Romance Under the Stars at a Campground

Do you prefer sleeping outdoors in a campground to chatting with strangers at bed and breakfasts? Is riding a hotel elevator to the 20th floor, searching for your room number not your idea of a romantic getaway? February doesn’t have to rule out camping locations with your special someone.

Campgrounds like Kampgrounds of America (KOA) have become more sophisticated, even offering lodges with bathrooms, kitchens, heating and air conditioning. In other words, the prices are still good, but your Valentine won’t have to “rough it” to spend a cozy night with you by the fire.

» Read more: A Romantic Stay for your Valentine

The center of Barcelona, or Plaza Catalunya is not normally where I recommend that people stay when they come to visit me in Barcelona. It is too chaotic and noisy in the city center for my taste, and usually I suggest hotels and hostels that are tucked into side-streets or in quieter parts of Barcelona’s many barrios.

Grauis the exception to my rule. One block off of the city’s most central drag, staying at Grau doesn’t feel like staying in the city’s main hub, but gives you all the advantages of being right in the thick of it. The metro, bus, taxis, many bars, restaurants, cafes, boutiques and sites are within walking distance from Grau.

» Read more: Best Location in Barcelona: Grau Hostel

Newly renovated in 2009, Days Inn of Elk Grove, Illinois has received a Real Traveler rating of 3.6 out of 5 from 67 reviews across the web.

The Days Inn is the perfect place for budget travelers who are looking for a quality stay. Jodie Moore, Sales Manager at the hotel, interacts with guests on a daily basis and build relationships in order to ensure that guests’ expectations are exceeded. She elaborates, “The old saying that you get what you pay for isn’t always true.” Moore explains that the words “budget hotel” and “economy hotel” aren’t to be viewed as “bad words.” Instead, guests at the Days Inn Elk Grove get more than their money’s worth. Described as having a warm and sunny atmosphere, the hotel is a great fit for those who don’t want to break their budget. With complimentary breakfast, free wi-fi internet, and coffee service 24 hours a day, the hotel strives to accomodate low budget travelers. One guest describes the hotel as “Super clean, spacious, comfortable rooms, nice breakfast, and excellent customer service.”

Those traveling with pets will be pleased to hear about the “Pets Package” as the hotel wishes to “include everyone in the family whether they have fur or not.” From toys and treats to food and water bowls, as well as a guide to the area’s dog parks, this package is perfect for pet-lovers!

Continuing its commitment to its customers, the Days Inn Elk Grove makes an effort to get to know their guests, as each guest is treated as a person, “not a confirmation number.” One example of outstanding customer service occured last November. One guest, who had an extended stay at the hotel, struck up a friendship with the front desk clerk, Mary. When Mary realized that the guest had no where to go for Thanksgiving dinner, she invited the guest to her family’s home to share in their Thanksgiving festivities. Going out of her way to make a guest feel like family, Mary is a prime example of superior customer service at the Days Inn Elk Grove.

For those looking for a hotel that won’t break the bank, and goes above and beyond the old adage of “getting what you pay for,” the Days Inn Elk Grove is the perfect choice.