Originally Posted by
SamirD
From mid-1990s, not many, but going back to the late 80s, I've noticed that overall square footage has dropped, mostly because rooms aren't as long as they used to be. No brand in particular, I've just seen it on the plans of to be constructed properties or recent constructions. I'm sure it can also vary in different regions and markets.
In the 1980's and earlier, what were the primary choices for the kinds of rural/suburban hotels we're talking about here? Brands like the original Holiday Inn and Howard Johnson's come to mind. Maybe Ramada was more of a common brand then?
I guess I look at it the other way and say our total choices are much greater now. We have all of these "minisuite" brands and full-suite brands to choose from if we want space.
From a standard room perspective, I'll admit I've never measured the square footage of an HIX, Hampton, Fairfield, etc. room. They always seem fine to me. The places I feel the most cramped are older hotels in Europe, especially in boutique or non-chain hotels where each room may be individually bookable, eliminating upgrades and the like.
Originally Posted by
darthbimmer
BW groups its hotels into 3 tiers: basic, Plus, and Premier. I've stayed with a few of the Plus properties and found them comparable to a Hampton Inn or Holiday Inn Express. I haven't stayed at any of the basic BW properties as they've generally looked like lower end, motor-court style motels. Have your "miss" experiences been at these basic properties or one of the uplevel brands?
Interesting...this prompted me to do a few queries. The basic BW's are what I remember. A straight motel look, some with exterior doors, very mom & pop feel. The BW Pluses and Premiers look like they could be on par with a Hampton Inn or HGI...it's hard to tell. The look more suburban than rural, interior hallways, newer buildings, etc. Places I wouldn't mind getting as a Priceline result, although it's probably not enough to make me want to jump in with both feet to their frequent guest program.