Hilton HHonors - What to cut out at Hampton to bring prices lower?

My inspiration is Canarsie's post on HH creating a new budget brand. I don't mean to steal his thunder.

I would start with Hampton Inn, which I considered a budget brand up until a couple years ago, or less. They added features and the prices went up a good 30-50%. Some of that is a supply/demand issue, but at least half of the increase went to pay for the upgrades, IMO.

1. Hampton rooms are too big. You could cut the room size by 20% and I wouldn't miss it.

2. Not everyone eats breakfast. You could save a couple $ by eliminating egg patties and sausages. Stick with a strict continental.

3. Keep the pools but drop the exercise facility.

4. Lobbies are too big. Cut back breakfast, and you need less common space.

5. Cut out the newspaper. Yeah I know you can opt out. It's crap. You want USA Today, buy one at the gas station next door.

6. Cut back the TV selection. I don't watch it. It's all dreck. Provide less dreck.

7. Fancy linens, alarm clocks and shower rods. Gone.

8. Cheaper materials. Carpets, front desks.

What I'd keep:

1. The mattresses. If I want a lumpy, 30 year old mattress, I'll go to Europe.

2. Continental breakfast and in-room coffee. There has to be a free option.

3. The toiletries couldn't get cheaper. No savings there.

Remember, this would be a budget chain. Your changes?

I've stayed in more Hamptons than I can count in the past few years, and the brand has a consistency of product unmatched by any other Hilton brands. Yeah, it's more expensive now, but so are many hotel brands, and I've found that other chains in Hampton's category are hit-or-miss. This brand is one of Hilton's success stories, and my thoughts are echoed by many business associates who have noticed similar changes and consider the brand to provide good value for $ spent.

I've stayed in more Hamptons than I can count in the past few years, and the brand has a consistency of product unmatched by any other Hilton brands. Yeah, it's more expensive now, but so are many hotel brands, and I've found that other chains in Hampton's category are hit-or-miss. This brand is one of Hilton's success stories, and my thoughts are echoed by many business associates who have noticed similar changes and consider the brand to provide good value for $ spent.

Amen to that. In my travels, Hampton offers the most consistent product and reliable, predictable experience of any chain out there, along with a fair, if not extremely good, value IMO. All off the cutbacks outlined by the OP are exactly what make a Hampton better than your generic off-brand hotel and create brand loyalty...by eliminating things such as the hot breakfast, large rooms, and welcoming lobbies, you might as well have a Days Inn.

The point is well taken, however, that Hilton should have a discount brand. But, judging from the improvements that they have made to the previously budget Hampton brand, it apparently makes more money and satisfies more customers to operate a mid-range chain: from my perspective, I certainly appreciate the upgrades, and am willing to pay for them.

Amen to that. In my travels, Hampton offers the most consistent product and reliable, predictable experience of any chain out there, along with a fair, if not extremely good, value IMO. All off the cutbacks outlined by the OP are exactly what make a Hampton better than your generic off-brand hotel and create brand loyalty...by eliminating things such as the hot breakfast, large rooms, and welcoming lobbies, you might as well have a Days Inn.

The point is well taken, however, that Hilton should have a discount brand. But, judging from the improvements that they have made to the previously budget Hampton brand, it apparently makes more money and satisfies more customers to operate a mid-range chain: from my perspective, I certainly appreciate the upgrades, and am willing to pay for them.

A Hampton Inn without these add-on's is nothing but a Day's Inn. I hope they keep Hampton just the way it is. Except maybe be more careful where they build their new locations. See http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=692773

What would Hilton want to bring prices lower? :confused: I'm with smmrfld on this one: the brand is a success story, and its average revenues per room are telling that story. People are willing to pay extra for Hampton because they execute well - better than any other roadside motel chain. Clearly, if people weren't willing to pay extra for Hampton Inn, the prices would fall back to whatever the other hotels at that highway exit were charging.

I posted on the other thread that I tend to see Hampton about $10-20 higher than Fairfield. My last several roadies have been all-Hampton: it's worth it.

Cutting all those amenities probably wouldn't make a dent in their expenses. If they could figure out ways to save on taxes, utility costs and salaries/benefits they would probably save a fortune.

I'd be willing to deal with the following if it meant a lower rate.
- hot shower being limited to 10 minutes
- low flush toilets
- Waiting a few minutes extra to be checked in at a front desk with 1-2 people instead of 2-5.
- Getting rid of in-room internet and tech support (can use dial up or vpn if needed)
- Maid service every other day instead of every day or as requested.
- Combined bellman/front desk/concierge duties
- Automated check in/ check out
- Last but not least... Outsourced front desk :)

Don't fix what ain't broken.

I'd be willing to deal with the following if it meant a lower rate.
- hot shower being limited to 10 minutes

:eek:

Don't fix what ain't broken.

I agree with Eugene, but I also see the point with the higher prices. I stay in the standard Hamptons in Roc and I have seen prices climb from sub $90 to just about $130 for a night. The rooms are still the same size, and the furniture is new, but still the same, the upgrades have been in the linens and the breakfast. I doubt swapping out the curved shower rod will save too much, most of the gyms cater more to the coveted business crowd than a pool would, although one Roc location is installing a new pool. If they were to cut back to the basic continental breakfast, I doubt we would see much of a savings.

My company has no problem with me paying $130-180 a night if I'm staying at a Hampton Inn. Funny thing is that some of my coworkers have been chastised by the bean counters for staying on cheaper Priceline stays at Hyatts.

My inspiration is Canarsie's post on HH creating a new budget brand. I don't mean to steal his thunder.

I would start with Hampton Inn, which I considered a budget brand up until a couple years ago, or less. They added features and the prices went up a good 30-50%. Some of that is a supply/demand issue, but at least half of the increase went to pay for the upgrades, IMO.

1. Hampton rooms are too big. You could cut the room size by 20% and I wouldn't miss it.

2. Not everyone eats breakfast. You could save a couple $ by eliminating egg patties and sausages. Stick with a strict continental.

3. Keep the pools but drop the exercise facility.

4. Lobbies are too big. Cut back breakfast, and you need less common space.

5. Cut out the newspaper. Yeah I know you can opt out. It's crap. You want USA Today, buy one at the gas station next door.

6. Cut back the TV selection. I don't watch it. It's all dreck. Provide less dreck.

7. Fancy linens, alarm clocks and shower rods. Gone.

8. Cheaper materials. Carpets, front desks.

What I'd keep:

1. The mattresses. If I want a lumpy, 30 year old mattress, I'll go to Europe.

2. Continental breakfast and in-room coffee. There has to be a free option.

3. The toiletries couldn't get cheaper. No savings there.

Remember, this would be a budget chain. Your changes? you overlooked the most important differentiator..

quit giving away points.

you want cheap, no points for you, next!

Am I the only person who actually tries to get in a workout when I travel, be it for work or vacation? When I'm not on the road, I have a consistent routine, and I try to keep to it when I travel. Unless they had some sort of agreement with a nearby health club for a reduced fee (say $10), getting rid of the fitness room would put me elsewhere. I like the flexibility of walking from my room to wherever, and the flexibile hours. I've stayed at some properties (such as the SNA/Disneyland Hilton) specifically for their workout facilities. At least the Hampton's treadmill, lifecycle, and padded matt give me some stuff to do.

I've looked at that egg thing in the breakfast buffet many times, and every time it just makes my stomach turn. Just put out some hard-boiled eggs and I'd be fine. I'd probably be fine without anything hot even. Again, I try to eat somewhat healthy, especially when I'm on the road.

Wow, I'd have sworn I'd read nothing but complaints here since the prices at Hamptons started to rise. Now that they HH lurkers have seen all this loyalty, expect that trend to continue.

Me, if it's my dime, I'll occasionally look for something cheaper. The things I listed are things I could live without for a $25 a night rate reduction. I realize some of you care about all these things and all of you care about some of these things. I just thought it would be an interesting exercise. You can go back to your $130 hampton Inn rooms now and watch tv.

Am I the only person who actually tries to get in a workout when I travel, be it for work or vacation?

No, I am the same. I actually mostly stay Hyatt because they are re-vamping all their fitness facilities. This is increasingly important I think.

I don't agree that Hamptons have gone up in price because of upgrades. Travel costs have gone up across the board in the past few years because of economics. I see lots of hotels charging 20-50% more now than they did 24 months ago. It's not just Hampton.

I agree with most others here that Hilton should not cheapen Hampton Inn. I enjoy most of the amenities Hampton offers. If I wanted to do without them I'd stay at a Comfort Inn, Ramada, or Best Western.

Moreover, I'm skeptical about the value of Hilton creating a lower-price brand that slots in below Hampton. A cheap low-end offering can damage the brand value of the high-end properties. IMHO, Marriott has already shown this with Fairfield Inn. A short sampling of the MR forum will show you how much FI is reviled. People there regularly suggest HI as a better alternative!

I don't agree that Hamptons have gone up in price because of upgrades. Travel costs have gone up across the board in the past few years because of economics. I see lots of hotels charging 20-50% more now than they did 24 months ago. It's not just Hampton.

I agree with most others here that Hilton should not cheapen Hampton Inn. I enjoy most of the amenities Hampton offers. If I wanted to do without them I'd stay at a Comfort Inn, Ramada, or Best Western.

Moreover, I'm skeptical about the value of Hilton creating a lower-price brand that slots in below Hampton. A cheap low-end offering can damage the brand value of the high-end properties. IMHO, Marriott has already shown this with Fairfield Inn. A short sampling of the MR forum will show you how much FI is reviled. People there regularly suggest HI as a better alternative!
Agree 100%. We've had our corporate rate at some low-end motels rise from $90 to $130, and Hamptom rise from $130 to $170. That now makes HI just that more attractive b/c it's that much easier to justify staying at HI. Heck, it even makes it easier to justify staying at HGI or Hilton when you can get the cost around $200.

I can understand if you are paying from your own pocket the increase in hotel industry rates over all suck, but that is the way it is across the board, not just with HI.

Amen to that. In my travels, Hampton offers the most consistent product and reliable, predictable experience of any chain out there, along with a fair, if not extremely good, value IMO. All off the cutbacks outlined by the OP are exactly what make a Hampton better than your generic off-brand hotel and create brand loyalty...by eliminating things such as the hot breakfast, large rooms, and welcoming lobbies, you might as well have a Days Inn.

I agree for the most part they are at 100 bucks a night, or less. That is a fair price. Days inn, Motel 6 etc are in $60 a night. the people paying those rates are only looking at price and will go to who ever is cheapest, for the most part. You can not build a loyal national following with that.

My inspiration is Canarsie's post on HH creating a new budget brand. I don't mean to steal his thunder.

I would start with Hampton Inn, which I considered a budget brand up until a couple years ago, or less. They added features and the prices went up a good 30-50%. Some of that is a supply/demand issue, but at least half of the increase went to pay for the upgrades, IMO.

1. Hampton rooms are too big. You could cut the room size by 20% and I wouldn't miss it.

2. Not everyone eats breakfast. You could save a couple $ by eliminating egg patties and sausages. Stick with a strict continental.

3. Keep the pools but drop the exercise facility.

4. Lobbies are too big. Cut back breakfast, and you need less common space.

5. Cut out the newspaper. Yeah I know you can opt out. It's crap. You want USA Today, buy one at the gas station next door.

6. Cut back the TV selection. I don't watch it. It's all dreck. Provide less dreck.

7. Fancy linens, alarm clocks and shower rods. Gone.

8. Cheaper materials. Carpets, front desks.

What I'd keep:

1. The mattresses. If I want a lumpy, 30 year old mattress, I'll go to Europe.

2. Continental breakfast and in-room coffee. There has to be a free option.

3. The toiletries couldn't get cheaper. No savings there.

Remember, this would be a budget chain. Your changes?

everything You want to cut out is exactly what alot of people told Hilton Hampton was missing.

So the answer is very simple dont stay at HIs, try Super 8s, Best Westerns, Ramadas, Days Inn. No need for HH to change all that needs to be done is for You to change.

BTW I also dont need that stuff and with rates well over $100 a night before taxes I've heeded my own advice, I havent had a paid HH stay since last Dec, Ive done Mariotts where I get most of that stuff but at a far reduced rate then HIs are.

Hilton has successfully positioned the Hampton Inn brand at the top of the limted service market. They aren't going to back off on any of the amenities now. Hampton Inn has a premium brand name with premium amenities, and now can command a premium price, like it or not.

those wooden laptop holders on the bed could go. they just seem to get in the way.

everything You want to cut out is exactly what alot of people told Hilton Hampton was missing.

So the answer is very simple dont stay at HIs, try Super 8s, Best Westerns, Ramadas, Days Inn. No need for HH to change all that needs to be done is for You to change.

BTW I also dont need that stuff and with rates well over $100 a night before taxes I've heeded my own advice, I havent had a paid HH stay since last Dec, Ive done Mariotts where I get most of that stuff but at a far reduced rate then HIs are.

I have actually done the same as well, and explored a couple of the other chains. I like Hampton Inn, but I don't need everything they offer (that's true of other chains as well). I don't find the consistency that others have mentioned at the low end chains I've tried. In fact, BW would be the poster child for inconsistency. I think there's a market for a stripped down Hilton-run concept that would take the place of the original Hampton Inns, now that HI has moved to mid-tier. And I would design it by starting with Hampton and subtracting items as opposed to building from scratch.

The little hand lotion bottle
The little chocolate mint

I have actually done the same as well, and explored a couple of the other chains. I like Hampton Inn, but I don't need everything they offer (that's true of other chains as well). I don't find the consistency that others have mentioned at the low end chains I've tried. In fact, BW would be the poster child for inconsistency. I think there's a market for a stripped down Hilton-run concept that would take the place of the original Hampton Inns, now that HI has moved to mid-tier. And I would design it by starting with Hampton and subtracting items as opposed to building from scratch.

regardless of what we want, I dont think HH wants to have a so called Sub-HI chain. After all they could have kept all those Lousy HIs they threw out of the program over the last few yrs. Nor do they want people to associate Hilton with No-Frills

HIs are the top of the Motels, maybe HGI are as well. SPG wont even get into a HI type. And Marriotts FIs are a far cry from HIs.

very bad move to drop the full breakfast and eliminate the exercise room. would never stay there.

regardless of what we want, I dont think HH wants to have a so called Sub-HI chain. After all they could have kept all those Lousy HIs they threw out of the program over the last few yrs. Nor do they want people to associate Hilton with No-Frills

HIs are the top of the Motels, maybe HGI are as well. SPG wont even get into a HI type. And Marriotts FIs are a far cry from HIs.

I figured they got rid of the ones with outside room entrances. I wouldn't resurrect any of those. I don't even know if any chain is building that model anymore.

What to cut out? I cut out the Hampton stays. I'm finding that on weekends especially I can often get better or equivalent rates at a DT, HGI or even ES than at HI.

I figured they got rid of the ones with outside room entrances. I wouldn't resurrect any of those. I don't even know if any chain is building that model anymore.

true, but alot of the trouble cam ewhen Yep people on FT were complaining how HI is nothing special and they wont stay there as Not enough offered for breakfast an dno Hot food, no excerise room, no biz room , wnted better bedding and new fancy mattresses. So Hilton did all of that , but it had to come at a price to the ones staying Millions werent gone be Invested and the rates stay the same.

alot of older Interior corridor places had to get rid of a couple of rooms they were able to rent out, that was for the excerise room and biz room with computer. since most of those werent the models with 200 rooms but less then 100 well rates had to go up to make up for teh loss revenue thats besides recapping the costs.

My inspiration is Canarsie's post on HH creating a new budget brand. I don't mean to steal his thunder.Don’t worry, BamaVol — you are not “stealing my thunder.”

Although I appreciate the thought you put into this proposal, I would not advocate stripping any of the amenities out of what is currently offered by the Hampton Inn brand.

I also am not looking for a Motel 6. There is a difference between “cheap” and “inexpensive”.

While the improvements and consistency of Hampton Inn properties systemwide certainly increased their value, to me the marginal to dramatic increase in room rates at Hampton Inn properties significantly diminished that increase in value. Value, to me, is what one gets for one’s money.

I simply wish that the room rates were lower by a minimum of approximately US$20.00 per night. This way, Hampton Inn properties would still have higher room rates and a higher perceived value than their competitors without cheapening the brand, in my opinion, while attracting more quality customers.

Of course, if they are filling rooms with those higher room rates, this whole point is moot.I figured they got rid of the ones with outside room entrances. I wouldn't resurrect any of those. I don't even know if any chain is building that model anymore.I recently stayed in three different renovated Hampton Inn properties whose rooms are accessed by exterior entrances, and I know there are others.

Of course, if they are filling rooms with those higher room rates, this whole point is moot.

Bingo.

true, but alot of the trouble cam ewhen Yep people on FT were complaining how HI is nothing special and they wont stay there as Not enough offered for breakfast an dno Hot food, no excerise room, no biz room , wnted better bedding and new fancy mattresses.

I'm pretty sure those are the same ones complaining about the higher rates. If HI made all these changes for business travellers, it can't be for the HH elits, because they don't match the other HH chains in miles or bonuses or recognition. When I stay at a Hampton Inn, I might as well be a Silver or Blue.

And Westcoaster makes a good point. I think the places stay full on weekends with leisure travellers. Occupancy must be good.

But, I want less when I'm paying and more when my employer pays. I'll seldom be ecstatic at a HI over the last year.

I just remembered that on my last HI stay the shuttle driver recognized me from prior stays and asked me how much I had paid for the room. (She brought up the price issue, I didn't). She then suggested that I contact the manager and ask for a lower rate on future stays. It surprised me that a hotel employee would initiate such a discussion. Perhaps there is an awareness that the higher rates could scare off regular customers. Or maybe she just wanted a tip. :) I told her that my next weekend stay was scheduled to be at a DT because they had the same rate as the HI with a better breakfast, nicer room, etc. Maybe I'll take her suggestion and see what the HI manager says...

Hampton's are my favorite part of the HHonors family, even when someone else is paying. One reason only: exercise room - on-site or off-

I never touch anything but fruit at breakfast.

I don't recall anyone suggesting they ditch the free HSIA. I imagine it isn't that expensive to offer, except in term of opportunity cost - what they could charge, but don't.

Hampton's are my favorite part of the HHonors family, even when someone else is paying. One reason only: exercise room - on-site or off-

I never touch anything but fruit at breakfast.

I don't recall anyone suggesting they ditch the free HSIA. I imagine it isn't that expensive to offer, except in term of opportunity cost - what they could charge, but don't.

Me thinks they are charging its just its factored into the rates rather then as a separate charge as most do. So then those who dont avail themselves of it are really paying for it just the same. Id rather that they lower the rates by $10 and charge those who want it $10.

It wasnt cheap to have to make an existing Hotel wired up. Alot less to include it when building a new place.

Me thinks they are charging its just its factored into the rates rather then as a separate charge as most do. So then those who dont avail themselves of it are really paying for it just the same. Id rather that they lower the rates by $10 and charge those who want it $10.

It wasnt cheap to have to make an existing Hotel wired up. Alot less to include it when building a new place.

Well, you could make a lot of things ala carte. Breakfast - that's how it's done at Courtyard. Business center? Workout room? Porno movies - oh, wait.

I have actually done the same as well, and explored a couple of the other chains. I like Hampton Inn, but I don't need everything they offer (that's true of other chains as well). I don't find the consistency that others have mentioned at the low end chains I've tried. In fact, BW would be the poster child for inconsistency. I think there's a market for a stripped down Hilton-run concept that would take the place of the original Hampton Inns, now that HI has moved to mid-tier. And I would design it by starting with Hampton and subtracting items as opposed to building from scratch.
I only stay at HI when that is all their is. I am thrilled that Monroe, LA now has a HGI. I think I only stay in HI in very rural areas.

IMHO, Marriott has already shown this with Fairfield Inn. A short sampling of the MR forum will show you how much FI is reviled. People there regularly suggest HI as a better alternative!Not me, baby. I probably do 60-70 nights a year in FIs, and I used to do well over 100. Never found one that didn't satisfy me. Of course, it's all coming out of my per diem, so a $130/night anything is not in the cards.

Having said that, I'm also a Hilton Diamond, and I didn't get it with cigar coupons. Lots of Hamptons and every now and then a HGI if I can get it a gov't rate.

Most I've ever paid for a Hampton/HGI/FI/CY is about $79/night, and then only when I absolutely had to have some nights/stays in for a promo/status.

When the price is up there and the current promotion status is such that it's not worth my while, I'm at the Motel 6.

So you can imagine how important I feel the breakfast or fitness center is. :)

I think that downgrading Hampton Inns in order to "bring prices lower" is an idea whose time has NOT come. :rolleyes:

As for suggestions like "low-flush toilets," all new construction (which many HIs are) has those anyway. So, NO savings there.

"Limiting showers to 10 minutes?" Sorry, Hampton Inn is NOT a youth hostel -- but come to think of it, even those hostels that I've stayed in don't have this restriction!!! :rolleyes:

Taking away the free breakfast? But the convenience and simplicity of starting one's day with that is part of the Hampton's appeal.

Replacing the bedding with lesser quality? Although Hampton has recently upgraded its sheets and pillows, they are still FAR from being of premium quality. @:-)

Hilton has worked hard to upgrade Hampton, and they've succeeded to a great extent. ^ I don't get why ANYONE would think that they would suddently reverse course and deliberately try to make it into a sleazy, el-cheapo motel brand. :confused: :confused: :confused: :td:

As several members have noted, they have hotel chains like this already. Try La Quinta. I would love it if my travel budget could put me in a Hampton every time, but the LQ corporate rate we have and the incentive program usually means I'm at the LQ.

5. Cut out the newspaper. Yeah I know you can opt out.

Has anyone actually succeeded in doing so?


I tried once at a DT. Flustered clerk dismissed the issue with a remark like "Well ... it's complimentary for Hilton elites, so you're not going to actually be charged for a paper as such ..."

Has anyone actually succeeded in doing so?


I tried once at a DT. Flustered clerk dismissed the issue with a remark like "Well ... it's complimentary for Hilton elites, so you're not going to actually be charged for a paper as such ..."

What a load of crap that was! And, shouldn't the room rate be $0.75 less on the weekend?

2. Not everyone eats breakfast. You could save a couple $ by eliminating egg patties and sausages. Stick with a strict continental.

You can eliminate the eggs (ugh -- in any form) but don't eliminate the sausage. In fact, make it a part of the franchise agreement that all HIs have to serve biscuits and gravy like the enlightened ones already do. ^

5. Cut out the newspaper.

"Newspaper." Agree. Or, better, have a local paper at my door in the morning. HHV used to do this.

7. Fancy linens, alarm clocks and shower rods. Gone.

Please don't get rid of the curved shower rod. It's always ucky to take a shower in a place where the shower curtain attaches to your shins.

Don't fix what ain't broken.

Wise man.


those wooden laptop holders on the bed could go. they just seem to get in the way.

Agree. They are a pain.

"Newspaper." Agree. Or, better, have a local paper at my door in the morning. HHV used to do this.

The hotel doesn't get charged a penny for the paper. The only reason they get it is due to that disclosure that you can get $.75 back. If the disclosure ain't there, then we (my company audits the papers) get them in trouble.

Not like the hotels really know what to do if a customer does actually ask for their money back.

"Newspaper." Agree. Or, better, have a local paper at my door in the morning. HHV used to do this.


I regularly stay at a Hampton Inn and Suites that provides both a local paper and USAToday daily during the week. I appreciate that. I usually return the USAT to the lobby unless it's a travel day and I don't have a book handy. I wish more hotels in any chain would make a local paper available, and I wish that those who do would extend it to weekends.

...............I wish more hotels in any chain would make a local paper available, and I wish that those who do would extend it to weekends.

I agree. Fortunately most local papers cost $0.25-$0.50 each so I can easily budget for one each day if desired or required. I love the nice free WSJ at the LAX HGI though.

MisterNice

I agree. Fortunately most local papers cost $0.25-$0.50 each so I can easily budget for one each day if desired or required. I love the nice free WSJ at the LAX HGI though.

MisterNice

Where I stay in the UK, they always ask at check-in if I'd like a paper and which one. I always ask for 2 and make sure one's tabloid. They're not free, but the delivery is. I'd rather reach out the door while in my skivies, than have to get dressed and walk down the street for the paper.

Where I stay in the UK, they always ask at check-in if I'd like a paper and which one. I always ask for 2 and make sure one's tabloid. They're not free, but the delivery is. I'd rather reach out the door while in my skivies, than have to get dressed and walk down the street for the paper.

Except for the colored (aka coloured) UK newspapers or the London freebies the remainder are full of neked girl photos and the recent sins of the UK pols. Take a Playboy or Penthouse in your briefcase and read it like a morning UK "newspaper" and you can do it without leaving your lumpy UK bed.

MisterNice

HI, for the most part, has quite a bit going for it. I'm not too sure I'd want to get rid of some of the reasons I stay there as opposed to other places:

1. Free high speed internet. This is a no-brainer, and it angers me when higher priced brands, like ES or Hilton, charge usurious rates for the access.

2. The beds. When I'm staying at a Hampton, my main concern is the comfortable bed. Whether this is through new or pillowtop mattresses(sp?), it is a deal-sealer for me. I agree with the Euro-mattress comment, and thats why the American brands are usually where I stay over there, except for some of the better Accor properties.

3. The breakfast. While certainly not up to ES standards, the free breakfast is better than a kick in the pants and if you want something quick, it is better than spending $15 at Dennys or Cracker Barrel.

4. Free Coffee. Please don't think about getting rid of the in-room coffee. I hate the Vegas strip hotels that do this. That morning cup of coffee while getting dressed, shaving, etc. makes all the difference.

I could see getting automated check in machines like the Etap and F1 hotels have in Europe. That does seem to make things a little easier.

I'm sorry, but I don't think the prices at Hampton are unreasonable. If I want something cheaper, I can always stay at a Fairfield, La Quinta, Days Inn, Ramada, or any one of the places in that category. I also choose not to stay at those properties unless I absolutely have to. The reasons a Hampton is often slightly more expensive than the cheaper competitors are the reasons I stay there — they are consistent, they have the best beds in this price category, and nice little touches like the curved shower curtain rods, lap desks (yes, I actually use that pretty often), free Internet, and slightly upgraded breakfasts.

All hotels have been going up in price the last couple of years. While the Hamptons that used to be $65/night are now charging $85-90, a Motel 6 in the same market that was charging $40/night two years ago may now be charging $50-60. I think it would be a huge step back for Hilton to take away all of the things that they've done to improve Hampton Inns over the last few years. Every Hampton I stay at regularly is always very full, and it doesn't appear they're having much trouble selling the rooms at the current rates, so what incentive does Hilton have to make the brand cheaper?

Me thinks they are charging its just its factored into the rates rather then as a separate charge as most do. So then those who dont avail themselves of it are really paying for it just the same. Id rather that they lower the rates by $10 and charge those who want it $10.

It wasnt cheap to have to make an existing Hotel wired up. Alot less to include it when building a new place.

Assuming it is factored into the rate, I personally prefer that to having to turn in a hotel expense bill with 12.95 a day for internet access. Alot of clients balk at paying those fees.

Also, parking is generally always free at HI versus alot of the other Hilton brands.

Agreed - one hour a day on the treadmill keeps me my road travels run much more smoothly, even in those HIs with less than adequate facilities.

No, I am the same. I actually mostly stay Hyatt because they are re-vamping all their fitness facilities. This is increasingly important I think.

Id rather that they lower the rates by $10 and charge those who want it $10.

That's not how it would work though. In order to lower the rates $10 for everybody, and not decrease revenue because, say, only 50% of people would be willing to pay extra for boradband access, hotel will need to charge those who need it $20 (or, if they charge $10, then rate can only be lowered $5). Naturally, that's a simplified explanation, but you get the gist...