I still find that small (non-chain) indy motels usually (but not always) end up being the best bang for the buck - but if the chain hotel is $120 and includes a hot breakfast for my wife and I vs the $100 motel that doesn't include anything, well, we usually for the chain hotel as breakfast anywhere will cost you more than $10/pp.
The other reason I like motels is that your bike is right outside your room - convenient on several fronts, and IMHO better for security - if someone trips my alarm I'm just feet away, and I'm going to come running out full tilt in a state of appearance and undress that would scare away even the most hard core gangbangers.
In all seriousness though, nothing is cheap anymore when it comes to accomodations, but keep in mind that when it comes to the bigger hotel chains...
there is flexibility in pricing - you just need to know how to ask for it. Show up at the front desk in a great mood, have a laugh with the person at the desk, ask about room availability, and then ask for the rate. They'll usually give you the
rack (standard walk-in, no discounts) rate. And then don't be afraid to ask politely if there's any better rate possible vs "rack" - mentioning rack rate tells them that you're a savvy traveller.
I **** you not I've got rooms at big chain hotels for $70-$80/night (vs $120-$150 rack) using this tactic - sometimes the poor minimum wage people working the dead end jobs at these hotels (especially later in the evenings once the manager has gone home) just appreciate having someone show up in a good mood for a change (vs the miserable/grumpy/complaining crowd), they appreciate someone making some funnies, and then being polite in asking for a deal - quite often they have the ability to find discounts or are able to just override pricing within allowances that the hotel manager has programmed into the system.
Also, don't be afraid to go somewhere where there is multiple hotels within walking distance and walk back and forth between them asking for rates, and then mention "the other place across the road quoted me x dollars, but I'd rather stay with you, can you do a better rate for me? Again, there's often surprising flexibility. We stayed at a Holiday Inn in Vancouver near Capilano for $500 for an entire week using this tactic.
Just don't do this sort of negotiation when there's other people at the desk - if there's a line up and you start haggling they're much less likely to offer you a discounted rate as then everyone else in line will kick and scream to get it too. Be savvy about the process.
I'm pretty shameless when it comes to haggling, but it's saved me a lot of money over the years. And done right, with some humour and a smile, you'd be surprised at how often it can have the desired effect.
