Hotels

Category Archives for Hotels.

American Airlines Used To Own A Hotel Chain. It’s Now Part Of Marriott And IHG

by Gary Leff

Feb 16 2024

Pan Am founded Intercontinental Hotels. After all there needed to be places for American consumers to stay in the far flung destinations they served, and as a tool of US foreign policy.

At one point United Airlines owned both Hilton and Westin hotels as part of their attempt at horizontal integration in travel under the Allegis brand. United wouldn’t just sell airline tickets, they’d market the full trip to consumers.

But I’d forgotten that American Airlines had a hotel chain.

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Sheraton Still Awful After All These Years, Hilton And Marriott Strategic Moves Revealed In Government Filings

by Gary Leff

Feb 15 2024

Both chains report that 78% of their revenue comes from the U.S. Their international footprints are smaller than you’d think!

Marriott has more than twice as much booked liability for hotel award night redemptions as Hilton. But that does not mean “Marriott’s loyalty program generated a far higher total volume of rewards for members than Hilton’s did” since Hilton pays hotels less when members redeem than Marriott does.

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How To Avoid ‘Getting Walked’ By A Hotel

by Gary Leff

Feb 13 2024

Many airlines, hotels, and rental car companies all ‘overbook’ meaning they sell more seats, rooms, and cars than they have. That usually works out just fine. They know some people will cancel or no show, and they want to use up all of their inventory.

Here’s what to expect if your hotel is overbooked, and how to avoid getting ‘walked’ in the first place.

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The Truth Behind Serial Complainers and Hotel Freebie Hunters

by Gary Leff

Jan 31 2024

Some guests head down to the front desk and complain about their hotel stay, every single time. A former Hyatt and Hilton employee talks about tracking a customer’s complaint history, the compensations they received, and notes about the guest. The hotel knows who’s a serial complainer, just doing it for the discounts, free breakfast or points. One guest wanted free champagne every day.

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