Originally Posted by
eponymous_coward
I don’t think your point about HIXs being more upscale outside the U.S. is unique to that brand or chain. I can think of several non-IHG hotels I’ve been at (4P Sukhumvit, Aloft Soi 11, HP London City East) where the hotel quality and services really exceeds what you would get in the U.S. My guess is the owner wants the U.S. branding but a lower chain like HIX or 4P or HP costs less than Crowne Plaza/Westin/Hyatt Regency. You attract American dollars looking for a reasonably priced option they are familiar with and then you exceed expectations…
I feel the much newer, built for purpose, low cost IHG brands these days both inside or outside US, far exceed what their older siblings are. The unfortunately part is, people already have an existing perception on those brands (HI, HIX, CP), especially the Americans, it is hard to make them try those much newer properties.
Staybridge is one of our preferred IHG brands that is not mentioned here. The Staybridge at Vauxhall is our first choice on our London sojourn - they treat even lowly Plats like us very well. We always got upgrade to the much larger studio (each one is equipped with a mini yet very functional kitchenette. The breakfast is carefully prepared - many ingredients are organic, lots of options on yogurts and juices, and the hot meat rotates everyday. The breakfast there is far better than many US Marriott properties incl the full service one that have a lounge. Staybridge also has a tradition - encourage people to brownbag their breakfasts if they are in a rush. That is a very handy feature for both leisure or business travelers.
In general we found IHG properties tend to give recognition better than BonVoy properties, by a wide margin. The lowly Plat can be had with a Chase CC, yet we get drink vouchers, welcome treats, occasional room upgrades, and the shocker of all, a breakfast voucher at Kimpton Monaco Philly recently! The breakfast voucher value is even HIGHER than what The Notary Autograph Philly gave to us, $50 vs $40! And I am Marriott Plat that should get complementary breakfast to begin with, while complementary breakfast at IHG is only available to Diamond.