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Bike friendly hotels/motels? Bike friendly hotels/motels?
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  #1  
Old 15 Feb 2011
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Bike friendly hotels/motels?
Is there secret to finding a bike friendly hotel, apart from stopping outside numerous places and asking in broken Spanish if you can have a room and store the bike somewhere safe for the night?

Thanks!
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Old 15 Feb 2011
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I'm not sure what you're asking. You mean a secret like asking random people on the street? Or cops? Or hiring a taxi to lead you for a couple of bucks? That's what I do when I don't feel like wandering around aimlessly in rain, snow, sleet, wind and/or ridiculous heat.

It doesn't take language skills, particularly. "Necesito un hotel barato con estacionamento para mi moto" is close enough to serve. Anyplace serving automobiles will have parking on site or very close by, and the love hotels on the outskirts of any self-respecting town will, too.

Hope that helps.

Mark
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Old 15 Feb 2011
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Yeah, the 'Love Motels' are a good choice for security since they mostly have high walls and solid gates for privacy. The environment certainly isn't for everyone- it's basically like spending the night at a brothel. I've also found them to be above average for cleanliness (for the price) and conveniently located for a quick overnight (almost always on the main road to/from town- not well located for sightseeing and such). As well, I haven't been hassled to purchase other services than the room- the option for those who care to is certainly there, but it's not like you'll have an endless stream of girls knocking on your door or anything.
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Old 15 Feb 2011
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Maybe the "secret" is the size of your bike!?
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Old 16 Feb 2011
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My Hostel & Hotel list for South America
Hi,

I have listed on my Blog all the hostels (name, address or website) I stayed in during my trip as well as a few words (my opinion), about each and parking for the bike.
I am on a budget so I usually target regular/common place. It's also great to meet people, local or backpacker, everyone is down to earth, enjoying their trip and eager to hike & discover the surroundings.

AnywayZ, hope it gives you a starting point. Click on the "Biker Corner" menu.

Sami
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  #6  
Old 17 Feb 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IncompletePete View Post
Is there secret to finding a bike friendly hotel, apart from stopping outside numerous places and asking in broken Spanish if you can have a room and store the bike somewhere safe for the night?

Thanks!
No secret.

Walk up to hotel/hostal/hospedaje

Say

"Hay una habitacion [doble/matrimonal/etc]

Then ask

"Hay estacionmento por la/las moto/s"

If they answer no to either, try another.

As a rule they want your oney, and will often go out of the way to help (yes we have parked our bikes in the bar of one hotel in El Salvador.

They will also direct you to secure parking if needed.
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Old 18 Feb 2011
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I enjoy getting lost, talking with locals (in my terrible Spanish) and finding a cheap hotel somewhere. But maybe that's not for everyone. Sjoerd Bakker has a book out called "Economical Hotels in Mexico and Central America." It's a list of hotels he recommends and has stayed at during his years on the road in Latin America. All hotels presumably have secure parking for the motorcycle. The book comes with hand drawn maps. Chances are you'll still need to ask someone for directions in your broken Spanish. More details here.

He's probably tell you about it himself but I think he's ditched the internet and the Canadian winter in exchange for riding in Latin America.
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Old 18 Feb 2011
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Sorry, my post was magnificently vague there...

I ask mainly as my experience around Europe would invariably result in a raise of the eyebrow, rather than welcoming your bike into the lobby....

I'm more than happy with exploring and seeing where I end, it's part of the adventure, but a semblance of guidance never hurts!

Thanks
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Old 18 Feb 2011
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IncompletePete View Post
Sorry, my post was magnificently vague there...

I ask mainly as my experience around Europe would invariably result in a raise of the eyebrow, rather than welcoming your bike into the lobby....

I'm more than happy with exploring and seeing where I end, it's part of the adventure, but a semblance of guidance never hurts!

Thanks
No worries. It's completely normal to ask if they have room for you and your bike. Don't be shy. They'll suggest you put the bike in the lobby/courtyard/etc. If they don't suggest it, you can. They'll most likely say yes. Muddy? Dripping oil? No problem.
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Old 18 Feb 2011
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It's not the size of your bike that counts. It's where you get to put!
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Old 19 Feb 2011
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Hotels almost always will happily let you roll the bike into their lobby or into your room in Latin America. This might require getting the bike up some big curbs or a step or two, so a small bike has the advantage. Sometimes if it appears physically impossible there will be a garage underneath/nearby where they'll let you park it.

The (love) motels almost always have secure parking included with the room.
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