Hurricane Evacuation Plans - Hotel Recs?

[Jdarg]

I am trying to plan ahead in case we need to leave quickly this weekend. Since we have 2 kids, 2 dogs, a cat, and a bird, we will need a hotel that is pet-friendly and has space. I want to have a few options and their phone numbers ready just in case!

Rapunzel has heard that the Residence Inn in Tally is good- any other recommendations from those of you that have evacuated before? I am also thinking Jax too. I don't want to go all the way to Louisville only to (hopefully) turn around and come right back (please oh please let this be either a non-event or at least a short one!)

I am picking these spots assuming that Gustav would be heading into the Panhandle on a due north track, but realize that predicting anything with accuracy at this point is impossible.

 

[beachmouse]

Don't go any further than you have to. If you can get a rezzie at a place in Tallahassee, I'd far rather do that instead of continuing to drive to Jax. Also, some Florida hotels with a stated 'no pets' policy are willing to suspend that policy if you're coming from a place with mandatory hurricane evacuations. Call the hotel directly to ask.

 

[Matt J]

Don't go any further than you have to. If you can get a rezzie at a place in Tallahassee, I'd far rather do that instead of continuing to drive to Jax. Also, some Florida hotels with a stated 'no pets' policy are willing to suspend that policy if you're coming from a place with mandatory hurricane evacuations. Call the hotel directly to ask.

It is true that they will do this, but the Residence Inn is never twice the cost of a standard motel/hotel room and comes with a kitchen. If your not planning a vacation and don't want to eat every meal out it's a great option. In my experience they also have a tendency to charge additional for this "conveinience".

 

[destinscuba]

here is a website that I found a few years ago when we were looking to evac.
http://www.colliergov.net/Index.aspx?page=1139

 

[InletBchDweller]

You can also try VRBO for places. Look for the dog paw symbol which lets you know that the place is pet friendly...

 

[ShallowsNole]

In Tally, the Howard Johnson on Tennessee St is pet-friendly, but I've never taken a pet. The first time I got a room there I was on second floor and it was reasonably clean (not like the Cabot, but clean). The second time I thought we were taking the pets so we were on the ground floor and we had to go out any buy Febreze.

if Tally is full, do Lake City. Jax is overkill. Dothan is usually booked. But (jdarg) let me know what you do.

 

[wrobert]

In Tally, the Howard Johnson on Tennessee St is pet-friendly, but I've never taken a pet. The first time I got a room there I was on second floor and it was reasonably clean (not like the Cabot, but clean). The second time I thought we were taking the pets so we were on the ground floor and we had to go out any buy Febreze.

if Tally is full, do Lake City. Jax is overkill. Dothan is usually booked. But (jdarg) let me know what you do.

All you guys can come to my house. Only one tree left that could hit the roof and it has made it through many a hurricane since 1975.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Cats will have to stay in the yard, if you come to my house. Call it camping.

Hotel rooms will typically fill rather quickly, and a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush is the philosophy of many hotels in panic situations -- irate customers demanding rooms. Have several back ups planned, and stay open-minded.

Looking at the storms behind Gustav, you may as well take a month and go out west to enjoy Fall.

 

[Smiling JOe]

I hear that the hotel on I-10 in Defunk is rather popular amongst people in South Walton. Get there early, before mandatory evac. You may even be able to reserve a room and cxl if nothing happens.

 

[Franny]

I hear that the hotel on I-10 in Defunk is rather popular amongst people in South Walton. Get there early, before mandatory evac. You may even be able to reserve a room and cxl if nothing happens.

With Ivan the motel in Defuniak made me drive there charge my room days before arrival..they would not allow me to charge over the phone. I did cancel over the phone. I don't know if this is there policy today.