Chain Gang: The Lure of the Mass-Market Hotel

As a traveler, I’m bewitched by B&B’s. Entranced by independent inns. Lured to local lodging like pensiones in Italy or ryokans in Japan. If it’s quirky, charming, intimate or unique, I want to stay there. I like getting a taste of local color, and putting my vacation dollars toward independently owned businesses instead of big international hotel corporations.

And yet, even though it goes against my independent traveler ethos, sometimes I just can’t resist staying in a chain hotel.

This happened most recently on a trip to Los Angeles, which I was attempting to explore without a car. If I didn’t want to spend a fortune on taxis, I had to find a hotel within walking distance of the Metro — preferably one that was clean and had positive reviews from previous travelers. And, naturally, I didn’t want to break the budget either.

I had to pass up a few intriguing B&B’s and boutique hotels because of inconvenient locations or high rates. But I finally struck gold at the Holiday Inn Express – Hollywood Walk of Fame, which was just a few blocks from the Metro and offered free Wi-Fi and hot breakfast. It wasn’t the most interesting place I’ve ever stayed, but the room was clean, the Internet was fast and the price was right ($160/night for a location near Hollywood’s most popular sights).

Chain hotels often have other benefits as well, like loyalty programs, fitness centers and the simple security of knowing what to expect when you arrive (which can be reassuring when you’re thrown into a wholly unfamiliar place).

Which type of lodging do you prefer?