Hotels offer relief from stress of summer travel

New chains for next-gen travelers
Specific destinations aside, travelers are also benefiting from the recent proliferation of hotel brands — 35 in the last 35 months according to Bjorn Hanson. Many are being developed by major players, such as Hyatt and Starwood, who have plans to roll them out by the hundreds over the next several years.

Among the most buzz-worthy are the so-called “boutique brands,” such as Cambria Suites, Hotel Indigo, Hyatt Place and NYLO, that are springing up across the country. Combining hip design and high-tech amenities, they feature Starbucks-like lobbies, free wi-fi and an ambience geared toward travelers who grew up with iconic innovators such as JetBlue and Ikea. (You don’t have to be under 35, but it helps.)

Last month, for example, saw the long-delayed opening of the first aloft hotel, the new chain from Starwood Hotels. “Infused with the DNA” of the company’s W Hotels (and, yes, spelled with a lower case “a”), the chain will forgo room service and valet parking in favor of grab-and-go pantries, self-service kiosks and average rates of $150 per night. Four alofts are currently open — Lexington, Mass.; Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.; Rogers, Ark.; and Montreal, Quebec — with another 80 in the works worldwide.

With so many companies jumping on the boutique-chain bandwagon, industry experts expect to see increased price competition. “A lot of these chains didn’t exist one or two years ago,” says Frietag. “They’re offering more attractive rates just to get people in the door.”

Ask and you may receive
Many established hotels, on the other hand, are continuing to resist cutting rates this summer (at least outside Las Vegas). Many, suggests McInerney, would prefer to sacrifice occupancy rates, letting a few rooms go empty rather than slash rates as they did after September 11.

Instead, they’re hoping to entice guests with add-on amenities and extra services that offer more value instead of a lower price. “They’re putting together packages that tie in to cultural events and local festivals,” says Hanson, “paying admission or providing transportation.”

But, he cautions, they don’t always spend the money to advertise such deals, leaving it up to guests to ask what might be available. Whether it’s complimentary shuttle service or a free upgrade to a Club room (complete with Continental breakfast and afternoon cocktails), guests can take some of the sting out of their bill with a few friendly questions.

And, of course, by being flexible. “People tend to be reluctant to try different days,” says Hanson. “They want to arrive on Friday and leave on Sunday, but if they ask about Wednesday to Friday or Sunday to Tuesday, they’ll often receive a much lower rate.”

That’s what Pat Economos did, and although she’s not expecting a luxury experience, she’s excited by the prospect of a clean room, decent food and unlimited golf at a reasonable price: “I’m happy to stay in a two-star hotel. I don’t spend much time in my room anyway.”

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