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I will be absent from the forum during the period 10/4-10/17 (roughly). The bride and I are renting a car and driving from Ocala, FL to Salt Lake City, UT to see our new grandson and will be stopping off at my sister-in-law's home in Nichols, IA, a town once served by the CRI&P (Rock Island).
We will be looking to stop around Marion, IL (off I-57) and again around Grand Island, NE (off I-80). If anyone knows of some clean, inexpensive motels in or near those towns, recommendations would be appreciated.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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Unfortunately, I cannot tell you where to stay in Marion, but unless they have really cleaned up their act since last April, DON'T stay at the Marriott Fairfield there.
I have always held the Marriott brands in high esteem (Courtyard is preferred but Fairfield will generally do for just an overnight), but that Fairfield did much to damage such in my mind.
However, be it noted since that April stay, I have had four stays in Marriott properties (3CY -Roswell, Bowling Green, Indpls, 1FF Fredericksburg) - and my faith in Marriott has been restored.
FWIW, my Father ended his days in a Marriott managed nursing home; never did I once hear a word from my Sister regarding ill-care AND I know that they "honored to a tee" without any kind of "two-step" or other assorted runaround their committment to return an agreed portion of an endowment after he left the facility with his passing.
Grand Island of course is a major I-80 stop and surely has every brand of hotel that can come to mind; and "independents', can't help you there as I simply "don't stay at 'em"; too much the crapshoot for one to whom when traveling "the best surprise is no surprise'.
Finally Mike, ain't the pickup up for the trip?
Ocala Mike Member # 4657
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Uh, not exactly on the pickup, Gil, although it's still running for farm use. Don't even want to put the 5,000 miles on my wife's '06 Mazda, as I want to save the wear and tear.
A new concern has come up regarding the availability of gas going up I-75 in Georgia and Tennessee. Hope they get supplies in there soon.
train lady Member # 3920
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Mike if you google Nebraska and click on the first entry it is a terrific tourism site that will tell you everything you want to know. I can't find all ny travel notes from our trip so I can't help you on motels.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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I now note that there is nothing sacred about Marion, and presume it was just a spot on the map roundly a day's drive from Ocala.
If that be the case, how about Metropolis. This is not because I am any kind of Superman afficiando, but rather because there is a Harrah's and several other casinos there. It seems that, and I'll bet Mr. Smith will concur, that "the action" X-subsidizes the room rates, resulting in good value - especially true if passing through on a weekday.
Also, a Harrah's has a full service restaurant on premises, which is a plus to me when traveling; you're done with the auto on check in, and if the Drink-O-Meter isn't working too well....so what.
Last time I checked, you can if you choose just walk by the tables (unless Mr. Smith is in town to check out the action in which case you'd want to say hello and wish good luck) and still have your good room rate.
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Metropolis looks doable, Gil. We'll consider it as an option. We'll be going to a casino not far from Nichols, IA when we get there, so why not get some practice in along the way?
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