Hotel Reviews from 100 Nights a Year on the Road
When you spend 100+ nights a year in hotels, you get a pretty good sense of what works—and what really doesn’t. This is where I’ll share those thoughts through honest hotel reviews and real-world stay experiences from the road.
My wife occasionally refers to me as a hotel snob. I disagree. I’m perfectly happy in a well-run mid-range hotel and just as capable of being disappointed by a high-end property that doesn’t deliver. For me, it’s less about luxury and more about value—finding the best overall experience for the price. I almost always compare multiple options that meet my core requirements and book the best deal, though I’ll happily splurge when a property feels like it’s truly worth it.
Like most frequent business travelers, hotel loyalty programs play a big role in where I stay. In my case, that means a heavy rotation of Hyatt and Marriott (and yes, I still miss SPG). Roughly 95% of my stays fall within those two ecosystems, but given the range of brands, price points, and locations they cover, there’s still plenty of variety—from select-service hotels to full-on luxury resorts.
So what actually matters to me in a hotel?
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Loyalty recognition (it matters more than you think)
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Price and overall value
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Location—ideally with a great view
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Space, especially when traveling with family
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Sleep quality—good soundproofing and a room far from the elevator
And in case you’re wondering—my favorite hotel brand is St. Regis.