Days Inn vs Holiday Inn: Choosing the Right Hotel for Your Stay

When planning a trip, one of the most important decisions is where to stay. Two popular hotel chains that often come up in the search are Days Inn and Holiday Inn. Both offer affordable accommodations across the United States and beyond, but they cater to slightly different markets and have their own unique strengths. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll explore the key differences between Days Inn and Holiday Inn to help you make an informed choice for your next stay.

Brand Overview

Days Inn, founded in 1970, is part of the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts family. It positions itself as a budget-friendly option for travelers, with a focus on providing basic amenities at an affordable price point. The chain is known for its sun logo and cheery yellow color scheme, which aims to evoke a sense of warmth and hospitality.

Holiday Inn, on the other hand, has a longer history dating back to 1952. It’s now part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) and offers a wider range of sub-brands, including Holiday Inn Express, which caters to budget-conscious travelers. The main Holiday Inn brand targets mid-range travelers looking for full-service hotels with more amenities.

Room Quality and Cleanliness

When it comes to room quality, there’s often a noticeable difference between Days Inn and Holiday Inn properties. Days Inn rooms typically offer basic accommodations with essential amenities. While cleanliness standards can vary by location, many travelers report that Days Inn rooms are generally clean but may show signs of wear and tear.

Holiday Inn rooms, particularly in newer or recently renovated properties, tend to offer a higher level of comfort and more modern furnishings. The brand has made efforts to update its image and room quality in recent years, resulting in more consistent experiences across different locations.

Amenities and Services

Days Inn properties usually provide basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and sometimes a simple complimentary breakfast. Some locations may have additional features like outdoor pools or fitness centers, but these are not standard across all properties.

Holiday Inn typically offers a broader range of amenities. Most locations include features like on-site restaurants, fitness centers, and business facilities. Many Holiday Inn properties also have indoor pools, which can be a significant advantage for families or leisure travelers.

Both chains often provide free parking, which can be a cost-saving benefit, especially in urban areas where parking fees can add up quickly.

Locations and Accessibility

Days Inn has a widespread presence, with numerous locations along highways and in smaller towns. This makes it a popular choice for road trippers and budget-conscious travelers who prioritize convenience and affordability over luxury.

Holiday Inn also boasts a large number of properties, but they’re more likely to be found in urban centers and near major attractions. This can be advantageous for business travelers or tourists who want to be close to city amenities and points of interest.

Both chains have a significant international presence, though Holiday Inn tends to have more locations outside of North America.

Price Point and Value

Days Inn is generally the more budget-friendly option of the two. Their rates are often among the lowest in the market, making them attractive to travelers looking to minimize accommodation costs. However, the trade-off is usually in terms of amenities and overall quality.

Holiday Inn typically commands higher rates, reflecting its positioning as a mid-range hotel chain. While more expensive than Days Inn, Holiday Inn often provides better value for money in terms of room quality, amenities, and overall experience. The price difference can vary significantly depending on location and time of year.

It’s worth noting that both chains offer loyalty programs – Wyndham Rewards for Days Inn and IHG Rewards for Holiday Inn. These programs can provide additional value through points accumulation, member rates, and potential upgrades.

Target Audience

Days Inn primarily caters to budget-conscious travelers, including families on road trips, solo travelers, and those looking for no-frills accommodations for short stays. Its affordable rates and widespread locations make it a go-to choice for those prioritizing cost savings over luxury.

Holiday Inn targets a broader audience, including business travelers, families on vacation, and leisure travelers looking for a comfortable stay with more amenities. The brand’s full-service offerings make it suitable for longer stays and those who spend more time in their hotel.

Consistency and Brand Standards

One area where Holiday Inn generally outperforms Days Inn is in consistency across different locations. While individual experiences can vary, Holiday Inn has stricter brand standards that result in more predictable stays from one property to another.

Days Inn properties can be more variable in quality. Some locations may exceed expectations, while others might fall short. This inconsistency is often cited as a drawback by frequent travelers who value predictability in their hotel experiences.

Customer Service

Both chains strive to provide good customer service, but experiences can vary widely depending on the specific location and staff. Holiday Inn, being a mid-range brand, often places a greater emphasis on customer service training and standards.

Days Inn properties, while generally friendly, may offer more basic service in line with their budget positioning. However, many travelers report positive interactions with Days Inn staff, particularly appreciating their helpfulness and local knowledge.

Dining Options

When it comes to dining, there’s a clear distinction between the two chains. Days Inn properties typically offer limited dining options, often restricted to a basic complimentary breakfast. Some locations may have vending machines or a small convenience store, but on-site restaurants are rare.

Holiday Inn, on the other hand, usually features on-site restaurants that serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Many Holiday Inn locations also offer room service, which can be a significant advantage for business travelers or those preferring to dine in their rooms.

For travelers who enjoy having dining options within their hotel, Holiday Inn clearly has the edge. However, the lack of on-site dining at Days Inn is often offset by their lower rates and locations near other restaurants and food options.

Business Facilities

Business travelers will find more suitable accommodations at Holiday Inn. Most Holiday Inn properties offer business centers with computers, printers, and sometimes meeting rooms. They also typically provide better in-room workspaces and faster, more reliable Wi-Fi.

Days Inn locations may have basic business facilities, but they’re not as comprehensive or widely available. The in-room workspaces are usually more basic, often consisting of a simple desk and chair.

Family-Friendly Features

Both chains can accommodate families, but they cater to different needs. Days Inn’s affordability makes it attractive for families on a budget, especially for short stays or road trips. Some Days Inn properties offer family rooms or suites, though these are not standard across all locations.

Holiday Inn tends to be more explicitly family-friendly, with features like kids-eat-free programs, family suites, and more recreational facilities such as pools and game rooms. The brand often markets itself as a family-friendly option, particularly for vacations.

Environmental Initiatives

In recent years, both chains have made efforts to improve their environmental sustainability. Holiday Inn, as part of IHG, has implemented more comprehensive sustainability programs, including initiatives to reduce water usage, energy consumption, and waste.

Days Inn, while perhaps not as advanced in this area, has also taken steps towards sustainability. Many properties have implemented energy-saving measures and eco-friendly practices, though these efforts may be less standardized across the brand.

Online Booking and Digital Experience

Both Days Inn and Holiday Inn offer online booking through their websites and mobile apps. Holiday Inn, being part of the larger IHG group, generally provides a more robust digital experience with features like mobile check-in and digital room keys at some properties.

Days Inn’s digital offerings are more basic but still functional. Their website and app allow for easy booking and management of reservations, though they may lack some of the more advanced features found in Holiday Inn’s digital platforms.

Accessibility for Guests with Disabilities

Both chains offer accessible rooms and facilities for guests with disabilities, though availability can vary by location. Holiday Inn properties, especially newer ones, often have more comprehensive accessibility features and a greater number of accessible rooms.

Days Inn also provides accessible accommodations, though the extent of accessibility features may be more limited in some of their older properties.

Pet-Friendly Policies

For travelers with pets, both chains offer pet-friendly options, but policies can vary significantly by location. Many Days Inn properties allow pets for a fee, which can be an advantage for budget-conscious pet owners.

Holiday Inn also has pet-friendly locations, though their policies and fees may be more variable. It’s always best to check with the specific property about their pet policies before booking.

Extended Stay Options

For longer stays, Holiday Inn generally offers better options. Many Holiday Inn properties are equipped for extended stays with features like in-room kitchenettes or full kitchens, laundry facilities, and more spacious rooms.

While some Days Inn locations may accommodate longer stays, they’re generally better suited for short-term visitors. The lack of in-room cooking facilities and limited amenities can make extended stays less comfortable.

Renovation and Modernization Efforts

Both chains have undergone renovation efforts in recent years, but to different extents. Holiday Inn has made significant investments in modernizing its properties, resulting in more contemporary designs and up-to-date amenities in many locations.

Days Inn has also undertaken renovation projects, though perhaps not as extensively. Some Days Inn properties have been updated with more modern furnishings and decor, while others may still have a more dated feel.

Conclusion

Choosing between Days Inn and Holiday Inn ultimately comes down to your travel needs, budget, and preferences. Days Inn offers a budget-friendly option with basic amenities, making it suitable for travelers prioritizing affordability and convenience, particularly for short stays or road trips.

Holiday Inn, while generally more expensive, provides a higher level of comfort, more amenities, and greater consistency across properties. It’s often a better choice for business travelers, families on vacation, or those seeking a more comprehensive hotel experience.

Both chains have their strengths and weaknesses, and individual experiences can vary greatly depending on the specific location. It’s always a good idea to read recent reviews of the particular property you’re considering and compare prices for your travel dates.

Ultimately, whether you choose Days Inn or Holiday Inn, both chains strive to provide comfortable accommodations for travelers. By considering your priorities and doing some research, you can find the option that best suits your needs and ensures a pleasant stay during your travels.