Chain hotels depress me. They remind me of that soul-less corporate landscape those of us who travel for work must endure day to day. I absolutely avoid Hamptons, Hilton Garden Inns, etc for their lack of imagination and their cookie cutter feel.

HOWEVER, as a points hound I seek out properties they own that are different. Marriott has some resort properties too. So staying at the Marriott resort near Garden of the Gods is nothing like staying at one in some uban sprawl exurb.

Funny you say Holiday Inn. I find that THEY are the ones that have the most variation between properties now..from 1970's hangovers to very chic style properties and everything inbetween.

And I also Airbnb with foreign travel when I can.