• Hi Guest - Come check out all of the new CP Merch Shop! Now you can support CigarPass buy purchasing hats, apparel, and more...
    Click here to visit! here...

Budget Hotel Chains

Anthem

Anthem

Stay Thankful
Joined
Dec 10, 2007
Messages
2,063
Location
Atlanta, GA
Hello Family,

So along with this new job I am gong to be spending a lot of time in hotels. I am pretty used to that but I wanted to reach out and see what chains in the lower price points might offer the best loyalty programs. Are there chains that offer several hotel programs.

I have of course been searching this out online with the Google tool, but I know there has to be other people who travel enough to give some needed advice. Google also gambles a lot of scams on the subject.

Another note, these chains have to exist in the Midwest.

As always I thank you all so much for your time and considerations.
 
Sup Matt,
I like to stay in Hampton Inn hotels. They're everywhere, as a rule they're pretty clean, and they are part of the Hilton hotel chain so the loyalty program is good anywhere. Plus most of them allow smoking which is a big plus over Marriott properties in my book.
 
Hilton and Marriott are the front runners in the loyalty dept. I used to be a Hilton only traveler, but they recently changed their levels. I now primarily stay at Marriott and Hilton, I think you can get more value per point at Marriott these days. My suggestion though is that with whatever program you choose, don't waist your points for free nights 1 at a time. The best value is to let them accumulate and take them in week long blocks or use them for getaway packages.
 
I tend to look for Hampton for business travel because they are reliable and my clients do not argue over prices being billed to them. That being said, I think the Wyndham loyalty program may be the best. I have never really been able to use the Hampton/Hilton points while the Wyndham thing seems easier (Ramada, Super 8, Wingate, Microtel, HoJo, etc.).

Good luck!!!
 
mcavoyd said:
Anthem,

What kind of rates are we looking at? Is this your expenditure or the company you work for?
Click to expand...
Good question. Ultimately my expense but that is a complicated answer suffice to say I am looking for value. This is just a place to sleep, so rates close to the $50 to 70 range.

Tony makes a great point about Hilton and Marriott. I am a big Westin guy when staying matters a little more.

I am going to check into the Hampton's and the Microtels but would still love ideas.
 
Matthew, I travel for my work as well and stay in hotels usually two nights per week. If you're doing entertaining of customers like I do and aren't spending a great deal of time in your room, then hourly motels are the answer. That way you aren't spending for anything you aren't using and you get to know your neighbors via closed circuit TV. Why yes, I have had a few glasses of Templeton Rye, why do you ask? :laugh:

In all seriousness, and a little bit of sobriety, I usually stay in Marriott hotels. In moderately sized towns, the rates are pretty decent, probably $89-109/night while larger towns can get a little pricey. I also use Choice Hotels as a back up if I can't get a Marriott room. They are the Comfort Inn/Suites all the way down to the EconoLodge/Rodway Inns of the world and are fairly nice and easily found. I've stayed at Hampton's and have really enjoyed them and their smoking benefits as mentioned earlier. If you're not man enough for the hourly rate suggestion, then you've got a couple of options.
 
Matthew - I also travel a lot for work and I belong to most of the chain loyalty programs. Here is how I would rank them:

1. Intercontinental Priority Club (Intercontinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn & Express). You get a lot of bang for your buck at HI Express. Great business traveler hotel and they run a heck of a lot of promotions to double/triple your points. Using your points is easy and most of their hotels use the same tier system for redemption: Meaning you can get a good room at a fancy Intercontinental Resort using very few of the points you have amassed from several stays at their discount hotels. Their discounts amp up in the last quarter of the year.

2. Hilton Honors. Same as above. I really like Hampton Inn..in your price range.

3. Marriot Rewards - Decent selection of hotel varieties. Fairfield and Springhill Suites are comparable to Hampton and HI Express, but a little more spendy. Harder to earn/use points.

4. Starwood Starpoints - Fewer brands in your price range. A lot of luxury brands. Good points program though.


Everyone has different experiences with each brand. There are people at my company who would never stay at a Holiday Inn Express. Each brand has strengths in different price ranges, regions etc. I hope this helps.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top