July 6, 2004 -- When Consumer Reports speaks, we listen. When they survey 35,000 of their readers to figure out which hotel chains deliver the best value, we perk up. Because CR is as clean and honest as it gets - a non-profit organization devoted only and solely to helping consumers get the best value.
Of luxury hotel chains, Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons got the nod, with top marks for value, service, upkeep and coping with problems. That's not much of a surprise, as both chains are renowned for their dedication to service.
Of the national, upscale chains, CR readers liked Embassy Suites the best. Their top mark for value probably had something to do with the airy spaciousness of their suites. If you have to stay with a more generic name, Marriott ran at the head of the pack, with an above-average grade for service.
Moderately priced hotels with suites or kitchenettes seem to drive CR readers mad with glee. Springhill Suites , Homewood Suites , Wingate Inns and Residence Inn all get nods as reasonably-priced, high-quality lodging. Budget hotels don't fare nearly as well: only Sleep Inn and Microtel manage to escape without any below-average ratings.
Who ranked worst? It seems CR readers would rather sleep in their cars than stay at a Ramada, Howard Johnson , Motel 6, Econolodge, Days Inn or Travelodge . Of upscale chains, Radisson fared the worst, with below-average marks for value and cleanliness.
Have Gripes? You're Not Alone
The CR survey didn't just result in ratings. Readers got their gripes in, too.
One-third of readers said they had a problem with noise, lousy d?r, uncomfortable beds, or cheap towels. At Days Inn, Econolodge, Motel 6 and Travelodge, at least 45% of travelers had one or more complaints, the magazine says. Ramada and Howard Johnson were pegged for uncomfortable beds and poor climate control.
High-end chains didn't escape approbrium, either: 45 percent of readers who made calls at Hyatts, Sheratonsand Westins were shocked by the high phone charges.
For top value, book a suite, CR says. Many suite hotels come with free local phone calls, kitchenettes and extensive free breakfasts. Staff at some Residence Inns will even go pick up groceries for you.
Light sleepers should probably try the Westin chain. Their 'heavenly beds' are just that - in the words of the magazine, they're "plush."
For more details, pick up the July 2004 issue of Consumer Reports or go to www.consumerreports.org.