Accommodation & Car Hire for Your Ultimate Road Trip
Planning a legendary driving adventure shouldn't be a logistical headache. Whether you are tackling the North Coast 500, navigating the Swiss Alps, or cruising Route 66, we’ve curated the best tools to help you book driver-friendly accommodation and high-performance car rentals.
Do You Provide Hotels and Car Hire?
Ultimate Routes does not directly book hotels or provide car hire.
This gives you:
- Full flexibility over your trip
- Control over budget and preferences
- Guidance without restrictions
Hotel Recommendations
Our Full itineraries include handpicked hotel recommendations for each overnight stop, helping you choose accommodation that fits your route and travel style.
These recommendations are based on:
- Location and convenience along the route
- Parking availability where possible
You’re free to:
- Book the suggested hotels
- Choose your own alternatives
- Upgrade or adjust based on your preferences
👉 This approach gives you freedom with expert guidance.
What About the Basic Itinerary?
The Basic itinerary includes:
- Suggested locations for overnight stays
- Links to search for you own hotels
This allows for a more flexible, self-planned experience while still following the route structure.
Find the Best Hotels for Road Trippers
A great driving day deserves an even better place to rest. When booking your overnight stays through our partner links, we recommend looking for "driver-centric" amenities such as secure parking, EV charging points, and proximity to the world’s best driving roads.
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In Australia you can use:
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In New Zealand you can use:
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Pro Tip for Drivers: If you’ve purchased our Full Itinerary PDF, we’ve already hand-picked three recommended hotels per stop, complete with notes on parking availability and breakfast options.
High-Performance Car Hire & Rentals
Don’t have the right wheels for the job? Choosing the right vehicle is the difference between a "drive" and an "experience." Use the following car rental firms to find everything from fuel-efficient cruisers to vehicles capable of tackling high-altitude mountain passes.
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What to Look for in a Road Trip Rental:
- Unlimited Mileage: Essential for long-distance routes like the Wild Atlantic Way or the Route 66.
- Transmission Type: If you’re heading to the UK or Europe, be sure to specify "Automatic" if you aren't comfortable with a manual gearbox on mountain hairpins.
- Additional Driver Cover: Share the wheel so you can both enjoy the scenery.
Why We Don’t Bundle Hotels or Cars
Unlike traditional driving tour companies that package everything together, we focus on:
- Better routes
- Greater flexibility
- No unnecessary costs or restrictions
Many bundled tours include fixed hotels and vehicles, which can limit your options.
Who Is This Best For?
This approach is ideal for:
- Drivers who want full control over their trip
- Travellers with specific accommodation preferences
- Car enthusiasts choosing their own vehicle
- Road trip planners who value flexibility
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best websites for booking road trip hotels?
For maximum flexibility and the best 'map-view' search tools, we recommend Hotels.com and Booking.com. These platforms allow you to filter for 'Free Parking', which is the most critical factor for road trip enthusiasts.
Should I book my accommodation in advance?
For iconic routes like Route 66 or the NC500, we strongly recommend booking 3–6 months in advance. Many of the best 'kitsch' motels and boutique Highland inns have limited capacity and fill up quickly during the driving season.
Do I have to book the recommended hotels?
No — all hotel recommendations are optional. You can choose to book them or select your own accommodation.
Are hotels included in the price?
No — accommodation is not included. We provide recommendations to help you plan your stay.
Can I use my own car?
Yes — all routes are designed to be driven in your own vehicle or a rental.
Is parking considered in hotel recommendations?
Yes, where possible. Hotels are selected with road trip practicality in mind, including parking considerations.
Can I hire a car for a one-way road trip?
Yes, most major rental agencies offer one-way hires (e.g., Chicago to Los Angeles). Be aware that a 'one-way drop-off fee' usually applies, but it is often worth the cost to avoid a long return journey on boring motorways.
Important Information
Ultimate Routes provides these links to simplify your planning process. Please be aware that some of these links are affiliate links, meaning we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue to map the world’s best driving roads.