Spending a night (or two) in a motel parking lot?

[SwanInWA]

We'll be traveling (in our B) to an event at the end of this month -- and my brother and his wife will be with us. They have reservations for two nights at an Econo Lodge, where we originally planned to book a room also.

Now hubby's on furlough and we're trying to curb expenses -- which has me wondering about sleeping in the B instead of booking a room. After all, it's already there, right? We'd have everything we need and it would save us a tidy sum.

My brother and SIL would still sleep in the motel -- and since we're riding together, if needed, our license plate could go on the parking permit. It's in a decent part of town, so I'm not overly concerned about safety.

Has anyone slept in their RV in a hotel/motel parking lot before? Anyone do it frequently? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences. THANKS!

[SDcampowneroper]

Just be upfront with your intentions at check in . There is a liability and service issue for the property.
Sorry, but 'Use of service' without permission is theft.

[APRSRVer]

We've done that several times. Followed mother-IL with ill father-IL back from Texas. Stayed in their motel parking lot over the trip. Also, stayed in motel parking lot during family reunion. Have stayed in motel parking lot on trips to and from racetracks. Just ask. Never been turned down. Explain circumstances and if they have a restaurant, patronize it.

[mark1228]

I have done it. I asked at the front desk if it would be a problem and if so could they direct me to a Walmart. They had no problem with it and even offered me elecricity at no charge

[Chirpnchicks]

Been there, done that! Never been rejected. Keep the shades down, and be quiet and you'll be fine.
Jay

[bob_nestor]

My GF and I took her Mom out to grandson's graduation and we traveled in my Class B. They had booked a room at a motel where they stayed. I asked at the front desk if there was a problem with me staying in the Class B in their parking lot and they didn't have a problem with it. I didn't use any of the facilities, not even the "free" morning coffee. However, in the morning I discovered that we were only about a 1/2 block away from a Rest Stop that permitted overnite stays. The next time we went there I parked at the Rest Stop and they stayed in the motel.

[SwanInWA]

darsben wrote:
Do you plan to sneak in to breakfast in the morning? How about a pool? Do you plan to use the one room to shower?

No, no and no.

[darsben]

Do you plan to sneak in to breakfast in the morning? How about a pool? Do you plan to use the one room to shower?

If you plan to use any of the facilities then reserve 1 room for 4 people. Then you are absolutely entitled to do as you wish.

[tkcas01]

Sounds like one of those cases where it might be better to ask for forgiveness than permission! If caught, tell them your SIL was snoring, so you were forced to come out to the B.

Only time I parked in a motel lot was in Oregon, but they offered it as a service for a fee of course.

[amandasgramma]

I agree with Genecop.......if you REALLY want to know, call them, do NOT give your name, and tell them the situation........you might mention that if they don't allow it, your SIL/brother's reservations may have to be cancelled.........

[GENECOP]

I think you will be fine, just be discreet, discreet, discreet....

[poncho62]

I kind of think that the motel would frown upon it, if they found out