Must-see hotels in Western USA
Las Vegas
As long as you steer clear of the noisier Pyramid rooms, this less-expensive Strip resort is functional enough, but seems to be struggling to assert its…
Little Elden Springs Horse Camp
Flagstaff
In the Coconino National Forest just outside of Flagstaff, Little Elden Springs Horse Camp is a campground designated only for people with horses. It…
Grand Canyon National Park South Rim
The Maswik Lodge includes 18 modern two-story buildings set in the woods a quarter-mile from the canyon rim. Standard motel rooms at Maswik North feature…
Moab
This 'glamping' option gives you rustic canvas tents with some laudable creature comforts – the pimped-out suites even have flush toilets and sitting…
Aspen & the Maroon Bells
This hostel hasn't been renovated in ages and hence rooms here are cramped and run-down. But if you need to save your nickels and dimes, it's the cheapest…
St George
The 260 sites at this cheek-by-jowl lot accommodate RVs as long as 45ft. There are a few baking-hot tent spots, but they’re not recommended. Amenities…
Belltown & Seattle Center
It may not be as luxurious as other downtown hotels, but the Loyal Inn is close to both the Seattle Center and Belltown and you can usually find a cheap…
Grand Teton National Park
This tucked-away eight-site campground is 12 miles up the graveled Pacific Creek Rd (USFS Rd 30090) from Grand Teton's Moran Entrance Station. It's…
Northern Colorado
This campground has 98 sites and remains open through the winter. No reservations accepted. The only established campground on the western side of the…
Great Basin National Park
If your money is burning a hole in your pocket, even under these skies, the few dingy slot machines here will help relieve you of it. The attached motel,…
Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area
Sacramento & the Central Valley
This shaded campground on the banks of the Sacramento River is popular with anglers. It's surrounded by a dense riparian forest preserve home to bald…
Las Vegas
This Carnaval-themed hotel just off the main drag attracts families, poker players and bachelor/ette parties. Free, frequent Strip shuttles and a rooftop…
Grand Teton National Park
Sheffield is a secluded five-site USFS (US Forest Service) campground, 2.5 miles south of Yellowstone National Park's South Entrance and just south of…
Southern Nevada
The 44 rooms of this centrally located, otherwise stock-standard desert motel have had a series of updates over the years. The most recent added dark…
Northern Nevada
Just off the I-80 on-ramp, Winnemucca's newest chain lodgings are also the most self-contained. Modern, thoughtfully decorated studios and one- and two…
Grand Teton National Park
Among the most expensive campgrounds around, it features pull-through sites, propane for sale, 24-hour showers, laundry and a nightly campfire program…
San Diego
Behind the eclectic art-and-crafts-style facade of this inn set back from Camino del Mar, each of the 12 spacious rooms is meticulously furnished in the…
Death Valley National Park
Catering to RVs, this private campground is essentially a large parking lot with no water or hookups, albeit handily located next to Furnace Creek. Fees…
Southwest Colorado
This lodge, 7 miles up the road from South Fork, is a faux-rustic B&B, restaurant and beauty salon. It’s housed in a former saloon with lots of deer heads…
Moab
This hippie hangout is popular with European travelers and the noncar set. Located behind A-1 storage, it has frayed couches, worn bunks, a small kitchen…
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Sacramento & the Central Valley
Sacramento is a good place for a final gear check before heading into the Sierras. This campground is not ideal – the lake can be overrun by powerboats –…
Nevada
Basic motel, well-located just north of downtown Carson City's gentle excitement. Rooms are comfortable and spacious, but some smell like stale smoke,…
Sacramento
This Dutch Colonial home in Midtown has been transformed into a B&B, where rooms have Jacuzzis, fireplaces and lots of frill. The Mozart and Vivaldi rooms…
Berkeley
At the 100-year-old downtown Y building, rates for well-worn, spartan private rooms (all with shared bath) include use of the sauna, pool and fitness…
Central Coast
Now showing its age, this retro motor lodge has hokey theme rooms, like ‘Nautical Nellie’ with a net of seashells suspended behind the bed, plus a shared…
Colorado
Hosteling International membership can provide you discounts at hostels, museums and more the world over. There are no Colorado HI affiliates, but their…
Las Vegas
Squeezed between Palms and Rio, this cheap crash pad sports revamped rooms and free Strip shuttles, plus bowling.
Las Vegas
French-provincial rooms are good value, in particular the 'petite suites'. Amenities include a fitness center, pool access, on-site childcare, a movie…
Crested Butte Mountain Resort Properties
Southwest Colorado
This property-management group, part of the Crested Butte Mountain Resort, handles reservations for dozens of the lodges, hotels and apartment buildings…
Washington Coast
This chain on Aberdeen's main drag is the best of several uninspiring options. It's relatively clean and safer than some of the others, but service is hit…
Northern Nevada
This basic campground 6.8 miles west of Austin on Hwy 50 is a good option for when there's no vacancy in town. There are bathrooms, water and RV hookups.
Southwestern Utah
A little frayed around the edges, this 10-room motel has in-room refrigerators, microwaves and coffeemakers in addition to a picnic area with grill.
Grand Teton National Park
Atherton Creek has 20 sites, drinking water and pit toilets, located 7 miles northeast of Kelly on the shores of Slide Lake. No reservations.
Las Vegas
A mock castle playing on its Arthurian theme, with throngs of stroller-pushing parents. Rooms are raggedy but the location is prime.
Olympic Peninsula
The most convenient campground is 6 miles south of Forks, right on the Bogachiel River, with 35 sites, piped water and flush toilets.
Bozeman & Gallatin Valley
Riverside campground with good fishing and 14 sites, but very close to what can be quite a busy road. It's 9 miles north of Big Sky.
West Yellowstone
This friendly mix of 1950s-era wooden cabins and modern rooms is a good choice. Reception is in the nearby motel with the same name.
