Originally Posted by
joshua362
I think the "for business travelers - designed by business travelers" is possibly the most effective marketing disinformation campaign ever invented. I've stayed in 15 different CY's before swearing off them forever. Smoke, noise, bed bugs, disinterested Management, pedestrian rooms, high rates, no PLT benefits, tiny TVs, etc, I've experienced it all. Just tired and old, at least the one's I've sworn off.
The slogan should be, "Designed by business travelers for business travelers --
in 1985." The design has grown stale over the years, along with many of the buildings, and other chains have surpassed its offerings. Even internal competitors like Fairfield are doing better in many cases. That's probably why I'm seeing some CYs priced lower than FIs in the same neighborhoods....
Staying at CYs is not why or how I've become a Marriott elite. I earned that primarily through staying at FS properties overseas, where I've found MR offers more options and more affordable options than other US chains. I've shifted over from HH to MR as my travel patterns have changed. If I were still traveling mostly within the US and staying at mid-tier hotels, I'd stick with HH. Hamptons, Hilton Gardens, and Embassy Suites are much better than CYs, FIs, and RIs. Or maybe I'd even switch to Priority Club. After all, there's a HIX in Bishop, CA....