Favorite Hotel Chains?

Hi Annie -

With our travel back and forth last year while relocating from Minneapolis to Charlotte, we got to try a few chains here in the US. We were pleasantly surprised with the Holiday Inn Express chain - clean, updated, inexpensive (under $100 depending on city) and comfortable - and if you need something with more of a small kitchen set-up, the Residence Inn by Marriott.

It really depends on the location though, but I now seek theses ones out first these days.

Holiday Inn are popular in the UK too. Also Premier Inn and Ibis Hotels.

Annie, when I was more active in drag racing we use to travel ALL over the country (and Canada) and have used many of the lower price chains such as Super 8, Motel 6, Red roof, and others which I would not recommend (my opinion) for a family, for a lower price chain I would recommend, and frequently use Comfort Inn and others in their "group" such as Clarion. When travelling now I try to find Hotels with interior hallways rather than those whose rooms open directly outside, (more peace of mind for my wife). Another tip I would like to pass on is that when travelling by car I stop at the first roadside rest area that is located in the State that I intend to sleep in that night, and pick up those coupon books that they all have for their state. Those coupon books have some great deals that you can rip out and use. I have found some for thirty or forty dollars off the regular rates at the afore mentioned Comfort Inns and suites.

I am going to concur with any of the "cheaper" Marriot Resorts..Residence Inn & Courtyard are both really nice. We really aren't huge hotel stayers though so I might not be the best resource.

I really like Holiday Inn - they have a great rewards program and they tend to be clean, comfortable, and affordable. The breakfast is also really good for Continental compared to other chains. Plus, they seem to be everywhere!

Holiday Inn Express are very good for the money in my experience. I used to the Super 8 and Motel 6 were both very good deals, but lately I've been unimpressed in the times I've stayed there. Maybe I'm just getting picky?

I forgot about this one..but Wingate is very nice!

Hi,

I have a Choice Privileges card for the Comfort Inn family of hotels. You get a clean, comfortable room for about $US100.00 per night, depending on city. My friend Dave and I stayed at the Comfort Inn @ 2898 Banksville Road in Pittsburgh, PA's South Hills neighborhood from June 30-July 5, 2010 when we saw the Phillies and Pirates. Weekday (Sun.-Thurs.) rates were $US89.99 per night, while Friday and Saturday nights were ten dollars more. From July 30 to August 2, 2010 during the Phillies-Nats series at Nationals Park, we stayed at the Comfort Inn and Suites @ 7200 Baltimore Ave. in College Park, MD (home of the main campus of the University of Maryland), paying $US 114.99 per night. Both hotels were about five blocks (roughly 5/8 mile or 1 km) from public transportation.

Jim

Jim, I also have that Choice Privileges card and in fact I have a few freebie nights due. I think that is my favorite chain.

I agree about the Comfort Inn family of hotels. We also like Hampton Inns. I don't know if they're in the UK, and their price can creep up, but I can't remember ever having had a bad experience there.