Great advice to use Priceline. Last night I bid $45 for a 3 star motel and got a Courtyard by Marriott. Asked at check in and was told the rate was $109 per night. I think I got a real good deal. I downloaded the Priceline app and its really easy to use. Thanks
Priceline is a great tool. I use it often. When your in the Detroit area, you can consistently get 3 star or better rooms in the Romulus (airport) area in the $45-$55 range. I've slept at both Marriots, the Sheraton, Embassy Suites and a couple more over there...all in the $50 range (+ taxes etc.) Priceline prices really help to get ya out of the truck and into a nice, non truck environment.
If I'm near a large city, I try to stick to 3 star, 2-1/2 mininum. If you stick to 3 star or better, you'll almost always be in a safe environment and pretty nice room. Some 2-1/2 star rooms will disappoint you, but I would say 90% of the time (at least) I'm happy with the 2-1/2. The 2-1/2 star rooms will be LaQuinta, Fairfield, Extended Stay, etc. I would never venture into 2 star territory unless I was just gambling with every intention of leaving my money on the table and walking away if the place was too rough.
The great thing about Priceline is that you save enough money over time that you can walk away once in a while and still be ahead. When in the straight truck, I had to do just that a couple times...one for lack of parking, the other I cant remember. Overall, it was still a bargain though.
