Originally Posted by
Danny Martello
Just came across this thread. Makes me wonder what is going on in the US. In the hotel market specifically. Haven't been there for more than a decade and have no desire to return. I used to visit frequently.
My opinion is that in Europe the chains have a lower market share, so face increased competition which drives up quality (with some exceptions) as branded hotels need to justify a higher price (to pay license fees) compared to independent hotels:
- In US, over 75% of hotel capacity was chain managed or franchised in 2021.
- In Europe, only 40% of hotel capacity was chain managed or franchised in 2021 (up from 36% in 2014, so you can see the direction of travel).
Personally, I have no issue with Hilton adding a low-end brand like Spark (in the same way as I wasn't bothered when they added a high end brand like LXR) - it gives more a bit more choice and in the same way as I can trade-off Hilton vs HGI, I can do the same with Spark vs Hampton Inn etc. Nobody is forcing me to book a Spark....