I am going to stay at the SpringHill Suites property in Jacksonville. Any comments on that particular property, or on the brand in general?

With all of the new Marriott brands, I am having a hard time putting them in a "hierarchy." How does SpringHill compare to a "typical" Residence Inn, for example? Both appear to have suites and microwaves.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

P.S. Anyone want to take a crack at revising my attempt at "Best to Worst" properties?

Renaissance / Marriott (some Marriotts nicer, some not as nice as Renaissance)
Courtyard
Residence Inn
SpringHill Suites
Fairfield Inn
Others?

SpringHill Suites do indeed have microwaves and small refrigerators in each room. Residence Inns, on the other hand, are equipped with full kitchens, including stove/range and full size frig.

RI suites tend to be larger than SHS suites.

First generation SHS suites have ceiling fans above the desk in the "living room" area. These appear to be missing in second generation (newer) properties.

RI properties include recreational areas like Sport Courts; weekly activites for guests like barbeques and snacks; and their breakfast is more substantial than SHS. SHS has a pool but no other recreational areas. Their included breakfast is continental.

SHS is based on the original "Fairfield Suites" concept, when the idea was to create a brand extension of the economy brand Fairfield Inn. A few Fairfield Suites were built, but research began to show that guests were willing to pay more than economy rates for a slightly better product. So SpringHill Suites was developed as a separate brand. Interestingly, a couple of years after that, some "Fairfield Inn & Suites" properties appeared, with a mix of regular rooms and suites. Marriott's brand history is pretty complicated.

From (generally - always exceptions) highest priced to lowest priced, Marriott's brands might look like this:

Ritz-Carlton
Bulgari (assuming Marriot has actually developed this brand)
JW Marriott (actually, a brand extension of the regular Marriott brand)
Marriott Executive Apartments (internationally)
Marriott Conference Centers
Marriott Vacation Club International
MHRS (Marriott Hotels, Resorts and Suites)
Renaissance
Ramada International (not in U.S.)
Residence Inn (extended stay emphasis)
Courtyard
SpringHill Suites
TownePlace Suites (extended stay emphasis)
Fairfield Inn (and the occasional & Suites)

Socrates, did I miss anything?

------------------
Brian/\/\

Thanks for the very informative reply.

Another question: any difference in earning MR points at SHS?

Some years ago, IIRC, nights at a CY did not count towards status (and I think they were rewarded 5 per $ instead of 10). But I thought that ended. Any difference in earning points here instead of full-service Marriott?

Thanks again.

You might want to check here for earning rates:

http://www.marriottrewards.com/point...WT_Ref=mi_left


Springhill counts towards status as does CY. Both earn 10 per $ or room rate only. Full service Marriotts earn 10 per $ on room and incidentals. Plus if you are elite you get the bonus points - 20, 25, or 30% of base points base don status. No bonus points for status at SH or CY.


Also only 5 per $ at RI

I'm impressed

Here's how it goes actually from the different segments

Extended Stay
Marriott Executive Residences (market is a senior executive not looking to relocate their family to their new assignment, first in US I believe is now open)
Residence Inn
TownePlace Suites

Luxury
Ritz-Carlton / Bulgari (same segment but different markets)
JW Marriott (yes it's a brand extension but is marketed toward luxury)

Upper Upscale
Marriott Conference Centers / MHRS / Renaissance / New World (all same segment but again different markets)

Limited Service
Ramada International (not North America)
CY
Spring Hill Suites
Fairfield Inn & Suites

Time Share
Ritz-Carlton Club
MVCI
New Horizons

The Springhill Suites Jax/Deerpark is a fairly new hotel. Pretty good value for the money. No afternoon social but does have a continental breakfast.

edited to correct location name
------------------
former EASTERN ET,AA Gold,US Gold. Current DL PM-MM,Marriott PL, SPG PLT, Hilton Gold

[This message has been edited by MM/PM widget (edited 04-14-2003).]

I've stayed at this location, JAX/Deerpark. New property, typcial SHS. Close to a few restaurants.