Northwest Travel Planning
Finding Accommodations

If rates are an important consideration, comparison shop on your chosen destination. Looking around on various web sites is the only way to know if you are getting a good rate. You will go to the same web sites, where eventually you will make your reservation, so bookmark your favorite web sites as you go. Try the following types of web sites.

Online Booking Services
There are a number of large accommodations booking services on the Internet. They are middle men between you and the lodging. They offer primarily hotels, and are usually confined to the major cities. For example often only Seattle Portland and Vancouver B.C. will get a look in. These online booking services can be world-wide, U.S-wide, Canada-wide, or regional.

Hotel Chains
There are a number of hotel chains with accommodations throughout the Northwest. Some chains are nation-wide and some are regional. You might prefer to use their web sites if you are a member of a chain's frequent-guest program.

Independent Operators
Here at Go Northwest!, we list many lodging establishments, including:

  • Bed and Breakfasts
  • Cabins and Cottages
  • Chalets
  • Campgrounds
  • Condos
  • Conference Centers
  • Hotels and Motels
  • Inns and Lodges
  • Ranches
  • RV Parks
  • Vacation Rentals

Here's how to find accommodations on Go Northwest!

  • If you know the name of the lodging where you will be staying
    - go to the Go Northwest! home page
    - enter the name in the search box
    - it will probably be on the first page in the results
    - you might need to scroll through the page to find it

  • If you know the city or town where you will be staying
    - go to the Go Northwest! home page
    - use the drop down menu to "Select a city"
    - at the city home page click on the "accommodations" link

  • If you are don't know the city or town (for example some ranches and cabins are associated with areas like the Cascades, or northern B.C., rather than a town.
    - go to the Go Northwest! home page
    - click on a state or province name to browse the northwest geographically

Try also these other web sites that specialize in Northwest accommodations.

Tips when booking

Watch out for extra fees:

  • Early Departure. Leaving ahead of schedule can cost you as much as $50.

  • Late Cancellation. If you don't cancel at least 24-72 hours in advance, you could be charged for the room.

  • No-Show. You may have to pay for the night you missed

  • Automatic Gratuities. Some establishments wont take a chance on your failing to tip, and have "bellman fees".

  • Baggage Checking. You might pay for the service of leaving luggage behind the desk after you check out.

  • Service fees. Some services might be "add-ons" rather than built into the cost of the room. For example fees for local calls, in-room coffee service, daily newspaper, use of fitness center. Ask whether they are mandatory or optional, as you might not be specifically offered the opportunity to decline the latter.

And remember, when you turn up at the reception desk, you can always ask if the quoted price is their "best price", or if it is possible to get a free room upgrade.

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