Mewsy
Aug 10th, 2006, 01:24 PM
Whenever I go on roadtrips and we go the cheap and ghetto route we never stay at hotels. Provided this is during the summer months when schools let out (May - Sept)
Many University and Colleges have their residences vacant so they rent it out to travellers. Can run anywhere from $15 - $40 a night. It is even cheaper if you stay in a 2 person room. Also if you have your student ID card you also get reduced rates.
The rooms are like what you expect of a dorm room. A bed, a desk, a closet. Washrooms are usually communal.
I recommend this.. especially for female travellers. It feels safer (you get a key to your room), you are less likely to get your stuff stolen by strangers (like in hostels), they have kitchen facilities (sometimes), parking is either free or cheap if you're driving, its not packed with lots of ppl like a hostel, sometimes the price includes a breakfast, and most importantly it is clean, neat and tidy!
I suggest that you bring your own sleeping bag on these adventures. They provide a pillow though.
You can do it drop in style but it is better to make reservations in case.
My most recent trip doing this was going out East to the Maritimes from Toronto. Stayed at McGill U, Dalhousie, PEI U, U of NB Fredericton, Saint John U.
Everyone I met was really nice and helpful. Universities are usually located in the heart of downtown or close enough to all the usual tourist sites if that is what you're looking for. If you're looking for something fun to do, you can always ask the front desk person. Usually they are there 24 hours.
Many University and Colleges have their residences vacant so they rent it out to travellers. Can run anywhere from $15 - $40 a night. It is even cheaper if you stay in a 2 person room. Also if you have your student ID card you also get reduced rates.
The rooms are like what you expect of a dorm room. A bed, a desk, a closet. Washrooms are usually communal.
I recommend this.. especially for female travellers. It feels safer (you get a key to your room), you are less likely to get your stuff stolen by strangers (like in hostels), they have kitchen facilities (sometimes), parking is either free or cheap if you're driving, its not packed with lots of ppl like a hostel, sometimes the price includes a breakfast, and most importantly it is clean, neat and tidy!
I suggest that you bring your own sleeping bag on these adventures. They provide a pillow though.
You can do it drop in style but it is better to make reservations in case.
My most recent trip doing this was going out East to the Maritimes from Toronto. Stayed at McGill U, Dalhousie, PEI U, U of NB Fredericton, Saint John U.
Everyone I met was really nice and helpful. Universities are usually located in the heart of downtown or close enough to all the usual tourist sites if that is what you're looking for. If you're looking for something fun to do, you can always ask the front desk person. Usually they are there 24 hours.