My problem is that (in the U.S., at least) I find the property quality varies quite dramatically with IHG depending on the hotel owner. There doesn't seem to be as much franchise enforcement as with Hilton. I've been at some really dreadful Crowne Plazas that I think were worse than any regular Hilton I've stayed at. I think Hamptons are a cut above HI Express (which also has breakfast, so I'm comparing on that basis) and more consistent.

I do think this varies with location, though. I stayed in an excellent HI Express in Amsterdam. What brands of hotels do you prefer to stay in?