One reason a lot of people I know stay at Courtyards has to do with the perceived brand image as a "middle" tier hotel and it's acceptance as an "always ok choice" by budget (accounting) folks.

Even if it is MORE expensive than a FS, in my industry it can be perceived in poor taste to stay at a FS hotel while traveling for work, particularly a 'fancy' FS hotel. This recently came up in a conversation I had with a colleague who works elsewhere -- she found an amazing rate at a Ritz Carlton that was like $150/night, while the nearby CY-type hotels were $225+. Got chewed out by her budget people because it "looked bad" that she stayed at a Ritz, even though the cost was less than other non-FS hotels nearby.

I know that's silly thinking, and not rational (ultimately if the issue is keeping travel expenses down), but may help explain the popularity with biz travelers (particularly those work in non-profit world, or education, or government).