Which higher quality, Courtyard or Holiday Inn?
 

We'd like to know travellers' opinions on the respective merits of the two hotels above before we book. Happy traveling!

I find that the Courtyards by Mariott have better consistency than Holiday Inns. Comparing average to average, I prefer the Courtyards. It just strikes me that the Mariott properties are better run and designed. <BR>Actually, I find king suites in Fairfield Inns to be the better deal in terms of cost effectiveness. I guess it depends on who is paying the bill. <BR>But convenience counts the most when selecting among the leading brands. <BR>Of course this is what I have experienced, and given the hundreds of installations, my sample set is relatively small.

I prefer Hampton Inns to all the others in this category, also have stayed at a couple of nice Comfort Inns. Good luck!

You've got a better chance of getting a newer-constructed building with Courtyard than with Holiday Inn.

I think Brian hits the nail on the head... Holiday Inns may be of any age (and my experience is that the newer ones bear a "brand" such as "Crowne Plaza by Holiday Inn", etc.) Conversely, "Courtyard by Marriott" indicates the property is probably five years old or less. There is nothing quite so creepy as staying in a 30-year-old Holiday Inn that is in bad need of refurbishment.

When I did a great deal of business travel a couple of years ago, I always stayed in Courtyard by Marriott facilities; each and every one was excellent. Some Holiday Inns are privately owned and operated; I believe that is not the case with the Courtyards. <BR>

Thanks for all the helpful replies. I think Courtyard certainly sounds like the better bet.

Courtyards are very consistent from one location to the next because they are corporate owned and operated (Holiday Inn is a "flag" that is purchased by various independent groups who operate the facilities - they're more consistent than Comfort Inn or Quality Inn but still not predictable). I actually prefer Courtyard to regular Marriot's (because of the free coffee and cookies in the lobby!). I agree that Hampton Inn is a great value but have found Microtel to be the absolute best value for the $$ and they're even cheaper than Hampton.

<BR>Fellow travellers, <BR> <BR>How does the Crowne Plaza "brand" fit into the whole scheme of Holidasy Inn affairs? It seems as though the Crowne Plaza properties I've resided in have been consistently well maintained, and upscale, as opposed to certain Holiday Inns which have been distinctly disadvantageous.

I would definitely opt for Courtyards. However, do want to add that I have had ONE bad experience with them -- the Miami Beach Airport Courtyard... <BR> <BR>It had a security guard and an entry gate (that's a plus though - they obviously felt a need to protect their patrons in this location!). BUT, in addition, this is the only one that we'd been to that seemed like Marriott had purchased the site from a previous hotel. Not the usual layout, much confusion, none of the regular amenities. Maybe it was a transition period...but just a warning. <BR> <BR>My husband usually stays at Hampton Inns when on business, but I insist on Courtyards (or BETTER!) when we travel for pleasure... <BR>

My first choice is always Fairfield Inns by Marriott. Much nicer and a fabulous value for the dollar. Typically, there is a continental breakfast included, but no onsight restaurant or bar, though. We've had some strange experiences at Courtyards and Holiday Inns have varied enormously in quality, decor, shabbiness and service.

I totally agree with staying in Courtyards or any of the Marriott chains. I've stayed at a couple of those creepy 30 year old HI's -- never again! <BR> <BR>If you're going to do some traveling join (free) the Marriott rewards program -- you can build up points for free stays.