Do you travel around several states or throughout the country making business or sales calls? If so, you may be growing weary of staying in the same old hotel chains situated right off highway exit and entrance ramps. Branch out a little and try something different, and you'll find a new appreciation for lodging establishments in the various towns you stay in. Some of these lodging options tend to cost a good bit less than chain hotels and motels charge, while others are much pricier.

Mom & Pop Lodging Establishments

Motels, motor inns and clean, cozy cabins are styles of lodging commonly run by independent owners that you can find in and around most towns and cities throughout the United States. Many of them were constructed in the 1950s and 1960s, as highway vacation travel became more popular than ever before.

These lodging facilities have their own unique features and often maintain distinct vintage characteristics. This isn't the usual cookie-cutter style you've become accustomed to. In addition, independently owned establishments tend to be very affordable. 

Read online commentary about the possibilities before you head to a particular town, then reserve a room at one that receives rave reviews. 

Downtown City Hotels

Get a taste of luxurious urban life by staying at an upscale hotel downtown. Ask for a room on an upper floor so you have an awesome view of the skyline, and maybe even some distant scenery. If you have time, you can try out some amazing restaurants and do some shopping at local stores.

Some of these hotels have a bar on an upper story that only guests staying in the top few levels can access; you'll receive a key card for the elevator when you check in. The bars usually have affordable happy hours and an abundance of appetizers. 

You can expect to pay substantially more for a room here than at your usual basic chain establishment.

Waterfront Hotels

Schedule a reservation with a motel or hotel situated on a lake, river or the ocean, and enjoy the serene view from your window. Going back to your room each evening after a long day's work provides an especially welcome respite when you can see waves lapping onto the shore or a river current rolling along.

You might be able to find a place that has picnic tables for guests -- or even a pier. Your room might have your own private little patio or balcony with a waterfront view.

Hotels With Theme Rooms

You may need to do a little digging to find hotels and motels with theme rooms in the area where you plan to stay. Nevertheless, even some smaller towns off the beaten path offer theme rooms and suites.

You might find a place with oval-shaped rooms and a whirlpool tub in the center, or rooms with Victorian, Native American, Arctic igloo, Caribbean and Old West themes. 

Harder-to-Find Possibilities

You'll need to travel to certain locations in the country to take advantage of some especially unusual lodging options, but keep them in mind in case you do venture to these regions. 

One example is wigwam or teepee lodging. A handful of locations in the United States have concrete teepees that contain a bedroom and private bathroom for the comfort of travelers. 

A few enterprising lodging owners have created hotels in caves. Some have converted barns and silos to hotels. Others have constructed underwater, underground and tree house lodging.

Break Free From the Ordinary

Being away from home on a regular basis tends to be tiring. Brighten up your business travels with a variety of lodging establishment styles so you're not always staying at the same type of place. You'll discover a renewed interest in traversing the highways and rural roadways on your route, and more of a sense of traveling by choice rather than being compelled to for work. 

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