Last month we asked which were the best of the big chain hotels that your fellow Mobal Members recommend. Here’s what they had to say…
1. Best Western
P. Samoszynski says:
In Europe, we’ve always been really happy with Best Western. We’ve found them clean, with pleasant staff and the free breakfasts are wonderful. BW points can be accumulated for free nights too or exchanged for frequent flyer points.
Karen Waldauer says:
I second Best Western, and add them in the US as well.
DMD says:
Europe: Best Western
Mary Carriero says:
I agree they are friendly and also free internet all over the world. I have stayed at BW in different countries.
In USA not as great.
2. Clarion Collection
Karen MacDonald says:
We just returned from Copenhagen, Denmark where we stayed at the Clarion Collection Hotel Mayfair on Helgolandsgade 3. We were able to exchange the night for 16,000 points and received a FREE full breakfast, FREE light evening buffet, FREE coffee, tea and fruit available 24 hours a day, FREE cake and coffee or tea in the afternoon, and FREE computer with internet access. With the $30 hamburger in Denmark, this was a real find! The room was small but comfortable!
3. Marriott
Karen Waldauer says:
Courtyard by Marriott is our second choice.
Sharon McMichael says:
Marriott has consistently offered great facilities, clean, roomy, and quality customer service both in the US and abroad.
Verena Hudson says:
Marriott Hotels are definitely the best! So accomodative for all price groups whether traveling in small towns in rural area or in big cities, long-term stays or just a quickie overnight sleepover! Marriott’s best; JW Marriott Resorts to the basic Fairfield Inns or need more space the Residence Inns or lower property Springhill Suites! Love their concierge/executive lounge too!
4. Kimpton
DMD says:
US: Kimpton
5. Minotel
Jeanne says:
In Europe, we have been happy with Minotel when needed as a convenient place near an airport for flying in or out.
6. Newer Hampton Inns
Joan says:
In the US we like the newer hampton inns. Rooms are nice. beds ok. best thing is they ALWAYS have breakfast from 6-10 AM. weekdays and weekends, Not like some other chains where the hours change on the weekend. If you want an early or late start you know ahead what time breakfast is served.
7. Ibis
Dennis says:
We prefer the family run local places, but for a chain we have always had good luck with Ibis for value and generally location.
8. Choice Chain Motels
Bud Bierman says:
I like the Choice Chain motels–especially the Comfort Inn, Sleep Inn, and Quality Inn; although a couple Quality Inns have been less that expected. They serve an adequate free breakfast and I especially like the reward program of stay 2 nights & get a free night.
9. Drury Inn and Suites
A. B. Kliefoth says:
In the US, I am very happy if I can locate a Drury Inn and Suites. They have nice accommodations, good rates,remarkable amenities (evening “snacks” and beverages, and a full breakfast), and, most importantly, they are all pet friendly.
10. Novatel
Mary O’Connor says:
We recently traved to France and stayed in 2 different Novatel hotels. They were up scale and medium priced. Very nice!
11. Hilton
Wilbur E. Anderson says:
The Hilton chain. Variety varies from lower price to top line, most at a very affordable price, and always good service. Beds have really improved. Now if only they would ditch the Duvays (and I aplogigze for the spelling).
12. LaQuinta
Darlene says:
I recently stayed at a newer LaQuinta just outside of San Antonio, TX on I-35. The room was wonderful… it was so clean, and the beds and pillows were the most comfortable I have ever slept on. The breakfast was great, and very convenient for the family.
Richard Dobrovolny says:
We like the LaQuinta’s. The one time we were disappointed they refunded our entire bill.
Agree or disagree? Leave your comments below…
Best Western is not really a chain but rather a reservation site for a group of independently owned properties. As such the quality may vary widely. BW on the door is not in and of itself a guarantee, although many are outstanding.
I agree with Richard Thomas, when I travel, I never stay in hotels. I always stay with the people of the country I am visiting whenever possible. Love the B&Bs and Pensiones. You miss alot about the country when you stay in inpersonal hotels.
It depends on the hotel. Just because a hotel is part of a large chain, that doesn’t necessarily make it an “American Hotel”. The BW (UK) hotel we usually stay at in England was formerly an aristocratic home with beautiful Italianate gardens. The BW one we’ve booked for next year was built in the 1740s as part of the “grand Design” in Bath. In Vienna, (also BW)it was an older building with a spiral staircase and lovely reading room overlooking the city. These hotels have definitely retained their charm and elegance, but they have the advantage that you know what standards to expect and you can often prepay your bill with no unpleasant surprises later. There is definitely a place for smaller pensions and B&Bs, but the question related to hotel (not “American”) chains that we would recommend.
Why do people travel to Europe and stay in American hotels ? You miss so much of the local culture and color when you do that it seems a waste.
I’d have to go with the majority re: Europe. We have found Best Westerns in Munich, Paris and Zurich to be great and inexpensive places to stay and yes, the breakfasts are superb. BW publishes a guide of its hotels in Europe; get your hands on one. There’s a BW in the opera district in Paris for 100 euros (for 2 people) that’s within walking distance of everywhere.