|
15 Feb 2011
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: London
Posts: 89
|
|
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!
|
15 Feb 2011
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,982
|
|
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
|
15 Feb 2011
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: on the road, Earth
Posts: 92
|
|
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.
|
15 Feb 2011
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Ecuador, amazone, puyo
Posts: 191
|
|
Maybe the "secret" is the size of your bike!?
__________________
Freedom is all i need!
|
16 Feb 2011
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 18
|
|
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
www.TheLamaShow.com
|
17 Feb 2011
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: St Helens
Posts: 763
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by IncompletePete
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.
|
18 Feb 2011
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: New Hampshire, USA
Posts: 107
|
|
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.
|
18 Feb 2011
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: London
Posts: 89
|
|
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
|
18 Feb 2011
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: New Hampshire, USA
Posts: 107
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by IncompletePete
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.
|
18 Feb 2011
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Thailand
Posts: 85
|
|
It's not the size of your bike that counts. It's where you get to put!
|
19 Feb 2011
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Krasnoyarsk, Russia
Posts: 216
|
|
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.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|