Many cheap motel chains have branches dotted around the east coast; these include Motel 6 and Super 8 Motels. Rooms usually cost in the region of $50 to $60 per night based on one person in a room (prices as of February 2011), and breakfast is often included.
Motels are an ideal option for those traveling along the Pacific Coast Highway on a shoestring. California is home to boutique hotels and luxurious resorts, but the aforementioned chains have branches here, and there are even budget options in Los Angeles such as the Royal Pagoda Motel downtown, with rooms averaging $45 per night as of 2011. Elsewhere, the Lamplighter Motel in Oregon offers cheap accommodation plus free soups and stews every weeknight throughout the winter.
The winter months in the southernmost states are generally less harsh than in other areas, with snow being rare in some parts. It's possible to find motels that start from $40 a night; some of these, such as the Super 8 Motels, even include a spa and exercise room as standard.
The further north you travel the colder the winter and therefore the heavier the snowfall. Certain motels may offer discounts to nearby ski slopes or free transportation. Depending on where you are, you can expect to pay around $45 per night.
