Travelers on a shoestring budget will surely appreciate the facilities of The Guest House at PNNL (620 Battelle Boulevard, Richland, 509/943-0400, www.pnl.gov/guesthouse), a somewhat under-the-radar establishment run by the Pacific Northwest National Research Laboratory to provide lodging for visiting scientists and government workers. The unique 81-room inn offers utilitarian units reminiscent of college dorm facilities that are cleaner and better equipped than most motels running at this rate. All guests can take advantage of the grounds’ courtyard, exercise room, and coin-operated laundry machines. There are several room types to choose among. A standard dorm ($35 s) comes with a single twin bed and private bath. These are clustered in groups of six to eight rooms with shared living room, dining room, and fully equipped kitchen. Queen studios ($75 s or $85 d) are larger private set-ups with microwave, fridge, and coffeemaker—bring your own utensils. The one-bedroom apartments ($80 s or $90 d) have a separate bedroom with desk, a living room with hide-a-bed, and a fully equipped kitchen.

If government-style quarters aren’t your thing, then try Wright’s Desert Gold Motel & RV Park (611 Columbia Park Trail in Richland, 509/627-1000 or 800/788-4653, $42 s or $47 d). This simple and clean motel park has an outdoor pool, hot tub, and game room.

Quality Inn (7901 W. Quinault Ave., Kennewick, 509/735-6100 or 800/205-6938, www.qualityinn.com, $84–94 s or d) is a slight step up. These are standard chain motel rooms, on an amenity-filled property that includes two pools, a fitness center, business center, and extended continental breakfast.

Situated in a suburban neighborhood, Cabin Suites (115 N. Yelm St., Kennewick, 509/374-3966 or 509/866-374-3966, $75–95 s or d) isn’t a real cabin per se, but all three rooms are gussied up with rough-hewn log bed frames and plaid flannel linens. This is a private B&B, as the innkeepers don’t live on-site, only coming in the morning to serve breakfast. For maximum seclusion, the whole house can be rented for $195.