I am driving cross country this summer, should I make hotel ...

I guarantee you will save money if you book in advance, especially if you use Hotwire or Priceline. I consistently get rooms for about $40-50 per night using those websites. And I'm not staying in dumps. I'm staying in Holiday Inn, Marriott , Fairfield, etc. ... Check the box for the results to be listed cheapest first. I just "tested" it for this summer for a night in Oklahoma City. Got a La Quinta for $35/night. They are decent, clean hotels and that is a great rate. ...