For Sale -- One brand, new aviation themed hotel

[jtheune]

While they don't bar hotel chains in Anne Arundel County Maryland ( Annapolis ,Md ) they have restricted the liquor license here to one per chain ( except in certain areas they want to build up ) so in effect they have limited chain resturants here.

 

[dmccormack]

Nothing personal, but it is this attitude -- multiplied by millions of people -- that has resulted in the lodging (and culinary, and shopping) mediocrity that has befallen the nation. It's becoming harder and harder to find unique, home-grown businesses of ANY kind anymore as the WalMarts, McDonalds and Holiday Inns drive out their smaller competition.

Not really.

For some reason charging $3.50 less for 4 rolls of toilet paper is the reason Walmart succeeded. For most staples, price is king.

Sure, I can drive 10 miles to Jake's Auto Repair and Gas Station where Jake himself comes out, wipes his hands on a rag, and fills my tank with 87 Unleaded.

But -- call me crazy -- I prefer to pump my own gas for $.25 less a gallon at an impersonal FuelWorld.

It's the same with business travel -- I don't want an "experience" -- I want a predictable, dependable staple.

When you travel so often you wonder "Is it 287 or 387...?" you don't have time or interest in quirkiness.

By the way -- when I do travel not on business, it's to visit family, canoe camp, or use points accrued on business travel.

Anecdote: Years ago I had to do a tech support call for a small school 1 hour north of North Platte, NE.

We checked into the local flavor (only) motel.

In the morning when I found no iron I called the front desk.

"Do you have an iron I can use? My shirts are wrinkled and I have a meeting today..."

"Iron? I ain't got no iron -- I'ma bachelor!"

Yeah, gotta love that local "experience."

 

[dmccormack]

While they don't bar hotel chains in Anne Arundel County Maryland ( Annapolis ,Md ) they have restricted the liquor license here to one per chain ( except in certain areas they want to build up ) so in effect they have limited chain resturants here.

How would that preclude a HIE?

 

[flyersfan31]

When I am travelling to a far-off local, for work or whenever I'm just looking for a place to crash, the consistency of a well-run chain is a huge plus. I know what I'm getting at a HIE. Clean room, coffeemaker, clean surroundings, up-to-date furnishings, clean and functional bathroom.

There are too many lousy non-chain lodging choices out there. Jay, you are making the mistake of thinking you are the rule, not the exception. I'm sure you run a nice hotel. Thing is, many (most) of your brethren don't meet the standards, in my experience. For me, it's not worth the risk of a crappy nite of sleep in a crappy hotel to stray from the straight and narrow.

What you need to do, instead of bemoaning the American public's choice of the chain hotel, is to work with your non-chain brethren to raise their standards. Here's an idea - how about establishing a "Non Chain Hotel Standards Association Accreditation" program with some snazzy name like "Jay Approved" to indicate one that meets the standards you've described.

 

[Jay Honeck]

We checked into the local flavor (only) motel.

In the morning when I found no iron I called the front desk.

"Do you have an iron I can use? My shirts are wrinkled and I have a meeting today..."

"Iron? I ain't got no iron -- I'ma bachelor!"

Yeah, gotta love that local "experience."

You didn't stay at the local "experience", Dan -- you stayed at the local dump.

Sadly, it is independent motels like that one that make it so much harder for us to succeed. Of course, which came first?: Was it The Egg? (the chains, with their incredible marketing muscle, that sucked people away from the independents with their effective marketing, rendering the independent hotels economically so weak that they must hire idiots like you spoke with on the phone?) or the Chicken (the independents were crappy to begin with, creating an opening for chains to thrive)?

Probably it was a little of both.

 

[Jay Honeck]

What you need to do, instead of bemoaning the American public's choice of the chain hotel, is to work with your non-chain brethren to raise their standards. Here's an idea - how about establishing a "Non Chain Hotel Standards Association Accreditation" program with some snazzy name like "Jay Approved" to indicate one that meets the standards you've described.

Great idea -- but it's been done. It's called "AAA".

Which, incidentally, is a totally, 100% legitimate organization. Unlike "Hotels.com", "Allstate Motor Club", or "TripAdvisor", AAA really DOES send inspectors to our hotel, unannounced, and really DOES ding us if something is wrong. Getting a AAA-rating is a HUGE deal, and if you don't see that big AAA sign out front of an independent motel, it means they do NOT meet the stringent specs set out by AAA.

(And BTW: Don't worry about their "diamonds" or "stars", as they are nearly meaningless. Example: The Alexis can't get higher than 2 stars, simply because we don't have an attached restaurant. There are 55 restaurants within a mile -- 55! -- and we deliver breakfast to each suite, but we can never be rated higher than 2 stars, no matter what.)

All the others (especially "Hotels.com", an organization that makes me want to projectile vomit every time I see their commercials) are TOTALLY fake. I can "earn" a higher "hotel rating" on Hotels.com right now, this afternoon, simply by emailing them and agreeing to pay them a bigger percentage of every reservation they send me.

Their commercials anger me every time I see them, because I know that uninformed customers (which, in this case, is probably 99% of travelers) actually BELIEVE that they've got teams of guys out with tape measures, checking the hotels they "approve".

Now, as for the "Jay Rating", that brings up another issue. We've debated actually franchising our aviation themed hotel concept, since it's been successful despite being implemented at a property that had many historic problems. (I.E.: Poor past reputation; not a great drive-up location, a saturated lodging market, poor initial physical condition, etc.) We have succeeded against great odds, thanks in large part to the CONCEPT of the aviation theme. (Many people hate flying; few people hate aviation.)

However, in my experience, regardless of theme, what makes it possible for an independent to beat the chains -- DESPITE their huge marketing advantage -- is superior service. Providing that is an intensely personal thing -- you've really got to want to do it -- and I haven't figured out how to screen potential franchisees for that. And I sure haven't figured out how to do it with hourly employees who aren't under constant scrutiny of the ownership.

This is the reason we're selling the Alexis in Iowa City. I simply don't believe that Mary and I can maintain the standards we've set, from 1240 miles away -- and I'm not going to put my smiling (if ugly) mug on any webpage that "guarantees satisfaction" if I'm not able to do that.

 

[CJones]

We're on the same wavelength, Chris. I wrote the original webpage in FrontPage 2002 (which was, of course, brand new, back in '02 when we bought the Alexis Park Inn), but that software is now sorely out of date.

I've been tinkering around with new software for the new Harbor Inn (eventually to become Amelia's Landing) website. You can see the first VERY rudimentary pages by clicking the link in my signature line, below. It promises to allow for many more modern niceties like Flash, etc.

Getting better! CoffeCup, eh? Never used it before.. I'll have to check it out.

Make sure you check out Google's 'webmaster' area - there are tips there that can get your site bumped up on Google's search listings without having to pay for it. I took 'iowa small business' for IowaSBDC.org from middle-2nd page to #2 on the first page in the matter of a few days by adding meta-data tags on the pages and tweaking the pic 'alt' fields, etc. You can also sign up to have your site 'crawled' by Google and you'll get a report of the pros and cons that their logic comes up with for listing your site.

Good luck!

 

[dmccormack]

You didn't stay at the local "experience", Dan -- you stayed at the local dump.

Sadly, it is independent motels like that one that make it so much harder for us to succeed. Of course, which came first?: Was it The Egg? (the chains, with their incredible marketing muscle, that sucked people away from the independents with their effective marketing, rendering the independent hotels economically so weak that they must hire idiots like you spoke with on the phone?) or the Chicken (the independents were crappy to begin with, creating an opening for chains to thrive)?

Probably it was a little of both.

Actually it was the only lodging within 50 miles. Monopoly has advantages.

The rise of chains has more to due with efficiency and predictability than any huge shift in American tastes. Certain folks bemoan the "ever increasing blandness of the American taste..."

Oh, puhleeeze -- what snob rubbish.

Fact is most people have always (1970, 1950, 1750, 1450, 100 BC -- name it) preferred predictable and economical, some only temporarily throwing caution and money to the wind.

EDIT: We live within a few miles of America's first public highway -- the National Pike. Mount Washington Tavern is on the same property as Fort Necessity and was built to cater to tarevllers. in the 1820s people not only shared rooms -- strangers shared common beds and floors.

That's why there are far more people taking bus trips, cruises, and wandering MouseLand than will ever canoe or bike exotic locales.

And it has always been this way. The striking thing about ancient graffiti is it's utter predictable blandness.

I'm no fan of industrial uniformity. Whenever I travel I bike or walk or ask the locals for recommendations -- even on business trips those rare times I have a spare hour.

But expecting everyone else to wake up and be as "culturally open" as me is just plain snobbery.

 

[SCCutler]

Yabut...

...in my experience, even the flag of a major and well-recognized chain is no guarantee of quality; if you ever want to see proof of this principle, try a stay at the Crowne Plaza La Guardia, in New York. Crowne Plaza (same group as Holiday Innn, BTW) is supposed to be a fairly nice grade of property. At the CP La Guardia, the people were exceptionally nice. From there, it's downhill - fast! Only place I've been where the non-smoking room (on the club floor) smelled so strongly of cigarette smoke, I genuinely believed that there was a cigarette idling somewhere in the room.

But Jay's got it - it's the personal commitment of the hotel's Owner (and remember, essentially none of the chain hotels are owned by the chain itself) that makes a property work, or not work. At the small hotel/motel level, my experience is that the variability is so great, the flag guarantees nothing except that you'll get reward points, and you'll see the same logo.

 

[dmccormack]

Yabut...

...in my experience, even the flag of a major and well-recognized chain is no guarantee of quality; if you ever want to see proof of this principle, try a stay at the Crowne Plaza La Guardia, in New York. Crowne Plaza (same group as Holiday Innn, BTW) is supposed to be a fairly nice grade of property. At the CP La Guardia, the people were exceptionally nice. From there, it's downhill - fast! Only place I've been where the non-smoking room (on the club floor) smelled so strongly of cigarette smoke, I genuinely believed that there was a cigarette idling somewhere in the room.

But Jay's got it - it's the personal commitment of the hotel's Owner (and remember, essentially none of the chain hotels are owned by the chain itself) that makes a property work, or not work. At the small hotel/motel level, my experience is that the variability is so great, the flag guarantees nothing except that you'll get reward points, and you'll see the same logo.

Hmmm...

Honestly, I think the variation is up to local area toleration coupled with owner commitment. When stuck at JFK I've stayed at the Hampton (right across Belt parkway).

Always clean, comfortable, reasonable.

Sheratons have a huge variety. Marriots can also vary -- the one in downtown Corpus is a dump.

But I never found a decent stay in Corpus after a half dozen visits. Dallas? -- no problem.

 

[Areeda]

Jay, I don't think your going to make impression on the people who prefer HIE and McDonalds. Known quantity vs. adventure.

I applaud your efforts and NOW knowing what I do, I will go out of my way to stay there.

When I travel I prefer interesting hotels, it's been a while for business but it's been consistent for the last 25 years at least. I've never stayed at an HIE, but I've been to plenty of Holiday Inns, Hiltons, Mariotts, Hampton Inns, Fairchild, Ritz something or other, Comfort Inn and enough chains to anchor an aircraft carrier.

I prefer to stay at one of a kind hotels with character. If I go to a place that is a chain or not a chain it's a crapshoot. I couldn't care less about points, yeah business travel rewards us with free personal benefits but crap, why the hell would I spend my vacation time and money doing what I do for a living.

If I can stay with friends in a place I'm going, it would take the presidental suite in the Taj Mahal to change my mind.

Jay, I encourage your efforts. Perhaps we could help with your website. If I get close I will help by staying at your place. I really like your attitude.

Joe

 

[jsstevens]

[snip]
I applaud your efforts and NOW knowing what I do, I will go out of my way to stay there.
[snip]
I prefer to stay at one of a kind hotels with character. If I go to a place that is a chain or not a chain it's a crapshoot. I couldn't care less about points, yeah business travel rewards us with free personal benefits but crap, why the hell would I spend my vacation time and money doing what I do for a living.

I agree with this. Which raises my earlier question: How do I find these hotels when planning a trip?

I booked a night at what looked to be a nice hotel, the Paradise Beach Resort (admittedly marked as a resort) on Orbitz, I think, for a beach getaway with my wife. A perfect time to try a one of a kind experience type of hotel. The pictures on the web site looked good, the reviews were good, it was a beach resort...

When we arrived, we found it was across the street from the beach - where there was another hotel. You had to walk down to the end of the block and cross the street to a walkway between other hotel properties to get to the beach. The building was a late 50's or early 60's motel converted to suites by joining rooms. Our second floor room ceiling had cracks and plaster missing, the newly tiled floor had loose tile because the floor SAGGED underfoot when walking across it! They had slapped some updates over the existing rooms (all original bathroom and fixtures BTW) and called it renovated. They did refund my charges for the room (which according to Orbitz's policy they did not have to). We went elsewhere for the night (and fortunately found a room on the beach side).

How can I reliably find a hotel like the Alexis Inn and not the Paradise Beach Resort on the web?

John

 

[Areeda]

How can I reliably find a hotel like the Alexis Inn and not the Paradise Beach Resort on the web?

John

I venture to say you can't unless you know someone you trust who has been there.

However I'll say if we say HIE is a C and you are willing to risk it, with a bit of shall we call it intuition, you will find more A's than F's. And a $75 A is so much more rewarding than a $150 F is painful.

Joe

 

[jsstevens]

I venture to say you can't unless you know someone you trust who has been there.

However I'll say if we say HIE is a C and you are willing to risk it, with a bit of shall we call it intuition, you will find more A's than F's. And a $75 A is so much more rewarding than a $150 F is painful.

Joe

You may very well be right, but I hope not. I do agree that finding one of these gems is great!

John

 

[gkainz]

non-chain hotels ... sometimes just a LITTLE bit scary. A couple of years ago, due to work schedules, I had a shortened hunting season. So, instead of taking my RV (my hunting camp), my son-in-law and I checked into the Craig Motel in Craig CO. First off, why we didn't go across town and check directly into one of the chain motels is beyond me - temporary insanity, I guess. I've stayed in nicer places on the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota. I think Craig Motel is an alias for Bates Motel ... this place was so disgusting we slept in our clothes. If I would have had an extra pair of boots, I would have showered in my boots .... "shiver" just recalling it gives me the creeps!

Turns out a friend of mine has a cousin who lives near Craig. When Craig Motel was up for sale a few years ago, the cousin (a building contractor) looked it over and declared it unsalvageable, and too expensive to doze down and start over.

we now return you to your regularly scheduled program

 

[Jay Honeck]

I agree with this. Which raises my earlier question: How do I find these hotels when planning a trip?

First thing, do not EVER book an unknown property "on-line". Use the internet to find availability, and use the website to view the property, but do not book on line! Small hotels will ALWAYS cut you a better deal than the on-line price, because we have to pay Orbitz 15% for that booking. Most of us would really rather give that discount to YOU.

Once you've found a property that looks intriquing, call the LOCAL number. If you're dealing with a chain, this number can be extremely difficult to obtain (part of their franchise fee is to fund a large call center, so they sure don't want to be bothered with answering calls from all those pesky guests!), but it exists. Obviously, independent hotels like ours all have local numbers.

Ask pointed questions. When was your room remodeled last? When was the property remodeled last? What sort of furniture is in the room? Do you over-book? Can I reserve a SPECIFIC room?

Don't mess with the desk clerk. Ask to speak with the owner/manager. They will ALWAYS have more leeway on pricing, and will be better versed on the status of the hotel.

You'll quickly get a "feel" about the property from this conversation. If the manager is a brain-dead corporate drone, RUN. If the person on the phone is the owner/operator and shows a spark of interest or intelligence, you've got a better chance for a good stay.

I wish there was a legitimate website of "cool private hotels" that I could recommend, but I can't find it. Many websites start out as legitimate "review" sites, but inevitably they end up tainted by the almighty dollar. They also end up being abused by spammers and jerks of all kinds, which makes the "reviews" suspect at best.

It's a shame, but it's human nature. You're certainly not going to post a bad review of a hotel that is spending big bucks advertising on your site!

Places like TripAdvisor.com do a somewhat commendable job of posting guest reviews, BUT -- these sites are often used as "clubs" by disgruntled guests against hotels that actually enforced rules (like "No parties!"), with bogus "reviews" posted by folks who may have been told to be quiet, or were even escorted off the property.

We've had it happen multiple times, where our night manager shooed away a bunch of college kids for trying to stage a party, and -- sure enough -- the next day there was a bogus "review" talking about snakes in the coffee pot and roaches in the light fixtures. Just keep this in mind when you read "reviews" like that!

 

[dmccormack]

I think Craig Motel is an alias for Bates Motel ... this place was so disgusting we slept in our clothes. If I would have had an extra pair of boots, I would have showered in my boots .... "shiver" just recalling it gives me the creeps!

Turns out a friend of mine has a cousin who lives near Craig. When Craig Motel was up for sale a few years ago, the cousin (a building contractor) looked it over and declared it unsalvageable, and too expensive to doze down and start over.

I read such nightmare stories on travel review sites and booked the one with the best overall comments (it takes some guessing but you can be pretty sure about who's being snarky and who actually recounts actual events...)

The Alpine Inn in West Yellowstone was tiny, but perfect for what we needed. The couple who owned it were helpful and we went back several more times.

I'm not averse to independents -- but there's a big difference in the risk I'm willing to take while on business per diem and when out on my own...

 

[dmccormack]

You'll quickly get a "feel" about the property from this conversation. If the manager is a brain-dead corporate drone, RUN. If the person on the phone is the owner/operator and shows a spark of interest or intelligence, you've got a better chance for a good stay.

You know, Jay, you don't help your case when you slam huge swaths of humanity.

Many of us work for corporations -- some of them quite large -- and appreciate the opportunity, the challenges, and the stability as well as intellectual stimulation.

 

[Jay Honeck]

You know, Jay, you don't help your case when you slam huge swaths of humanity.

Many of us work for corporations -- some of them quite large -- and appreciate the opportunity, the challenges, and the stability as well as intellectual stimulation.

You know, Dan, your personalizing of such a generalization is, well, odd.

If you don't know what (or whom) I am talking about, you need to get and open your eyes more. The world is chock-FULL of brain-dead corporate drones. They're already dead -- they just haven't realized it yet.

Pilots are, by and large, not members of that group. Pilots tend to be fairly bold, cutting-edge folks in many ways, living life to the fullest -- which is why, as a group, pilots are generally pretty interesting people.

 

[Areeda]

I know I should just shut up. But Greg, was that more of a "life experience" than eating at McDonalds?

 

[dmccormack]

If you don't know what (or whom) I am talking about, you need to get and open your eyes more.

Sorry, but I've had pleasant, personal, excellent service rendered at various chain hotels. Keep in mind you started this by your claim that my post was hilarious but I wasn't smart enough to know it.

Are they all perfect? Of course not. And I've had more than one "Remove my reservation and check me out -- I am not staying here!" nights.

I think if you focused more on the benefits of your product rather than overwrought hand-wringing over American blandness, you'd be far better served.

I'd be more than happy to continue this conversation in French -- my native language -- if that would make me seem more cosmopolitan.

 

[Everskyward]

I have stories like Greg's too but here is another story about how people can view places in different ways.

Back a few years ago we did quite a few trips to KSUN (Sun Valley, ID). Sometimes it was hard to book rooms there in conventional hotels so one time a crew ended up at a B&B called the Angel Factor Inn. They loved it and recommended that we start staying there on all trips. The thing was, not everybody loved it. Some pilots had no desire to stay in a B&B. I think the big drawbacks for people were no in-room TV and no internet (this was about 6 years ago). The pluses were the great food, friendly owner, bicycles to ride around town, nice yard with bird feeders, and a whole different atmosphere than a hotel. We would sit around and talk to the owner, and I remember trying to help her with her computer (ha). I think I ended up staying there at least 2 or 3 times and thought enough of it to take this picture. But, like I said, others were not so enchanted with the idea. So I think it really boils down to taste. At first I was leery of the B&B idea but in this case it worked out. Would I always want to stay at B&B's, no, but once in a great while as a change of pace it's OK.

 

[dmccormack]

I think I ended up staying there at least 2 or 3 times and thought enough of it to take this picture. But, like I said, others were not so enchanted with the idea. So I think it really boils down to taste. At first I was leery of the B&B idea but in this case it worked out. Would I always want to stay at B&B's, no, but once in a great while as a change of pace it's OK.

Nice place!

I think it also comes down to the travel mode you're in. When I'm traveling alone on business, there's not much downtime. Typically I'm presenting or leading meetings all day. Dinner is usually business. By the time I flop into a hotel room, it's rest time.

Also, I don't like calling home saying, "Hey I'm in this great resort room and it's so great and I'm sure you haven't done anything different in the last three days but I've had all sorts of fun!"

Actually, that did happen once. I was attending a convention for Apple Computer in 1991 in Atlantic City (probably my least favorite place on earth). The Trump Taj mahal messed up my reservations, so they placed me in the $50/night "Honeymoon Suite," looking over the ocean, jacuzzi, foyer, kitchen - etc.

I called home about 1130, "Guess where I am?"

Yeah....that didn't work out so well.

 

[Everskyward]

I think it also comes down to the travel mode you're in. When I'm traveling alone on business, there's not much downtime. Typically I'm presenting or leading meetings all day. Dinner is usually business. By the time I flop into a hotel room, it's rest time.

For us it's a little different. We get to amuse ourselves waiting for the passengers and it could be anywhere from a few hours to a few days.

Also, I don't like calling home saying, "Hey I'm in this great resort room and it's so great and I'm sure you haven't done anything different in the last three days but I've had all sorts of fun!"

Haha. I think it's always harder for the person at home...

 

[Jay Honeck]

I'd be more than happy to continue this conversation in French -- my native language -- if that would make me seem more cosmopolitan.

Ah, I see. It's all clear to me now.

Seriously, I was responding to a question. If you don't like my answer, that's one thing -- but taking affront to the term "brain-dead corporate drone"? I don't get it.

Perhaps it's something that gets lost in the translation?

 

[jesse]

Ah, I see. It's all clear to me now.

Seriously, I was responding to a question. If you don't like my answer, that's one thing -- but taking affront to the term "brain-dead corporate drone"? I don't get it.

Perhaps it's something that gets lost in the translation?

Agree. "brain-dead corporate drone" describes those that are a brain-dead corporate drone. It does not say that all corporate employees are drones or brain-dead.

 

[Bob Noel]

It does not say that all corporate employees are drones or brain-dead.

exactly.

The only people who should be insulted are, well, brain-dead drones.

 

[TangoWhiskey]

Nothing personal, but it is this attitude -- multiplied by millions of people -- that has resulted in the lodging (and culinary, and shopping) mediocrity that has befallen the nation. It's becoming harder and harder to find unique, home-grown businesses of ANY kind anymore as the WalMarts, McDonalds and Holiday Inns drive out their smaller competition.

This is why -- even though I'm politically more akin to the Libertarian Party than any other, and it pains me to admit this -- I support communities that have outlawed chains and franchise businesses of all kinds. (Santa Barbara, CA; Door County, WI; Mackinac Island, MI; etc.) It seems to be the only way left to ensure the survival of cool, unique, non-cookie-cutter businesses like mine, and it results in some of the coolest cities/counties in America.

That'd be cool if a city could do that. Doesn't seem the ones you referenced have, though:

Santa Barbara has lots of McD's

Algoma and Sturgeon Bay, both on the Door County peninsula, have McD's too

Mackinac Island, MI is just too small to warrant a McD's.

EDIT: I really need to learn to finish reading the rest of a thread before replying; I see you and Mari already had this conversation. ;-)

 

[dmccormack]

Perhaps it's something that gets lost in the translation?

Peut-être

 

[RickH]

I look at a place like the Alexis Inn (yes, I've stayed there...it's nice) like I look at a B&B, a great place for a special weekend. When I'm actually travelling, I drive til' I'm tired and then look for a bed for the night. I don't care if it's fancy or unique...I'm not going to be there more than 8-10 hours and only going to be awake 2 or 3 of those. I want clean, quiet, a provided breakfast and a reasonable price. I can usually find that at HIE or Hampton Inns...even Super 8 if nothing else is available. I'm not going to take time to explore options for a non-destination motel.

 

[flyersfan31]

Peut-être

D'accord, Dan.

 

[flyersfan31]

Great idea -- but it's been done. It's called "AAA".

---

(And BTW: Don't worry about their "diamonds" or "stars", as they are nearly meaningless. Example: The Alexis can't get higher than 2 stars, simply because we don't have an attached restaurant. There are 55 restaurants within a mile -- 55! -- and we deliver breakfast to each suite, but we can never be rated higher than 2 stars, no matter what.)

You just showed why AAA doesn't work for motels of your type. I see "2 Star" and I think "Eh, stains in the bathroom." I understand the rating system, it's just hard to see past it. When AAA only has 2 stars to work with rating a place like yours, then there is a HUUUUUUGE potential gap between 1 and 2 stars. If a Four Seasons gets a 3 star, that's telling me something.

Now, my "Jay Approved" would be just that - an independent stamp-of-approval guaranteeing that a 2 star, non-chain motel would in fact provide clean, renovated rooms, good coffee, nice beds, etc. No broken faux-tiffany lamps. No motorized beds. No rats.

If I had the choice of a "Jay Approved" 2 star and a non-"Jay Approved" 2 star, I would have more to go on when making my decision. Maybe the non-approved motel opted not to join the program, or maybe it doesn't make the grade. Either way, I've got more to go on than AAA 2 stars.

As my Marketing prof in grad school would have said, "Tink about it."

 

[dmccormack]

D'accord, Dan.

J'ennuyé ces grandes neiges...

 

[dmccormack]

You just showed why AAA doesn't work for motels of your type. I see "2 Star" and I think "Eh, stains in the bathroom." I understand the rating system, it's just hard to see past it. When AAA only has 2 stars to work with rating a place like yours, then there is a HUUUUUUGE potential gap between 1 and 2 stars. If a Four Seasons gets a 3 star, that's telling me something.

Exactly -- I had a bad expereince with a "4 star" rated hotel in Toronto. Seems the hotel was bought immediately after the award and Official Ontario Travel guide was published.

Oh, it had a restaurant....

 

[SCCutler]

Here's what *I* read about the Iowa property...

Alexis Park Inn and Suitesには、TownhouseからSUITE 101までの27室の部屋があり、エコノミータイプの料金は7,908 円からとなっております。 Iowa Cityの南西地区の1165 S. Riverside Drive通りにあるこのホテルは、市内の中心街まで車で4 分の距離です。 低予算スタイルのAlexis Park Inn and Suitesは、快適なご宿泊に欠かせないルームサービス, 無料駐車場といった設備やサービスがご利用いただけます。 このホテルはブロードバンドインターネットの設備がございます。 このホテルではプールがご利用いただけます。 このホテルはLMグループのメンバーです。 このホテルでは特別にバリアフリーのサービスがございます。
その他の便利な情報： このホテルは 無料駐車場 のサービスがございます。

 

[dmccormack]

Here's what *I* read about the Iowa property...

I'll buy three.

 

[Everskyward]

I have a really warped sense of humor so I'll tell you that I'm posting this from a Holiday Inn Express... which is next to a McDonalds.

 

[dmccormack]

I have a really warped sense of humor so I'll tell you that I'm posting this from a Holiday Inn Express... which is next to a McDonalds.

Hey! That looks like a really nice hotel!!

 

[TangoWhiskey]

I have a really warped sense of humor so I'll tell you that I'm posting this from a Holiday Inn Express... which is next to a McDonalds.

Funny, Mari!

They couldn't afford the four flags?

 

[gprellwitz]

I have a really warped sense of humor so I'll tell you that I'm posting this from a Holiday Inn Express... which is next to a McDonalds.

Yeah, but do they let you into chat, or do they block the port?