HepperSchepp

How the HECK do they get off calling those things "Farm Fresh Eggs" on the what's for breakfast tommorowo board?!

Personally I love the Sauges gravy and biscuts. Of course that's just me!

fromYXU

Princeton HI serves dinner - on the house! But, I think that is because nothing is available near the property.

grayland

Has anyone stayed in the NYC HGI Times Square?

They have a $179. rate in late Feb when I need to be there. I haven't seen a lower rate in Manhattan and I have done some looking.
I have never booked a HGI before as I had no idea what they were. This thread has given me a pretty good insight as to what to expect.
The single person rate is the same as two..so spouse does stay free.
Hot breakfast (as a Gold) sounds good.

Appreciate some input if anyone has any.

BearX220

Actually, there's a great HI in the Atlanta suburbs that puts out a cooler of Buds and some hot hors d'oeuvres in chafing dishes at happy hour. Not what I'd call dinner, but it's enough to live on and a very nice gesture.

spyke

HGI approx equal to Marriot Courtyard
Hampton worse than Marriot Fairfield Inn in most cases - i.e. glorified motel

ssullivan

My experience with Hampton versus Fairfield is the exact opposite. I've stayed in a few Hamptons that were in dire need of improvement, but most have been pretty nice. I usually hit Hamptons in my trips to smaller communities where I find they're often the best choice.

On the other hand, I've stayed in only a few really nice Fairfields, and a lot of ones that had some serious issues. I also think Hampton's beds are generally far superior to the 4" thick piece of foam that most Fairfields call a "mattress."

When it comes to Hilton Garden Inn versus a Courtyard, I like both. The improvements Marriott has been rolling out to the Courtyard concept are great, and put it more on the same level as HGI. Before these improvements, I'd always choose a HGI over a Courtyard because the HGIs were almost always newer, and included things like a microwave and refrigerator in every room, and the pantry for convenience items. However the Courtyard modernization is adding similar features, plus new, nicer beds and furnishings in the rooms. Now I'm happy to stay at either one, although my HHonors Diamond status usually pushes me in the Hilton direction since I'm just a silver at Marriott.

Flyer23

No! No! No!

I'm a HH Diamond and a newly-minted Marriott Gold (when my stay from Tue/Wed posts), and due to my company's travel policy, I almost always stay in the lower-end properties for both chains.

I would equate Courtyards with Hamptons. In fact, I've seen more outstanding Hamptons than outstanding Courtyards. I've even stayed in a couple of post-renovation Courtyards, and haven't been overly impressed. I also prefer Hamptons for personal travel, as breakfast is free.

HGIs are well above the Hampton/Courtyard standard. In fact, I've stayed in some full-service Marriotts that aren't as nice as your average HGI.

Fairfield Inns are glorified motels. The main advantage of Fairfields over Motel 6 is high-speed Internet. I stayed in my last Fairfield Inn back in August and refuse to stay in one again unless there are no other Marriott or Hilton properties in town.

What I do like about Fairfields and Courtyards, compared to Hamptons, is that you get 10 pts per dollar at them, compared to 5 pts per dollar at Hamptons. That's probably the only reason I'll stick with Marriott.

rwill11

I like the scambled eggs and waffles vs the egglike mcdonald like disks (get rid of them) it doesnt save any money. Eggs are cheap, hampton should at least make them taste good. OTOH fresh biscuits with those egg THINGS smothered with sausage gravy is quite good, as long as you let it soak in for a while. I think the basic difference is not in the two hotels..but in your brains... and not picking a bad one. research each hotel before you book and dont book a dump.

dbmaury

Hamptons only get 100 miles on the Double Dip, not 250.

mazzer

In my experience most HGIs are nicer than HIs. But having said that, the HI at Boston Crosstown Center next to Boston Medical Center in Boston is the nicest HI I have been in, and is better than some Hiltons!

TexasFlyer

And don't forget real glasses at HGI v. cheap plastic glasses at HI

nova474

You get 10 points with Hamptons. You get 5 points with Marriott Residence Inn.

ssullivan

And Marriott TownePlace Suites are 5 points per dollar as well.

The only reduction in points/miles earnings with Hamptons is if you're doing HHonors points and fixed miles, where you get only 100 miles instead of the 500 you get with most other Hilton family brands.

I always do HHonors points only (the regular 10 points plus 5 bonus Double Dip points) for Hampton stays, which does not have an earnings reduction for Hamptons.

Always Flyin

I stayed there in November. Formerly a Quality Inn, I believe, but it has been thoroughly renovated. I had a good stay.

PT22064

Actually, there are quite a few restaurants within 1-3 miles of the Princeton HI -- south on Route 1 and also in Princeton itself. Try Lahiere's, Mediterra or the Ferry House in Princeton. If you like Chinese food, Sunny Garden just off Route 1 is excellent. If you want a restaurant that's really close by, try Mikado (in the Westin, formerly Marriott) or Tre Piani in Forrestal Village.