Our 5 Favorite Hotel Brands, According To Our Readers

Choosing the hotel that is right for you is an important one, and with options ranging from economy to luxury, the choice is not always easy. Whether you are looking for an affordable place to get a solid night’s sleep while exploring the area, or a one-stop destination, each of our readers’ top brands is ready to give you a place to sit back and relax. Hotel brands work hard to earn your business and to keep you coming back again and again, and their focus on customer satisfaction is a win-win for their customers. Here are the brands that our readers picked as their favorites this year.

1. Marriott (Winner)

Interestingly, the Marriott brand began as a D.C. area A&W Root Beer stand in 1927, and it wasn’t until the late fifties that they even entered the hospitality sector with their first hotel. Yet even in their early days, the Marriott family’s driving principle of putting people first was evident. From the world’s first-ever “motor hotel” in 1957 to the 31 upscale and luxury brands that form their portfolio today, Marriott has continued to perfect and refine the hospitality industry as a whole.

Hotels in the Marriott group can be found in over 130 countries around the globe, ensuring they will be waiting to welcome you just about anywhere your travels may take you. Experience the luxury of The St. Regis Toronto or relax in the sun at the Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. Enjoy the Berlin Marriott Hotel while you explore the riveting history of the city, or use the Renaissance Sao Paulo Hotel as a base to explore southern Brazil. Pick your destination and decide how much you are willing to spend, and a Marriott hotel will likely be just around the corner.

Marriott is looking to make you a lifetime customer, honoring the loyalty of guests who stay regularly. Learn more about the Marriott Bonvoy Rewards Program and how it was named the best hotel rewards program by our readers this year.

Brand Highlights:

• Access to more than 8,000 hotel properties in 130+ countries.
• Over 30 unique brands from upper midscale to luxury, with traditional, long-term, and boutique lodging options available.

2. Hilton

Conrad Hilton entered the hotel business just after World War I with the purchase of the Mobley Hotel in Texas. The Hilton empire only grew from there, with Hilton hotels popping up all over Texas and eventually around the country and the world.

The name of the game with Hilton Hotels has always been innovation. Many hospitality mainstays today were unheard of in the early to mid-1900s, and the Hilton Brand changed that. Hilton claims to be the first hotel company with a New York Stock Exchange listing, the first to offer a reservation system servicing multiple hotels, and was the first brand to provide in-room television access, at The Roosevelt Hilton in New York.

Get a taste of the island life at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino, or drop into the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, a delightful desert oasis. Be ready to spend over $800 per night at the Parisian-style chateau of the Waldorf Astoria in Chicago, or find a comfortable stay at the more modest Hampton Inn for under $100 per night in some locations. Choose the name that has stood for hospitality innovation since the 1920s.

Brand Highlights:

• Access to more than 7,000 hotel properties in 120+ countries.
• 18 unique brands ranging from upper midscale to luxury accommodations.

3. Four Seasons

Similar to Marriott, Four Seasons‘ first foray into the hospitality game came in the form of a motel. Over the years, the brand’s business model shifted to focus on the uniform, luxury service it is known for to this day. Whether you are searching for a wellness retreat, a place to hit the slopes, or a bed within walking distance of the beach, Four Seasons has got you covered. Or select a Four Seasons Villa for a private retreat in a luxury vacation home.

Gaze out over the water from your room high over the ocean at The Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club, just north of Miami Beach, Florida; walk to the world-renowned Sydney Opera House from your room at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney; or experience the wonder of Macao from your roost at the Four Seasons Hotel Macao Cotai Strip in the Macao region of China. With only 124 locations around the world, you may not find a Four Seasons everywhere you travel: But don’t fret, Four Seasons is a destination in itself, and once you step foot on the property, you won’t want to leave!

Brand Highlights:

• Intimate collection of 124 hotels and resorts under one brand.
• Fly in style aboard the Four Seasons luxury jet.

4. Wyndham

The Wyndham group of hotels is surprisingly diverse. With economy brands such as Days Inn, Travelodge, and Super 8, a convenient night’s stay is just around the corner in most major cities around the U.S. You won’t find any true high-end luxury brands within the Wyndham group, but that doesn’t mean you will be roughing it: The Wyndham and Dolce brands will have you relaxing in style.

Hotels within the Wyndham group are in far fewer countries than the other names on this list, with just over 80 in total. This is likely due to the focus on economic tiering and diversification, with many economy brands spread around North America, with fewer brands around the world. Wyndham is a great option for travelers that desire the ability to choose the quick and inexpensive option one trip, while splurging on the next while still earning rewards points within the same program.

Brand Highlights:

• Access to more than 9,000 hotel properties in 80+ countries.
• 22 brands with everything from economy to upscale chic.

5. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)

Another name that knows the importance of diversification is InterContinental Hotels Group. From a quick stopover at a Holiday Inn while traveling across the state, or a longer stay at one of the numerous luxury Kimpton, Regent, and InterContinental Hotels around the globe, IHG has something for everyone.

The InterContinental Paris – Le Grand affords incredible views of Palais Garnier, the opera house located just across the street. Set your sights on the Yucatan, and schedule a much-needed retreat at the InterContinental Presidente Cancun Resort in Mexico. Head to Thailand and experience the luxury of the oceanfront Kimpton Kitalay Samui, making time to enjoy the on-site full-service spa.

Brand Highlights:

• Access to more than 6,000 hotel properties in 100+ countries.
• 17 brands with everything from economy to upscale chic.

It’s imperative to feel comfortable and safe while traveling. Medjet provides premier air medical transport, travel security, and crisis response memberships, providing peace of mind for an affordable price.