My drive across the country, from San Diego, CA, to Scranton, PA, was uneventful. Even the snow and "wicked wind" storms--the Rockies version of the Santa Anas--did little to add excitement to the trip. Route 80 straight across is fast and efficient, but boring as hell. Since JuJu, my Tibetan Poodle, rode shotgun, I stayed in Motel 6s for four of the seven nights I was on the road.
With Motel 6 you know what you're going to get: a bed, desk, night table, shower and sink. TV. Wi-Fi. No microwave or hotpot in the room, although complimentary coffee is usually available in the lobby from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. But, for pet owners, Motel 6 offers the ultimate amenity: your dog/cat stays for free. The average cost of a Motel 6 room for one is $44.95 plus tax.
Compared to Nevada and Ohio, the Motel 6 near Cheyenne, Wyoming, which featured an indoor pool, was luxurious. Other motels that allow pets, with a fee, include: Comfort Inn, Super 8 and Holiday Express, all of which are considerably more pricey and comfy than Motel 6.
JuJu seemed to enjoy the Super 8 Motel in Omaha the most. The room was huge and featured two double beds from which JuJu hopped back and forth. I liked the Comfort Inn near Chicago best, but at $99.25 a night, it was a one-time splurge, and the only splurge I made during my trans-continental drive.
