Articles Mentioning Budget

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Astoria

The lower-middle-range Holiday Inn Express and Suites Astoria has an outstanding location on the shores of the mighty Columbia River, in the shadow of the majestic Astoria-Megler Bridge. A hike/bike path meanders along the river between the water and hotel, offering a great place to watch big freighters pass by. While it’s too far to walk into downtown Astoria for most guests, it’s a very short drive or trolley ride. Amenities include free breakfast, a pool, event space, laundry facilities, and free parking and Wi-Fi. However, the small fitness room is a bit of a letdown. Guest rooms are clean, comfortable, and include Keurig coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and microwaves, plus many have unobstructed river/bridge views. Do compare rates with the Hampton Inn & Suites Astoria, another riverfront hotel with similar amenities that’s on the other side of downtown Astoria.

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Orlando International Drive North

For budget travelers, La Quinta Inn Orlando International Drive North is a solid pick, largely due to several nice on-site features. Its outdoor pool, tiny fitness center, communal computers, and coin-operated laundry add plenty of value. Plus, there’s a free continental breakfast buffet every morning, and other freebies like parking and Wi-Fi. Though the hotel’s 156 guest rooms are decidedly dated, they’re conveniently equipped with mini-fridges and microwaves. The hotel’s location, however, is both a plus and a minus: It’s a five-minute drive from Universal Studios, but the immediate neighborhood is a little seedy. Comfort Inn Orlando — Lake Buena Vista is a similar value property with nicer surroundings, but it’s farther from Universal (but close to Disney).