Hello All,
This is really for the newbie business traveler on which hotel to choose for your travels. My employeer, like most, requires that I stay in a mid-level priced hotel. I have long ago chosen Hampton Inn as my main stay. Their hotels are consistently clean with low noise, etc...and well...just consistant!!! They also have a nice breakfast bar that is more than the usual fruit, toast and milk.. This free breakfast is great when you are on a food per diem. Did I say you’ll have a "USA TODAY" outside your room door every weekday morning.

You need to pick a chain and stick with it for the most part to get my most out of the frequent stayer programs that all chains offer. Hampton has a nice frequent stayer program called Hilton Honors. You receive points for every dollar you spend at their hotels. When you have stayed enough with Hampon and other Hilton owned properties you are raised to a silver, gold, and finally a Diamond level.

As you reach each new plateau, you are given more points and little extras, or if you choose so, even more points. When I last redeemed points I used a reward special, a week at the Hilton Marco Island Resort, a 4-star gem.