I'm a 365-day a year hotel guy and spend the bulk of my time in mid-level hotels like this. So forgive me for broadening the discussion a bit. And for rambling.

Though I typically spend 100 years each with Hyatt, Starwood and Hilton chains, I'm a Hyatt lover, first and foremost. I'd spend more time with Hyatt if they had hotels where my clients are - Spokane, Des Moines, Fresno... Hyatt Place may be the entree into these markets.

But Hyatt Place has uniformly disappointed me. I've yet to stay in one that was fully converted to the HP brand image. I've heard that there are exceptions - hotels that really have fully converted - and, someday, presumably all the conversions will be complete. But the process has left me disenchanted and skeptical about brand/hotel management. Additionally, HP does not post any 'local' pictures and little local information of any type. They're, for now, entirely off my list.

Fitness rooms/gyms are of considerable interest to me. That's part of the reason I'm bummed about the Hyatt Place situation; the hope for decent gyms is there. Hilton Garden Inns are spotty, and the websites are inconsistent about showing pictures. But, in general, I like HGIs for their consistency, business traveler orientation and nice breakfasts for HHonors Diamonds. All else being equal, I prefer Hamptons, but they're even MORE inconsistent; many offer passes to local gyms. Neither, however, offers much in the way of status-based upgrades.

I like Sheraton's Four Points brands too. Better beds. Same upgrade situation. But wildly inconsistent. Many are being renovated. Keep an open mind with respect to this option.

Courtyards have been in my experience, more consistent. I don't have enough Marriott status to receive special treatment, but I haven't been to many disappointing Courtyards.