Accomodation in the USA

This does not concern me, but it is a source of imaginative amusement.

If you look through a typical UK ski brochure at US ski accomodation, the price of the hotel room presumes 4 people staying in one room, sharing two double beds.If you wish to stay in one room as a couple, there is a stiff charge.

Now, we need to clarify something. If we ask for a double room in Europe we expect a room with one large bed. However, in my experience of asking the same question when travelling round the States is that you get two large, or double beds. I digress.

How do American skiers view staying and sharing with their friends? Do they expect a cosy foursome every holiday? Are car keys involved? What if one of the party has been on the Guinness? I think we should be told......

Now, you need to understand I am no prude, I have shared on this basis for a couple of nights with close ski friends in Whistler, (yes, this is a Canadian question, too). Also, my OH and I have also shared an Austrian twin with the same couple in Niederau at the start of a season, until our apartment became available. This, for the benefit of our friends across the water, is basically, four people in one bed. There is a John Denver song in there somewhere.

I may have the misformed impression that USA skiers are typically neo-cons. How does this hint of liberalism stack with that?

Rooms are typically huge, and could easily fit two private double rooms in the same space.

That's an interesting question Dave. The first thing you have to take into account is a cultural difference. Until very recently, it was very common for two children to share a bed at home. Normally this would be a queen size (UK king size). There has also always been a long history of families going on "road trips" as part of vacations, and of families traveling great distances for extended family events. So hotel rooms have evolved around this demand, rather than the UK history of hotels being more for business travel, or couples away for the weekend.

The most common type of hotel room in the US would have two US queen size beds. Most hotels are happy to provide additional fold away beds (called cots) at no extra cost. You always pay by the room in hotels and motels, not the number of occupants. Most will include a "continental" breakfast no matter how many stayed in the room (hope you like bagels and doughnuts).

Many hotels near ski resorts offer heavily discounted, or even free lift tickets to guest. Always look for "stay and ski" packages.

The only problem I have sharing a room is snoring. I don't want to inflict mine on others. Which reminds me, I need to get a snore guard :wink:

One thing you might get in a US hotel is Netflix. I just found hidden away on there are the Pete Seeger Rainbow Quest shows from the sixties. I just watched an hour of Pete, Johnny Cash and June Carter sitting around a kitchen table drinking coffee, shooting the breeze, and doing a bit of picking. Eat your heart out Dave. I believe Netflix is coming to the UK soon. (there some bits on you tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYvGfg0k9WE&feature=related )

Johnny Cash's family came from Falkland, near to where I live. His daughter visits every couple of years, and my reporter son has interviewed her. I saw Pete Seager play in Manchester, when I played the folk clubs.

Anyway, back to US rooms. Yes, I can figure out the family room offer, but the UK offer of ski resort rooms is aimed at two adult couples, and the charges for one couple in aroom reflect this. Is this a lifestyle in America?

Dave Mac wrote:Johnny Cash's family came from Falkland, near to where I live. His daughter visits every couple of years, and my reporter son has interviewed her. I saw Pete Seager play in Manchester, when I played the folk clubs.

Anyway, back to US rooms. Yes, I can figure out the family room offer, but the UK offer of ski resort rooms is aimed at two adult couples, and the charges for one couple in aroom reflect this. Is this a lifestyle in America?

I can see that if lift tickets were included, the price would change. I would guess that the UK companies are trying to make some extra money.