Thanks for all the comments, even the unhelpful ones.
If Starwood didn't have the Aloft, Element or 4 Points brands, then this would be a non-issue. My issue is that it is frustrating that the chain I want to support, is not where I want to be. They have 2-3 properties in Richmond and then 3-4 properties all in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, and a vast nothingness.
And if you think that HGIs are coach compared to Aloft or 4 Points, then you're nuts. I stayed at the Aloft on Sunday night. The room was sleek, but a little dirty with some maintenance issues and the service was not great.
I stay at Starwood properties when I can. I just wonder if their plans are to dump all their brands in major population centers. From my business perspective, you lose a lot of loyalty customers who don't always visit large cities for work. That's all.