Originally Posted by midgrade

It's tough to answer your question, because the biggest issue with Choice is a complete lack of consistency between brands. Some Econo Lodges are cleaner and have better amenities, and a higher level of service than Quality Inns. Some Quality Inns are better than some Comfort Inns, etc. It really all comes down to the individual owner / franchisee and how much work they put into their properties. Corporate doesn't seem to do a very good job of holding the bad operators accountable.

That being said, Rodeways are actually the *most* consistent chain; consistently bad. I'm not a snob - I'm actually a big fan of Choice in general. But that's one chain I just can't stay in. They are pretty comparable to Motel 6 (many are actually just re-flagged Motel 6s): very basic accomodations, rough neighborhoods, questionable maintenance, shady people hanging out in the parking lots...

Econo Lodge is a different story. There are some real hidden gems in this chain. A lot of dumps too, so always consult online reviews. They are definitely value oriented, but as long as they're clean, they've got everything you need for a comfortable stay. Every now and then you'll find some with things like in-room whirlpools and extra large suites.

My advice to anyone who isn't familiar with Choice is: READ THE REVIEWS. There are a lot of properties that make for fantastic bang-for-your-buck stays, but many that are run-down, poorly maintained, and unsafe. Online reviews are usually pretty accurate, and can help you pick the good ones, and avoid the bad.