Holiday Inn vs Hampton Inn: Which Chain Hotel Should You Choose?

When it comes to mid-range chain hotels, two of the most prevalent options across the United States are Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn. Both fall under the umbrella of major hotel companies – Holiday Inn is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, while Hampton Inn is a Hilton brand. But which one is the better choice for your next hotel stay?

To decide between Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn, travelers should consider factors like overall room quality, amenities, service, loyalty programs, co-branded credit card options, and typical nightly rates. This in-depth comparison looks at how the two hotel chains stack up in these key categories.

Room Quality

Both Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn aim to provide clean, comfortable accommodations at a reasonable price point. However, there can be more variation in room quality across the Holiday Inn brand.

Hampton Inn properties tend to have more consistent room quality and updated amenities from location to location. The brand’s signature amenities include the Cloud Nine bedding with a plush mattress and high-quality linens. Hampton Inn guest rooms also typically include a microwave, mini-fridge, coffeemaker, ergonomic desk chair, and free high-speed internet.

Holiday Inn room quality can range from dated and tired to recently renovated, even within the same city. The Holiday Inn brand encompasses full-service hotels as well as more limited-service Holiday Inn Express properties. At their best, Holiday Inn hotels provide comfortable rooms with amenities like mini-fridges, Keurig coffee makers, and paid high-speed internet. But quality can be hit-or-miss compared to Hampton’s greater consistency.

Amenities

When comparing amenities, Hampton Inn has some notable free offerings that give it an edge over standard Holiday Inn properties. These include free hot breakfast and free parking.

Hampton’s free hot breakfast includes a rotating menu of hot items like eggs, breakfast meats, oatmeal, and waffles. There is also a selection of fresh fruit, yogurt, bread, and coffee/juice. This free hot breakfast can provide great value, especially for families. Holiday Inn does not offer free breakfast at its standard properties.

Free parking is also very standard at Hampton Inn hotels. Holiday Inn properties, especially those in urban areas, frequently charge daily parking fees that can add up quickly over a multi-night stay.

Other standard amenities found at both Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn include:
– Fitness centers
– Indoor pools (at some locations)
– Business centers
– Convenience stores

In terms of amenities, Hampton has the advantage overall thanks to free hot breakfast and free parking for all guests. Holiday Inn either charges for breakfast or has no free hot items. And parking fees are very common at Holiday Inn properties.

Service

Opinions can vary, but many travelers find the customer service at Hampton Inn hotels to be a strength compared to Holiday Inn. This can likely be attributed to Hampton’s brand standards and training.

Hampton Inn is known for its friendly, helpful staff and commitment to guest satisfaction. The brand promises 100% guest satisfaction with amenities like the free hot breakfast. If a guest is not fully satisfied with their stay for any reason, Hampton Inn is supposed to make it right or not charge for the room.

Holiday Inn service is more inconsistent based on the specific hotel and its staffing/management. Some Holiday Inn hotels deliver exceptional service, while others have staff that seems overworked or indifferent.

For reliable, attentive service, many travelers prefer the Hampton Inn brand. But you may get great or poor service at an individual Holiday Inn property.

Loyalty Programs

If you want to earn points and elite status for future free nights, the loyalty programs for IHG (Holiday Inn’s parent company) and Hilton (Hampton Inn’s brand) are important factors.

The Holiday Inn loyalty program is IHG One Rewards. Benefits include:
– Points worth 0.8 cents each based on IHG redemptions
– Elite levels of Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond
– Free internet for elite members
– Guaranteed room availability and priority check-in for elite members
– Points that don’t expire

The Hilton Honors program for Hampton Inn properties includes:
– Points worth 0.5 cents each based on Hilton redemptions
– Elite tiers of Silver, Gold, and Diamond
– Elite members get free Wi-Fi, priority service, and potential room upgrades
– Points that don’t expire

While Hilton Honors points are worth slightly less than IHG points based on redemption rates, the Hilton program has two key advantages. First, holders of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card get automatic top-tier Diamond status. Second, all Hilton elites get free breakfast at Hampton Inn and other brand hotels.

In terms of elite benefits like free breakfast and better points value, IHG One Rewards has the edge. But Hilton’s premium credit card makes it easy to get top status and freebies.

Credit Cards

Speaking of premium credit cards, let’s look at the co-branded card offerings for IHG and Hilton that can help earn points, get free nights, and confer elite status.

The top IHG credit card is the IHG Premier Credit Card, which has a $99 annual fee and includes:
– Automatic Platinum Elite status
– A free night certificate each year worth up to 40,000 points
– 25x points per $1 spent on IHG hotel stays
– 5x points on travel, gas, and dining
– 3x points on all other purchases
– 4th night free on award stays
– Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Fee credit every 4 years

Hilton’s premium credit card is the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, with a $450 annual fee (see rates & fees). Key benefits are:
– Complimentary Diamond status
– One weekend night reward each year
– A second weekend night reward after spending $60,000 in a calendar year
– $250 airline fee credit and $250 Hilton resort credit annually
– 14x points per $1 spent at Hilton hotels
– Priority Pass airport lounge access

For those looking to spend less, there are also no annual fee cards like the IHG Traveler Card and Hilton Honors American Express Card.

The IHG Premier card offers better benefits at a lower annual fee if you want automatic elite status and an annual free night. But the Hilton Aspire card truly shines for road warriors who can take advantage of top-tier Diamond status and all the lucrative statement credits.

Typical Nightly Rates

Chain hotel rates can vary tremendously based on factors like location, time of year, special events, holidays, etc. But on average, you can expect to pay slightly less per night at a Hampton Inn compared to a Holiday Inn property.

A survey of major markets across the U.S. found that Hampton Inn rates averaged around $130 to $180 per night. Holiday Inn hotels in those same areas averaged $150 to $220 per night.

Higher rates at Holiday Inn hotels are likely due to the brand’s higher-end amenities (full-service restaurants, room service, larger lobby spaces, etc.) compared to Hampton’s limited-service model. Holiday Inn Express hotels tend to be more competitively priced with Hampton Inn properties.

Bottom Line

When choosing between Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn for an upcoming stay, here are some key factors to consider:

– Pick Hampton Inn for overall consistency in room quality and service across locations.
– Holiday Inn could have more variation but also more upscale amenities at some properties.
– Hampton provides more free amenities like hot breakfast and parking, adding value.
– IHG has a slight edge for points redemption value, while Hilton offers better elite benefits and credit card options.
– Hampton Inn rates may be lower on average compared to Holiday Inn’s across the U.S.

For budget-conscious leisure travelers looking for a solid mid-range experience, Hampton Inn is likely the safer bet. But Holiday Inn’s full-service hotels could appeal to certain business travelers or those looking for more amenities. Your personal loyalty program and elite status may also sway your decision.

Ultimately, both are quality chain hotel brands and either can be a good choice depending on your priorities for a particular hotel stay.