jjquantz
Full time employment: Posting here.
As I posted in a different thread, I'm on a road trip where I've been staying in some low-rent hotels ($50 and under) and some mid-chain hotels (ca. $100).
A few comparisons:
Lobby Atmosphere - The dives have always spared me the "high-energy environment" that all mid-level chains seem to have introduced. I much prefer silence to the musical choices that the corporate entities have introduced. In addition, I have yet to enjoy the wonderful smell of curry in a chain hotel lobby. The chains generally don't have bullet-proof glass visible anywhere in the lobby, however.
Advantage - Dives
Breakfast - Few dives offer free breakfast, many chains do. The chains generally provide more than cereal and, although mediocre, it gives you a chance to fill your stomach without making a separate stop.
Advantage - Chains
Cleanliness - Chains generally provide a consistent level of cleanliness and functionality. However, their responsiveness to problems varies. There seems to be a consistent "musty" odor to dives and who knows if the AC will be working and how loud it will be.
Advantage - Chains
Clientele - Chains - retirees, families with children, businessmen. Dives - the same, but lower income and the businesses may be interesting.
Advantage - Chains
Room Access - Many dives are set up so you can back your car up to within a few feet of the door to your room. Chains will almost always require you to traipse through the lobby on your way to the elevator.
Advantage - Dives
All in all, chains are predictable, safe and boring. Dives are inconsistent and may provide an interesting story or two to tell. Which do you prefer and why?
A few comparisons:
Lobby Atmosphere - The dives have always spared me the "high-energy environment" that all mid-level chains seem to have introduced. I much prefer silence to the musical choices that the corporate entities have introduced. In addition, I have yet to enjoy the wonderful smell of curry in a chain hotel lobby. The chains generally don't have bullet-proof glass visible anywhere in the lobby, however.
Advantage - Dives
Breakfast - Few dives offer free breakfast, many chains do. The chains generally provide more than cereal and, although mediocre, it gives you a chance to fill your stomach without making a separate stop.
Advantage - Chains
Cleanliness - Chains generally provide a consistent level of cleanliness and functionality. However, their responsiveness to problems varies. There seems to be a consistent "musty" odor to dives and who knows if the AC will be working and how loud it will be.
Advantage - Chains
Clientele - Chains - retirees, families with children, businessmen. Dives - the same, but lower income and the businesses may be interesting.
Advantage - Chains
Room Access - Many dives are set up so you can back your car up to within a few feet of the door to your room. Chains will almost always require you to traipse through the lobby on your way to the elevator.
Advantage - Dives
All in all, chains are predictable, safe and boring. Dives are inconsistent and may provide an interesting story or two to tell. Which do you prefer and why?