re: If your going on a vacation, do you base your hotel stay off ratings, name brand or price?

I have a Marriott card so I stay there exclusively. Stayed in the Ritz in Barcelona on points and it was unbelievable. 34th floor overlooking the Mediterranean. The hotel was a main reason Barcelona was my favorite leg of a 18 day Europe trip.

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but the difference between a Best Western and a Ritz isn't that big as far as my enjoyment is concerned.


I couldn’t disagree more. I understand we like to travel differently so I’m not saying you are wrong as it is a preference.

But the amenities in a Ritz property can definitely add the the experience for me. Pool, bars, lounge, restaurants, spa, etc. and usually a Ritz is in a happening part of town close enough to walk to major highlights.

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This!
I have to say age factors into this a bit. As a twenty-something and traveling with singles or w/o family is different than with family as an adult with more means and a different itinerary. Especially with young children (we used to bring a nanny when they were too young to stay in the room themselves) you are inclined to stay in the hotel late night when the kids are upstairs sleeping. Your more likely to order room service in the AM when it takes a while to get everyone up and dressed. You feel a bit more secure about letting them wonder the property when it’s a more upscale hotel. When you have the means and a family the services offered at a higher end hotel is much appreciated.

Rating, then price. Reviews will supplement decision. Rely heavily on Trip Advisor, Booking.com or airbnb.com.

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You're far more likely to find issues/gross things in a local mid range hotel than you will in a Hampton Inn that is audited by their corporate office.

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Absolutely true.

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Ritz is just another Marriott now.

I wouldn’t pay more for it.

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This applies in some areas but not all IMO. The Ritz next door to the JW in Orlando fits this description for sure. They're probably going to build a new Ritz in Buckhead across from the JW and while I'm sure it'll be nice, I doubt it'll be worth the increase. But RC in some European city or an island is probably in an amazing building with ideal location and views and far exceeds any hilton or marriott flagged hotel.

As for picking hotels, we use TripAdvisor, ignore the value ratings and sort by best overall. Then usually limit to 4/5 stars and dig into the reviews. A lot of places climb TripAdvisor ratings because they're good family hotels or have big rooms/good location for the money, so you have to eliminate those if those factors aren't your priority.

For us the sweet spot is the 4/5 star boutique that does everything right, has great location, is upscale but probably lacks spa amenities and the like (but must have a decent restaurant and good bar). Usually the size and lack of full amenities is the only quality downgrade from a true 5. I don't mind staying at larger or major brand hotels but the small boutiques fit in cool neighborhoods that the larger hotels don't.

Sometimes that may be correct, but sometimes I read all the negative reviews and laugh at the miserable(mostly old) idiots who make the reviews

Hotwire 4 star will never let you down. Booking.com has best review board.

Age is king. Newer hotels of lesser brands or star ratings are almost always nicer than older “nicer” hotels