The Best Hotel Chains for Your Budget and Your Family

I will be the first to confess that I am no Samantha Brown, host of several, widely-popular Travel Channel shows including, Passport to Europe and Passport to Latin America. I do not have a passport littered with stamps showcasing my many travels to exotic locations. Actually, I do not even own a passport. However, I do consider myself well-traveled within the borders of these 50 states and I have come to know a little about hotels along the way.

My family and I take a major vacation at least once a year. Sometimes, we even throw in a bonus trip if our budget and our schedules allow. Since my husband is a cautious flyer (to put it mildly), our trips consist of long, weary drives (my description - my husband would describe these drives as scenic and relaxing) that usually include stops at various hotels along the way. Unfortunately, we are not independently wealthy or lottery winners so it is crucial that we find budget-friendly accommodations that are pleasing to the whole family.

First, let me preface this list by saying that I am a "hotel snob." I am picky. I am obsessive. I want the Ritz, but cannot afford that luxury. I spend hours searching online when making reservations trying to read between the pictures and figuring out which hotels are really as clean as they say and which ones are lying. FYI- most lie. But since this is an article about the best hotel chains, I have found some that stay consistent in their cleanliness, price and service.

Best Western

My first experience with the Best Western chain was about 7 years ago when my family and I went to Disney World. We were trying to be cheap, but still have a great experience. We found this Best Western through one of the discount, online travel sites like Priceline or Expedia. I wish I could remember the exact name and location of this Best Western property, but what I do remember is that we paid about $54 per night for a studio suite that included a king size bed, a living area, a breakfast area (fully stocked with microwave, sink, stove, dishwasher, dishes and utensils), a full bath, phone and cable TV. We were about 20 minutes from all the Disney attractions and there were never any complaints from me.

One hit wonder? Not at all. Just recently, we stayed at the Best Western St. Louis Inn. Same experience, the lobby was clean and nicely decorated. The pool area was well-maintained. No cloudy water from too much or too little chlorine. The breakfast area was spotless and food was more than what you would expect from the traditional, free continental breakfast - there was sausage, eggs, waffles, muffins, gravy - I could go on, but you get the point. The room? The room was very sanitary. The carpet actually looked like it had been swept and there were no soap stains in the bathtub or sink (another indication that cleaning had taken place). The price for this hotel was just $79 per night - perfect for a family traveling together.

Claim to fame: a decent, hot breakfast that is far from the traditional continental fare.

Country Inn and Suites by Carlson

I fell in love with this chain the first time I ever stayed in one in Northern Georgia. This was a spur of the moment stop and I didn't have the opportunity to do my obsessive research. But I knew right away when I saw this property that I was going to be made to feel at home.

The porch was inviting with rocking chairs perfectly placed. When you walked in, the lobby was cute and country-charming with comfy furniture arranged around a beautiful fireplace, perfect for reading a newspaper or enjoying a book from the lending library. Lending library?

This feature is what I find so wonderful about this chain. Country Inn and Suites has a Read It and Return Lending Library in over 400 of its USA and Canadian locations. Guests, whether you are an adult or a child, can pick a book from the bookshelf in the lobby and read it either during your stay or on your way home - free of charge! The incentive to read the book and return it is that for every book that is returned, a donation is made to a program that supports literacy. The books vary by location, but you are certain to find something that you will enjoy. To further enhance one's love of literature, there is a promotion going on now that gives you a $15 Borders gift card when you book a minimum 2 night stay. You can go to the website for the exact details.

The atmosphere of Country Inn and Suites by Carlson is not pricey at all. You can have a great, clean stay for a low price - usually around $89.

Claim to Fame: This chain knows the importance of literacy.

Fairfield Inn by Marriot

I stumbled upon the Fairfield Inn by Marriot many years ago when I visited San Antonio, Texas. I was recovering from a horrible overnight stay at a different hotel chain (leaky air conditioner, dangerous neighborhood and a nasty hair-filled tub) and was in desperate need for a quick fix. The Fairfield Inn & Suites San Antonio Downtown/Market Square was a breath of fresh air. The rooms were maintained (no leaky air conditioner), the property was polished and ready to offer the best amenities for a budget-hotel, free hi-speed internet and parking. Since that stay, if I am ever in a jam for a property, I turn to a Fairfield Inn. I have stayed at properties in Chicago, Florida and Georgia and have never been disappointed.

The prices have varied at each location, but you can usually find accommodations between $89 and $149 per night.

Claim to Fame: Free Wireless High Speed Internet & free parking

A Final Suggestion

When you are searching for a hotel that will fit your family's budget and vacationing needs, I have one more tip - be cautious and do your research. All of the chains that I highlighted today have never let me down and I have had good experiences with all of them, but that doesn't mean that conditions are not able to change.

Chains are what they are - franchised properties that have different management at each location. Take advantage of user reviews and read what that particular guest liked or didn't like about the hotel. Use their reviews based on what you find most appealing in a property (price, convenience, type of rooms, etc.). You can go to Yahoo!Travel at www.yahoo.com, type in the hotel you are considering and check out the reviews.

Also, know the difference between a budget hotel and a cheap hotel. Budget hotels offer competitive pricing (starting around $79 per night) that offer amenities like free breakfast, free parking, outdoor or indoor pools. A cheap hotel is usually a roadside eyesore that is not a family-friendly destination. You get what you pay for.

So, get on your computer and start planning your summer destinations. If you have any chains that you have found to be reliable and pleasant, let us know and leave your comments. Traveler's need to stick together!

Reservation Websites:

http://www.bestwestern.com/

http://www.countryinns.com/

http://www.marriott.com/search/default.mi

Further Reading:

Check out these two books for more advice on creating a vacation on a budget.
Secret Hotels: Extraordinary Values in the World's Most Stunning Destinations
by Erik Torkells
The Smart Traveler's Passport: 399 Tips from Seasoned Travelers
by Erik Torkells