In the US there are a few kinds of places where I routinely look beyond chain hotels. One of them is areas of great natural beauty. Independent hotels are often built to offer unique views that cookie-cutter chain brands often ignore, as in the comparison pictures you posted. Of course, independent ownership is no guarantee of a great view. There could just as easily be an independent hotel downtown in an unremarkable business area catering to travelers who want to minimize travel time, while a hotel atop the hill has joined one of the franchisors. Travelers must always look at what's on offer without carrying overriding preconceptions about whether name brands are good or bad.