Downturn Over? Motel 6 Index Rises

Yesterday morning, the Motel 6 Nashua rate went up to $59.99 from the usual $49.99.  When I came home in the evening, the rate was up to $89.99, the highest I've ever seen it.  Is the recession over, or are the leaves really starting to turn?

Motel 6

The Motel 6 rate in Nashua just went up again, from $45.99 TO $49.99 in anticipation of the Memorial Day weekend. I don't think there will be much politics going on, so it must be the weather.

UPDATE (Friday, May 23): The price went up again to $59.99 today.
UPDATE (Tuesday, May 27): And back to $49.99 again.

The Motel 6 Index

The Iowa Caucus is tomorrow, and the New Hampshire primary is next Tuesday. Four years ago, I noticed that the room rate for the Motel 6 in Nashua is a good indicator of primary activity. Last week, the rate for a single room was $45.99. This morning it was $53.99.

Update, January 9, 2007. The primary was yesterday, and the rate is back down to $45.99. New Hampshire fades from the spotlight for another four years.