I think you can play it by ear too... know how far apart the towns are, and when you drive through one, you can make the decision if you can make it to the next one.
True. I doubt most hotels are booked solid this time of year.
I wish I had a book for Super 8 and other cheap chains - I have Motel 6, 'cause that's where we stayed during this past trip. But it'd be nice to know where other pet-friendly places are. I realize I could probably sneak 'em in just about anywhere, but...Tam might get me in trouble if I did. He's not exactly quiet. Granted, from a distance someone might not realize from the sound that he's a cat, but...