Comparing hotel brands are not only limited to the pricing structure and size of the hotels. Cleaniliness is something all hotels (small, big, full service, limited service) should have distilled in place. There is no excuse for operating a hotel with bad housekeeping or trash comnmon area maintenance. Here is a summary of Brands that I would recommend travelers stay in depending on their individual needs:
1. Marriott International - Marriott is the model of consistency. They offer extensive 2 week training to all their employees so that they live and breath the Marriott Way. They stress that everything starts with good attitude. I have never been to a Marriott property with bad service. Their loyalty program is the strongest in the industry. Last but not least, they do not franchise to just about anyone who has money! They require extensive hotel experience along with strong financials to apply for a franchise. After they which, they place their own management in the hotel. My first job in the hotel industry was at Marriott- and I still go by the Marriott Way while having managed hotels in almost all the major Hotel Companies. They have good market segmentation starting from their economy brand Fairfield Inn all the way on top with the Ritz Carlton. Definitely recommended!
2. Hilton Hotel Group- They sit right behind Marriott in most major categories. However, their Hampton Inn product is giving the Courtyard a run for their money. Hilton is a constant innovator in the Customer Service Department. They were the first hotels that gave undisputed refunds to unsatisfied guests. That gave them the initial exposure they needed with the Hampton Inn brand. Since then, their policies are modified, and rightfully so. Hilton is definitely recommended.
3. Intercontinental Hotels Group - 15 years ago, I would not have recommended IHG hotels. Half the inventory was filled with old outdated properties that were not up to standard. Franchisees simply were not renovating to keep up with standards, while IHG did not place pressure on their poorly rated properties. However, things started to change with the emergence of the Holiday Inn Express Brand. It came as a breath of fresh air, and changed the dynamics of the company. With its success, IHG started getting rid of old Holiday Inns from their portfolio. They eliminated exterior corridor properties, which was passe at that point in time. They now pressured Franchisees into capital improvements - and the result shows. today, they are considered a good product, and the Priority Club membership can be said to only trail the Marriott Rewards. With reasonable pricing - it definitely is worth a stay!
4. Choice International and Wyndham Hotel Group - Too many properties located in clusters . Franchisees competing against each is the norm. The thought of staying at a Quality Inn, Howard Johnson, Days Inn, Travelodge, Super 8, Rodeway Inn, etc, without reading an online review would be the biggest mistake of their life. Too many properties associated with these companies are on the verge of collapse, with no secured future with their franchises. Wyndham Hotel Group had to change their name from Cendant, to move its focus on their namesake Wyndham hotels. However, most of their economy brands are still poorly reviewed. Choice is a better choice than Wyndham Hotel Group, however, franchisees have been crying foul because of same brands being placed around the corner from each other. Choice should receive a reality check when all franchisees come together and fight a legal battle! (Im getting of the subject, this post is supposed to be from the guest view)
Honorable mention as good brands (Hyatt and Starwood Properties)
Feel free to post and question or concern in this highly debatable post.
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