, and the other van another adult couple dd10, dd7.

 

[TNKBELL]

Do you have to make the stop??? I saw you are in KA and i'm in IN which is about a 18-20 hour drive we are driving stright through NO over night stop. Just just don't have tht much extra $$ to spend this years so we are going to be driving stright though. we are leaving between 4-6PM and hoping to arrive the next day around 2-4pm. There will be 9 of us two vans me, DH, ds5, dd3, dd1, and the other van another adult couple dd10, dd7.

This would most certainly be a money saver, however, my DH can't drive at night very well and neither can I. So we have to stop at least twice. Maybe my question should be, What is a safe and affordable place to stay the night around the Atlanta area, but not Atlanta! We were trapped for 2 hours on the highway and then got off in the WRONG AREA ! I just had to use the restroom, they had to give me a key and there were bars on the windows and bulletproof glass on the booth and some very intimidating characters lurking by the butterfingers! So I really need some good advice. Safe is definately more important than cost, but I'm trying to save as much as possible. Thanks

 

[minniemouse71]

We always stay in Byron GA. It is just a little bit further than Macon. We stay at the Best Western. It is just off the expressway, I believe we pay about $65.00 for the night. It has an indoor pool, and jacuzzi. We've always found it to be clean and have never felt unsafe there. I think that we have stayed there about 4 maybe five times, and will be staying there for our upcoming trip. If you have any ?? just ask.

 

[TNKBELL]

MinnieMouse, thank you, I'll check it out!!

 

[cabobber]

Keep an eye on the coupon booklets that you find in each state's welcome center rest stop. There are usually 3 - 4 different booklets to choose from and they each have slightly different offers.

We've used the coupons several times during trips from MI to FL. Got a really nice Hilton Garden Inn for $59, Hampton Inn for $55, etc.

Also, if you can't find a coupon ask the hotel desk clerk if he/she has any special rates. I tried this last fall and got a rate of $79 instead of $109 (not that great, but better than rack rate) at a Hampton Inn. To me, it's worth paying a little extra at hotels that offer a nice free breakfast. In the end, it saves you a little money by avoiding paying for a restaurant breakfast for 6.

Good luck and enjoy your road trip!

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

Also, when you find the hotel, you want, call the reservation number from your cell phone, and ask for the internet rate. Tell them you don't like booking on line, but kindly ask about still aquiring that rate. (they don't know your calling from the parking lot)

I have done this before, and gotten a better rate than the one the hotel clerk can give you.