Do you book hotels ahead for the road trip down?

[Altair]

The earlier in the day you stop, the less important it is to call ahead. Once it gets around 5pm available rooms can dry up in summer. Nothing is worse than being tired and not being able to find a room easily.
If you are a AAA member, you can use their Tour Books, or if you have a favorite chain you can pick up one of their directories before you leave. That way you can call from the road and go as far as possible.

[tennantsrwe]

I'm a planner so I always try to book ahead. Sometimes we use our free night reward points for various chains. I just like to know where I'm staying & how much it's going to cost me. One year we tried to just wing it and ended up paying more than we would have if we'd booked online. Also a lot of internet rates are discounted 20% or more so it saves you some $$.

[January-2007]

The last two trips we've had reservations and cancelled them without penalty while on the road because we ended up driving straight through. I think we may eventually stop at that nice Sleep Inn I've researched over and over in Georgia this coming trip. We'll see.

[dinahvixen]

I downloaded the app "hotels by me" on my smartphone, and now I just hit the app and the hotels, their distances, prices, AND reviews pop up. They usually give the online price which is generally cheaper than popping in. I can see if the hotel has a pool, breakfast, etc. It's very convienent and a free app.

[luvdiznee]

I woulld depending on how far I have to drive. Just to be sure. And plus I need to get some rest in between driving. DD gets bored, too.