Midrange is a very broad term which makes comparisons difficult. For example, is a Comfort Suites (different from a Comfort Inn or Quality Inn and Suites) comparable to a Hampton Inn? Courtyard by Marriott?

Another factor to consider is that some chains are in the process of updating their hotels. A property renovated in 2013 is going to have a different feel from one which was last renovated in 2006. A big city will likely have several properties belonging to the same chain and even more belonging to the same rewards program. There are some properties which may be preferable to others even though they're part of a chain which is lower on the totem pole, so to speak.

Some chains also have a lot of properties acquired from other chains. This makes it difficult to compare properties within the same chain.

For a long term stay or frequent stays at the same property, figure out what you're looking for in a hotel and research the individual properties. This is often easier to do in person, so you might want to book a couple nights somewhere and then spend a couple hours looking at hotels once you get there.

While this is FlyerTalk, don't forget to look at independent properties or properties which might not have as good of a rewards program as you might like the property better or can get a better deal. For example, I often like to swim at hotels. A number of hotels built in the 1960s are allowed to have 8-10 feet deep pools without lifeguards. Such pools can be a lot more enjoyable than wading around the 3-5 feet deep pools common in newer properties.