Where to Stay in this Economy. . .

I read an interesting article by PRNewswire called Consumer Reports Hotel Survey: More Than 27,000 Travelers Rate 48 Popular Chains, which directly correlates to this week's chapter on survey research.  "The Consumer Reports National Research Center surveyed 27,506 subscribers who spent a collective 124,000 nights at 48 chains across all five categories from January 2008 to April 2009." 

Here's what Consumer Reports found:

It pays to haggle- 35 percent of respondents tried to negotiate for a better deal, but those who did were rewarded with a lower rate or room upgrade 80 percent of the time.

Booking Method doesn't attract satisfaction- No correlation between booking via phone, website, travel site or other means.

Suites have advantages- For approximately the same price as a regular room, the lodgings in an all-suite hotel give a more spacious, homey feeling.

Some beds are better than others- When they say plush, high end mattress this study proved worth it.

Most "bargain" hotels aren't- You get what you pay for.  Except for Microtel, budget hotels continue to earn the lowest scores for value, upkeep, and  ease of checking in and out. They also generate a disproportionate percentage of complaints about bedding, lighting, decor, and heating and air conditioning.

Readers found The Ritz-Carlton, Homewood Suites, Renaissance, Drury Inn & Suites, and Microtel Inn & Suites were among the most satisfying of 48 chains in their respective categories.

Consumer Reports hotel ratings are broken into five categories: Fanciest, Luxury, Upscale, Moderate and Budget. Travelers' expectations differ by category, but some moderate hotels pleased readers almost as much as the epitome of ritz, the Ritz-Carlton.

Choose wisely and read reviews!