How to Get a Lodging Discount

The “H” or lodging category of HER Helmet Thursdays has special arrangements that differ from the “E” (education/entertainment) and “R” (restaurants) categories.

As noted in the Introduction to HER Helmet Thursdays:  Lodging businesses need a special option because, let’s face it, only serious cyclists will be likely to arrive at their place of lodging via bicycle.  Some do, of course.  But for those who don’t, they can still receive a Thursday night lodging discount if they bicycle during their stay.

How?  There are two options:  rent a bicycle here, for one day or longer; or BYOB (bring your own bike).

If you have any doubt about whether bicycles are warmly welcomed, or how to keep a bike secure when not in use, or whether the lodging discount is worth the effort of bringing or renting a bicycle, please scroll down to the blue headers below!

(1) Rent a bicycle here.

Show a receipt for a one-day (or longer) bicycle rental from any bike rental shop in Monterey County. The rental can be for all day Thursday, and/or all day Friday (or longer).

• To find Monterey County bike rental shops, refer to “Bicycle Shops and Services…in Monterey County.” You may also want to refer to the “Bicycle Rentals” section of Tips for Tourists Bicycling Monterey.
• Tell the bike shop that you’re participating in HER Helmet Thursdays, and you’ll need proof of the bike rental when you check in to your hotel on Thursday.
• Ask the bike shop to provide either a copy of the receipt for payment, or (if you pay when you return the bike) a copy of the rental agreement.
• Not going to the bike shop til Friday morning? Bike shops are happy to work with you, though different shops may handle things differently.  For example, if you rent the bike online, you’ll normally get a receipt via email.  If you rent by phone, ask the shop to provide a receipt promptly via fax or email.
• If it’s helpful to you to have the bike shop also send a copy to the hotel, then provide the shop with the hotel’s fax number or email address. Make sure the shop has your full name and phone number, so they can record that on the receipt or rental agreement, to prevent any confusion when the hotel receives it.
• When you check in at the hotel, either provide the necessary document (receipt or rental agreement) or confirm that they have already received it from the bike shop.
• As you normally would, keep a copy of your receipt or rental agreement for your own records too.

(2) BYOB.

BYOB via your vehicle. Arrive with your own bicycle(s) loaded on/in your vehicle.

• If you bothered to haul a bike, surely you’re going to use it here, at least part of the time (we hope a lot).
• If lodging staff can see you brought a bike, they’ll give you the Thursday night discount, because they figure you’re going to cycle while you’re here.  (Honor system.)

BYOB – tips to help you BYOB via hotel shuttle or taxi.

• As mentioned in “Bike-and-Ride”  section of Tips for Tourists Bicycling Monterey, most—probably all—local hotel shuttles and taxis are happy to haul your bicycle, just as they would your luggage. (Many local hotels, and taxicab drivers, have emphasized this to me.)
• As a courtesy, when you call to arrange your pick-up time, please alert them that you’re bringing a bicycle. This will help them to ensure that they have “luggage” space ready for your bike.
• Note: As demand grows, hopefully shuttles and taxis will add bike racks.  For now, many will carry your bike in their luggage compartment.  And as suggested in Tips for Tourists, if you’re traveling by taxi, carrying a bungi cord to help keep a taxi trunk lid “shut” is a good idea.

BYOB – tips for BYOB via bus or train.

Visitors sometimes arrive via Amtrak train or the MST bus, both of which will transport your bicycle.  Some visitors have even been known to take the Santa Cruz Transit System to Watsonville, then connect with the Monterey-Salinas Transit and continue to Salinas, Monterey, and other locations throughout Monterey County.

For info on the MST bus system, and a bit on Amtrak, start with the “Bike-and-Ride” section of Tips for Tourists Bicycling Monterey.

Bicycles really welcome?

Oh, yes!  Monterey County’s hospitality professionals delight in making sure you feel welcome and have a great time here.  They know that cycling can add a lot to your fun, relaxation, and being able to have a more personal experience of our local communities.

As an example, requests for bike valet service are more common now, and the valets have stepped right up to their new task.  They handle a Giant or a Specialized with the same efficiency and care as provided a Volkswagen or a Bentley.

What about bike storage?

Whether a small historic inn or a large resort hotel,  Monterey County’s lodging hosts are creative about helping you bike here, including safe storage of your bicycle.  Some lodging providers even have on-site bike storage lockers!

Just let them know your needs, then count on them to provide secure storage for your bicycle, along with convenient access to your bike when you’re ready to use it.  No worries.  They’ve got you covered!

Will it really be worthwhile?

If you wonder whether bringing your bicycle for an overnight trip, or renting one here, is truly worthwhile, check the percentage of discounts offered here for cycling.  Consider the combined discounts you’ll receive for lodging plus the restaurants, entertainment venues, and educational attractions.  Total up the money you’ll save, and you’ll probably decide:  yes, let’s take our bikes along or reserve some rentals in Monterey County!

Financial savings not enough to convince you?  Then consider the other reasons outlined in the “Why Bike” section of  “Tips for Tourists Bicycling Monterey.”

Okay, I’m in.  Where do I make my reservation?

See the “H” category participants in the HER Helmet Thursdays listings!