Much to reader (or maybe former reader, although I really hope s/he’s still reading) MoiMoi’s chagrin (if you have no clue what I’m talking about, see the conversation that transpired here), I’m a fan of chain hotels. More specifically, I’m loyal to InterContinental hotels, which by extension makes me loyal to Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza hotels given that they also belong to Priority Club. I actually agree with MoiMoi that there might be more “authentic” experiences at times, but travel is one of the three things I’m addicted to — the other two being great customer service and loyalty programs, both of which InterContinentel excel in. Anyway, that’s besides the point.
I was looking at hotels in Seattle for an upcoming quick trip, and I can’t believe I’m not impulse booking the chain hotel. Seattle is a tough city for hotels for me. There’s no InterContinental, for one. More importantly, there aren’t any great chain hotels, but there are fantastic non-chain hotels. So as a Priority Club Platinum my logical choice in terms of earning points ad receiving benefits would be the Crowne Plaza, which is about $120/night. Certainly not a bad value, but then there are hotels like the Pan Pacific, which is no doubt a nicer property and only $110/night (you heard me right, the Pan Pacific is cheaper than the Crowne Plaza)!
Now if I’m really pushing my luck I see Hotel 1000 available through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts® for around $200/night, but that includes internet, breakfast, a room upgrade, late check-out, etc., so isn’t all that bad. And I hear people raving about that hotel.
So in this case the Pan Pacific or *maybe* as a one-time exception Hotel 1000 sound like they’re worth trying, but I just don’t think I can get myself to do it. The only thing I’ll have after my stay are memories, as opposed to points, stay credits, and hopefully status renewal!
Now I guess there’s some middle ground. I’m also Marriott Gold and Starwood Gold, but neither have particularly impressive options. I find Marriott points to be pretty worthless given that I don’t stay with them all that much and their fares are substantially higher than the Crowne Plaza. Starwood has the “W”…. sorry, I won’t pay a premium for attitude. The Sheraton and Westin look fine, but in that case I’d rather just stick with the Crowne Plaza.
Anyone face a similar issue?
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