http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/17/upgraded-mid-range-and-economy-hotels-roll-out-the-perks/ Living the first class life -- at coach prices Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:55:54 -0700 hourly 1 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/17/upgraded-mid-range-and-economy-hotels-roll-out-the-perks/#comment-23568 kdgriffin Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:24:05 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/17/upgraded-mid-range-and-economy-hotels-roll-out-the-perks/#comment-23568 I like the idea of the Target strategy. That's exactly why I shop at Target instead of Walmart(actually there are a few more reasons)it's the idea that I'm getting a quality, hip groovy product at a decent price. I like the idea of the Target strategy. That’s exactly why I shop at Target instead of Walmart(actually there are a few more reasons)it’s the idea that I’m getting a quality, hip groovy product at a decent price.

]]> http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/17/upgraded-mid-range-and-economy-hotels-roll-out-the-perks/#comment-23212 Louis Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:51:44 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/17/upgraded-mid-range-and-economy-hotels-roll-out-the-perks/#comment-23212 I stay often at a Residence Inn in the Boston area. Two years ago they did the "upgrade"---really just replaced worn out furniture and fixtures with current models. It looked and felt great--I even stayed more frequently. Mattress was finally comfy, sofa was stylish and kitchen was sparkling. I just got back from there...the mattress was lumpy, the sofa stained and worn, the kitchen was dingy. Moving to cheap amenities to cut costs might be a short term positive but you get what you pay for in terms of quality. I stay often at a Residence Inn in the Boston area. Two years ago they did the “upgrade”—really just replaced worn out furniture and fixtures with current models. It looked and felt great–I even stayed more frequently. Mattress was finally comfy, sofa was stylish and kitchen was sparkling. I just got back from there…the mattress was lumpy, the sofa stained and worn, the kitchen was dingy. Moving to cheap amenities to cut costs might be a short term positive but you get what you pay for in terms of quality.

]]> http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/17/upgraded-mid-range-and-economy-hotels-roll-out-the-perks/#comment-23198 Robert Bradford Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:50:57 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/17/upgraded-mid-range-and-economy-hotels-roll-out-the-perks/#comment-23198 It's truly about time! I call this the "Target Strategy" (as in Target Stores)...you give the Walmart customer a lot better experience for a little higher price. It's not hard to do, and I hope the payoff is as high here as it is in retailing. I suspect savvy business travelers will tend to prefer any brand that's REALLY committed to bucking the recent trend towards making travel suck. And surely we are worth more than the millions of folks who bought their $30 hotel room on Priceline? It’s truly about time! I call this the “Target Strategy” (as in Target Stores)…you give the Walmart customer a lot better experience for a little higher price. It’s not hard to do, and I hope the payoff is as high here as it is in retailing. I suspect savvy business travelers will tend to prefer any brand that’s REALLY committed to bucking the recent trend towards making travel suck. And surely we are worth more than the millions of folks who bought their $30 hotel room on Priceline?

]]> http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/17/upgraded-mid-range-and-economy-hotels-roll-out-the-perks/#comment-23171 Jonathan Barden Mon, 18 Aug 2008 17:56:34 +0000 http://www.upgradetravelbetter.com/2008/08/17/upgraded-mid-range-and-economy-hotels-roll-out-the-perks/#comment-23171 i have to say its about time this started to happen. I spent quite some time traveling across the states and have to say each time i checked into on of these mid range accommodations, it was like walking back into the 70s or 60s even. Some of the rooms were, lets say less than basic at best. From what you have said and shown they seem to finally realize that there potential customer base could be increased massively with a small investment to this refurbishment. keep it up. i have to say its about time this started to happen.
I spent quite some time traveling across the states and have to say each time i checked into on of these mid range accommodations, it was like walking back into the 70s or 60s even.
Some of the rooms were, lets say less than basic at best.
From what you have said and shown they seem to finally realize that there potential customer base could be increased massively with a small investment to this refurbishment. keep it up.

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