Originally Posted by
WasKnown
As a flag overall, I view Conrad strictly as Hilton+ and not Waldorf-. In this way, it is definitely a competition with JW (which is really just Marriott+). This is not only based on the quality of the soft/hard products of the Conrads I've seen but also how the free market prices Conrad hotels relative to other hotels in the area.
Agree that JW is the closest competitor.
Originally Posted by
WasKnown
Most US Conrads are strictly normal full-service hotels IMO. There are definitely some solid Conrads outside of the US but even then, they are seldom competitive with the best options in the city.
Not sure what you mean by "strictly normal," but even the U.S. Conrad properties are appreciably nicer than your typical Hilton, Marriott, or Hyatt property.
Originally Posted by
WasKnown
The Conrad flag has 0 Forbes five-star hotels despite having around 40 properties worldwide. St. Regis (which is the most critically acclaimed luxury points hotel brand) has 11 Forbes five-star hotels despite also having around 40 properties worldwide. The gap in average hotel quality is just too large for me to group these flags together.
I don't think anyone suggested that Conrad competes with St. Regis. Hilton would like to believe that Waldorf Astoria does, but in reality property quality varies too much, especially in the U.S.
Originally Posted by
simonsmith
There are certainly some DoubleTrees that are anything but modern and certainly memorable . The Dunblane Hydro for instance.
In my mind, the typical DoubleTree is akin to a reflagged Ramada or Wyndham. But there are a number of distinctive DoubleTree properties that would probably be a better fit under one of the more recently introduced portfolio brands. Could easily see Dunblane Hydro and The Wit Chicago as Curio Collection hotels, for example. But at this point, probably not worth the effort to rebrand.