Do you prefer to stay at chain hotels?

I would prefer to stay at chain hotels but chain hotels do not always have the best location or provide the best value even after taking into account elite benefits. So I only end up at chain hotels half the time. Late check-out would be nice for example but if I have to pay 50% more for the chance to request a late check out compared to a similar non chain hotel then it is not worth it to me.
 
I would prefer to stay at chain hotels but chain hotels do not always have the best location or provide the best value even after taking into account elite benefits. So I only end up at chain hotels half the time. Late check-out would be nice for example but if I have to pay 50% more for the chance to request a late check out compared to a similar non chain hotel then it is not worth it to me.
For work, chain for reliability.

For holiday etc, boutique. However having said that I always enjoy the QTs
 
Depends on the location and purpose of the trip.

For visits to new, exciting places I like to find somewhere reflective of that place and I'll read reviews and check out visitor pictures etc. because I do find some chains a bit generic -- not always, and within a chain I'll look for properties with more character and charm, especially if the perks are worthwhile.

When staying in places I've visited, or if travelling briefly and/or for work, I'm more likely to look at chains. In conjunction with price, location and perks.

I think I've found a chain hotel that you would like, @BriarFlyer.

I'm at Hotel Indigo at Stratford-upon-Avon in England. The hotel is in a historic building that oozes character - and happens to be part of IHG, meaning I can use my status benefits. Win-win!

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I think I've found a chain hotel that you would like, @BriarFlyer.

I'm at Hotel Indigo at Stratford-upon-Avon in England. The hotel is in a historic building that oozes character - and happens to be part of IHG, meaning I can use my status benefits. Win-win!

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Durham! Stayed at the Indigo last year - the old post office from memory. IHG Plat, corner room and welcome drink (pretty much anything from the bar!). Overpriced Marco Pierre-White steak joint on-site but that could appeal to others.
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The Newcastle (UK) Indigo was less inspiringing…IMG_8342.jpegIMG_8343.jpeg
 
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@Mattg @SYD these do look like hotels I'd enjoy (apart from the overpriced restaurant.) Making a note for future travels.
The Indigo in Durham was reasonably priced (and probably good value using points - although I’ve not checked that since staying). Self parking was the initial attraction but it was very close the the town centre and Cathedral. Some rooms had Cathedral views!
 
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We stayed in the Hotel Katajanokka in Helsinki whilst visiting that city. Choose it because it was close enough to the city, but also had an interesting setup and story:
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It was a former prison.
Fortunately no chains involved these days. ⛓️
Although I seem to recall it may have been a Best Western at the time we stayed.
 
I’ve never chased status but have memberships with 4 brands of which IHG is the one we use the most - particularly good value if using points for places like CP Changi which is a regular stopover for us - and our go to within the brand is usually HI or HIX. Looking forward to staying at Hotel Indigo in Exeter UK in December - a former department store opened in 1792.

If it is a city I’m unfamiliar with, I tend to choose a chain like IHG. In Japan I almost always use local chains or hotels as we have found them to be quite quirky and priced much lower with more benefits when compared with IHG, Accor etc. However we did stay at a fantastic HI in Omachi at a very reasonable $160 a night.

I’ve found Accor pretty much has priced me out of their market when an Ibis out prices a Hilton or Marriott property in the same area. I am about to divest myself of the last of my points.

I think I will start moving to where the best points earn/prices are in preference to loyalty to a chain.
 
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