Originally Posted by ohmark
The very fact that there is a question demonstrates the problem. FI is just where it should be, a quality economy product. Unrenovated Courtyards, by and large, have fallen a cut below the competition (and the competition shouldn't be Fairfield). Too many times I have chosen a Courtyard out of Marriott loyality, knowing I was getting an inferior product. From what I've seen in other threads, the renovated Courtyard product is fine. I've just never seen one.
I was all about loyalty to Marriott but I started to feel like a baby calf in the dark boxes they call CY hotel rooms. I maintain top tier with Hilton and Marriott so I can opt for an HGI when the new (or renovated) CY is not available. I tend to stay in one location for a week at a time and the HGI is even better than the RI....especially since summer is upon us and the families are in vacation mode. FI are out of the question unless I am in the middle of nowhere (ie: Statesville, NC). The new HI's are very impressive and the upgraded corner suites are a pleasant surprise. My business travel is mainly on the East Coast now and I notice that most of the CYs are new or renovated. There are also quite a few of the SHS properties.