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Which Trendy New Budget Brand is the Best?

February 25, 2009 at 12:19 PM | by Jenna | 11 Comments

After much hype and lots of buildup over the last few years, the hip, trendy, boutique budget brands have descended. They've thrown open their doors and have not been shy about announcing plans to reproduce (and some of them have already expanded at staggeringly rapid paces).

Among the new brands: NYLO, Starwood's Aloft and Element, Yotel, Hyatt Place, and citizenM, to name a few — and more hotel brands aimed at the same budget-conscious young professional getting in on the action soon (like Hilton's Home2 Suites coming up in the extended stay category, for all the hip young, savvy travelers who want to kick it dorm-style on their business trips).

The offerings are generally fairly standard across most of these brands: rates are typically under $150, rooms have modern decor and amenities, there is some sort of grab-and-go F&B offering in the lobby, and the locations are usually close to office parks or airports. But does one brand offer a superior product? Or are these guys destined for the same sort of "eh, they're all the same" fate as the Hilton Garden Inns and Courtyards of the world?

We've had our Aloft experiences and our NYLO fun, but we want to hear from you on this one: which new budget boutique-y brand is the best — and what makes it the best?

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11 Comments

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  1. Jenna

    HotelChatter Member

    I'll start this off.

    Not to sway anyone's opinion, but I am still a die-hard NYLO fan. They're expanding super super slowly (well, compared to aloft, anyway), and I just feel like their hotels will never have the same sort of plug-and-play feel as competitors (again, like aloft) in this category because they're aiming to keep each hotel sort of customized to its region -- plus the service i got at nylo plano was absolutely stellar, and that's something you don't forget.

    NYLO's Pure allergen-free rooms are also a big plus, too.

    Okay, I'm done. Heart the NYLO.

    February 25, 2009 at 12:22 PM
  1. AndrewC

    HotelChatter Contributing Editor

    Agreed

    I've never been to a NYLO but from the pictures that i've seen - each hotel is very different and doesnt look like a hotel. Perhaps one of these days they'll build one in NJ. Then i can visit.
    February 25, 2009 at 2:21 PM
  1. Extended Checkout

    HotelChatter Member

    Andrew

    Why are you afraid to leave NJ...worried you won't want to come back?   :)

    As a hotel nerd, I like the NYLO concept and their XP by NYLO is a little more positioned to take on aloft...however...as a value conscious traveler (read: points whore) I have trouble staying at a brand with a portfolio of 3.  Looking forward to them growing the brand.

    February 26, 2009 at 2:14 PM
  1. Terry1

    HotelChatter Member

    NYLO

    I'm a NYLO fan. I've stayed at their hotels in Warwick RI and Plano TX, and both are very different. The Texas hotel is urban cowboy, and the Rhode Island has an ocean look and feel. The Loft, NYLO's restaurant and bar, is a great idea. After a day of travel and meetings, it's fun place to hang out. Can't wait to see what they do next.  
    February 26, 2009 at 9:29 PM
  1. theroadwarrior

    HotelChatter Member

    NYLO

    I have stayed at both NYLO and the Aloft brands.  I love NYLO.  In my opinion, Aloft doesn't even compare.  First of all there is no restaurant/bar, so you have to leave to get something to eat/drink.  And I like the decor and atmosphere of NYLO much better.  And the rooms at Aloft seem to much like a furniture showroom, not very "homie".  Needless to say, my vote goes for NYLO.  And I saw they announced some hotels will be built in Chicago and New York.  I can't wait to visit those!!!!
    February 27, 2009 at 8:52 AM
  1. thechicken

    HotelChatter Member

    NYLO

    NYLO is more than just a hotel-it is an experience.  Do you remember a time when you did something you never have done before, or visited another country on vacation, and do you remember how that experience stimulated your senses and made you sort of giddy?  That's what it is like when you walk into a NYLO for the first time.  You want to see every space, you want to sit down and enjoy it.  You never want to leave.  They get my vote.
    February 27, 2009 at 10:47 AM
  1. DebC

    HotelChatter Member

    NYLO

    Hands down NYLO is my favorite!
    February 27, 2009 at 4:03 PM
  1. Critical Ken

    HotelChatter Member

    Environmental Considerations

    The NYLO hotel in Plano, TX is unique and comfortable.  The service is good too.  But I really appreciate the utilization of green building techniques and incorporation of green business practices at NYLO hotels.  The travel industry needs more environmentally responsible companies.
    February 27, 2009 at 4:46 PM
  1. alb

    HotelChatter Member

    NYLO

    I have stayed at both NYLO and Aloft in Dallas. I am a NYLO fan. Aloft reminded me of my college dorm room. The beds from NYLO to Aloft don't even compare. The bar and Courtyard at NYLO sealed the deal for my husband and I. Great atmosphere and food. Going to NYLO was an experience, not just a hotel!
    March 3, 2009 at 1:46 PM
  1. philadelphiaguy

    HotelChatter Member

    Cambria Suites

    I def have to say Cambria Suites for this one. I was fairly familiar with the product but had never been, altho once I was in the front door, I was def sold!
    March 9, 2009 at 8:45 PM
  1. mrscourage

    HotelChatter Member

    Avoid the Brands Alltogether

    If you really want trendy - avoid the brands.  Stick with the true independents, that's what reallys started this niche anyways.  The brands are trying to morph into it, but for the real hipster experience, give your money to the indie.
    Custom Hotel at LAX - total hipster
    Ace Hotel in NYC - ultra cool
    September 4, 2009 at 12:50 PM

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