A Chain By Any Other Name Is Still a Chain

November 18, 2014.Reading time 7 minutes.

Stash Founder and CEO, Jeff Low, explains the difference between soft-branded chain hotels and true independent properties. Originally published in Hotel News Now. The chains have a problem, and it is standardization. Standardization ushered in the Industrial Revolution, and it has given rise to many of the world’s largest and most successful companies. And it’s […]

Independent hotel loyalty programs free travelers from chains

April 1, 2014.Reading time less than 1 minute.

Many travelers prefer boutique hotels to cookie-cutter chain hotels. However, as Julie Weed observed in her recent article about loyalty programs in The New York Times, “It’s a decision many business travelers would rather not have to make: stick with the big, predictable hotel chain and accumulate reward points, or stay at the offbeat independent […]

Travelers who choose independent hotels start an industry-wide revolution

February 19, 2014.Reading time 1 minute.

Do you prefer colorful experiences over shades of grey when you travel? Stash CEO Jeff Low explains in Hotel News Now why travelers who prefer hotels rich in local culture, food, history, music and art are immensely powerful in today’s hotel market. And why melon slices always look the same in chain hotels no matter […]

Tie the Knot

January 7, 2014.Reading time 5 minutes.

A cream puff of a gown, and all the men in morning suits. On the beach at sunset. The rock groupie, the lead guitarist, and a bourbon fountain—hey, it’s your special day! A wedding is a chance to show who you are—as individuals, and as a newly minted couple. These 6 out-of-the-ordinary wedding destination hotels […]

Travel Trend: Chain vs. Independent Hotels

September 20, 2013.Reading time 1 minute.

Chains are buying up local, one-of-a-kind (often family-run) hotels across the United States. While other U.S. industries (like accounting, media, entertainment) consolidated over the decades, the hotel industry is also veering toward increased consolidation (likely recession-exacerbated). Chain hotels now represent 70% of rooms (vs. 56% in 1988) with predictions showing chains growing to 80% in 10 years, based on lodging research reported in a recent […]

Hyatt Fires Ducks at Local Hotel

September 12, 2013.Reading time 1 minute.

We often talk about how chain hotel sameness is replacing distinctive independent hotel experiences. Here’s a classic example. A recent Wall Street Journal article explains how the storied march of the ducks at the Peabody Hotel Orlando is being discontinued by Hyatt, the hotel’s new owners. “We’re respectfully retiring the tradition because it’s not a Hyatt tradition,” […]

Ready to Veer?

September 1, 2013.Reading time 1 minute.

Road warriors with discerning taste, your time has come. Desire a little soul food, even on business trips? So do we. Introducing Veer, a blog devoted to road warriors who crave exceptional experiences off the beaten path. Style, creative food, drinks with a twist (or twisted drinks). New and unusual hotels with independent owners. Hotels […]