Middie

Hi fellow foderites...I'm now considered a frequent business traveler (FBT) and I would like any opinions on helpful tips you have picked up to help me survive the travel jungle. (Actually I really like it!)

I would especially like to hear your opinions on the merits of the various hotel chains and their frequent traveler programs.
I was a Marriottee but the rooms are looking mightly skimpy lately. Considering being a Hiltonite...any suggestions???

Patrick

I guess I still favor Marriott. I agree some of their lesser priced ones are pretty bare, but I've been really happy at their new Spring Hill Suites and generally their Residence Inns. Fairfield Inns can be very basic -- but their prices seem to reflect that. And Courtyard by Marriott is a total gamble -- some absolutely wonderful and some pretty bleek.

I do all my points with Marriott as American Airlines miles -- and as a Silver member they add up very quickly, since they give additional miles. They also do a lot of specials -- just did three stays in the last couple of months and got two free weekend nights which I'm using in Germany this summer. Frankly I think their FF program is hard to beat especially because they are always an option.

I'd still put most of them above the Hampton Inns (aren't those part of Hilton now?) which have always seemed to me to have the most paper thin walls imaginable. While Hilton will give you double miles (meaning credits for their program as well as FF miles) it seems they never have places where I want to stay.

Seamus

Have to agree that there's some comfort inthe consistency of Marriott's Residence Inn properties. I also have been (surprisingly) pleased with Crowne Plaza and some other of their brands (www.sixcontinentshotels.com), but Marriott seems to have properties everywhere.

Dutch

When I travel solo - I usually always opt for a Marriott. When I travel with the kids, it's almost always a Residence Inn. I haven't had many bad experiences with either. I have stayed at Four Points by Sheraton, but have had a couple of bad experiences - same as with Sheraton. Westin has usually been reliable.

I like Hilton, but I've built up so many points and rewards with Marriott, it would be hard to swap loyalties.

bri19sp

I'll put a good nod for the Hilton chain program, With its acusition of Promus hotels, you now have choices of Hilton, Hilton Garden, Doubletree, Hampton Inns Homewood suites, and my personal favorite Embassy suites. We don't travel vary often but signed up for their credit card so now whenever we want to take a trip we usually have aquired enough points through the credit card use, to get a free room.