The United States has a wide range of accommodations, from roadside chain motels, to park lodges, to rental condos, to mammoth themed resorts, to historic inns (where George Washington really did sleep!). And there are many excellent public and private campgrounds all over the country.
Most state tourism offices put out directories or other information on available accommodations -- contact them and they'll be happy to send you the information. Much of the information is also available on the states' tourism websites.
If you prefer the intimacy and character of a bed-and-breakfast, there are several reservation agencies and online websites that deal solely with B&Bs. A few of these B&B-only websites include Inntravels.com, Bed & Breakfast Inns Online (www.bbonline.com), North American Bed & Breakfast Directory (www.bbdirectory.com), and BedandBreakfast.com.
For historic lodging in the United States, look no further than the Historic Hotels of America (tel. 800/678-8946; www.historichotels.org), operated in conjunction with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. We've noted several hotels rich in American history throughout the guide.
For information on campgrounds and RV parks in the United States, pick up the comprehensive Frommer's RV & Tent Campgrounds in the U.S.A. You can also contact the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (www.gocampingamerica.com) or KOA (tel. 406/248-7444; www.koa.com), which operates numerous campgrounds and RV parks all over the country.
How About House-Swapping? -- House-swapping is becoming a more popular and viable means of travel; you stay in their place, they stay in yours, and you both get an authentic and personal view of the area, the opposite of the escapist retreat that many hotels offer. Try HomeLink International (Homelink.org), the largest and oldest home-swapping organization, founded in 1952, with over 11,000 listings worldwide ($75 for a yearly membership). HomeExchange.org ($49.95 for 6,000 listings) and InterVac.com ($68.88 for over 10,000 listings) are also reliable. Many travelers find great housing swaps on Craigslist (www.craigslist.org), too, though the offerings cannot be vetted or vouched for. Swap at your own risk.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
