1. OurJud

    OurJud Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    May 21, 2009
    Messages:
    9,502
    Likes Received:
    9,758
    Location:
    England

    Booking into a motel

    Discussion in 'Research' started by OurJud, Aug 23, 2015.

    Just looking for a few pointers.

    The motel in my scene is on the outskirts of town, cheap with an air of 'no questions asked' about it. This gives me a bit of freedom, but I still want to make it authentic.

    What would be required when booking a room? Proof of IDs? Signatures? Payment up front?

    Price per night?

    Also, what is the term for a room with two single beds? Over here in the UK it's 'twin', but what is it in the States?

    Thanks.
     
  2. Wreybies

    Wreybies Thrice Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 1, 2008
    Messages:
    23,826
    Likes Received:
    20,818
    Location:
    El Tembloroso Caribe
    In the US it's called a "double". Here in the US, even in little rinkie-dink, dusty motels in the middle of nowhere they tend to ask for your license plate number. Not 100% sure why, but they do. Payment up front is also pretty customary for smaller joints.
     
    OurJud likes this.
  3. OurJud

    OurJud Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    May 21, 2009
    Messages:
    9,502
    Likes Received:
    9,758
    Location:
    England
    Great. Thanks.

    Is there a name for the rack of holes where they keep the keys? Over here they're pigeon holes.
     
  4. Jaro

    Jaro Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2014
    Messages:
    217
    Likes Received:
    73
    Location:
    Tulsa, OK
    Yep, and usually even theplaces that don't require a payment up front make you leave your credit card info at the least. Getting hard to pay cash for a room nowadays. At least anywhere I have been. Most places want to be able to recoup any damages or stolen items (towels, light bulbs, batteries, etc).
     
    OurJud likes this.
  5. Steerpike

    Steerpike Felis amatus Contributor

    Joined:
    Jul 5, 2010
    Messages:
    13,984
    Likes Received:
    8,557
    Location:
    California, US
    I call them pigeonholes as well.
     
    OurJud likes this.
  6. Jaro

    Jaro Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2014
    Messages:
    217
    Likes Received:
    73
    Location:
    Tulsa, OK
    From my personal experience they are hanging on peg boards if they even have keys. Everyone else seems to be going to the disposable access cards. Though that probably won't be the issue for a run down type of place.
     
  7. Stacy C

    Stacy C Banned

    Joined:
    May 3, 2015
    Messages:
    272
    Likes Received:
    127
    Location:
    Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind
    Any place I would stay will need a credit card number and maybe a look at your drivers license, but the seedier motels will gladly accept cash and no questions asked.
     
    OurJud likes this.
  8. OurJud

    OurJud Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    May 21, 2009
    Messages:
    9,502
    Likes Received:
    9,758
    Location:
    England
    That's the answer I was hoping for.

    I also forgot to mention this is near-future, so especially like the access cards idea.
     
  9. OurJud

    OurJud Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    May 21, 2009
    Messages:
    9,502
    Likes Received:
    9,758
    Location:
    England
    Thanks, BookLover. That's more than enough to get the scene finished.

    Thanks to all.
     
    Jaro likes this.

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice