Originally Posted by
EuropeanPete
In general, I struggle to understand what to me looks like a large overlap between Ritz Carlton -> JW Marriott -> Marriott -> Courtyard. Obviously RC's are not like Courtyards, but these brands seem pretty much confused across the range. The last Courtyard (Phoenix, AZ) I stayed at was quite expensive but also passably nice. It had just had a partial refurb (but needed more), but had a decent enough room, a pleasant outside area and a passable gym. Where it was different to a "full service" Marriott was the lack of a proper restaurant, and I can't remember if they offered room service.
The restaurant is often the biggest different between CY and the full service Marriotts, along with architecture. CYs tend to be 2-3 floors in most cases.
But what you've hit on in your example is important. Each property still retains it's individual identity. They can be newer, older, remodeled or not, have extra amenities. I've certainly stayed in CYs that are nicer than FS Marriotts. You can only compare across brands at a general level, there are exceptions within each brand, positive and negative.