Favorite Mid-Scale Hotels: Top Picks From Our Travel Panel

By Nancy Trejos, USA TODAY

Corrections and clarifications:A June 27 article misstated free amenities at Hilton Garden Inn properties. Complimentary cooked to order breakfast is offered only for elite loyalty program members. Complimentary wine is only for elite members in certain hotels.

The Hilton Garden Inn brand was praised by frequent travelers for amenities and service. This is the Downtown Nashville/Convention Center location (Photo: Hilton Worldwide)

For Mike Maloney, consistency is key when staying at a hotel.

For that reason, his favorite mid-scale hotel brand is Hilton Garden Inn.

“You know what to expect at each location,” he says.

The consumer products consultant from Overland Park, Kan., says the Hilton Worldwidebrand has also won him over with its clean and comfortable rooms and food and beverage selections that he calls on par with upscale hotels.

He also praises the brand for its staff and service, “Everyone makes you feel like you are a VIP from the time you check in until the time you leave,” adding that he has seen "very little turnover in the staff,” at the locations he stays.

USA TODAY conducted an informal survey to determine favorite mid-scale hotel brands among readers.

A total of 128 members of our Road Warriors panel cast votes. These frequent travelers chose a variety of brands. But the one that got the most votes —23—was Hilton Garden Inn, which bills itself as an upscale but mid-priced lodging option.

Hilton Garden Inns offer free Wi-Fi. Complimentary cooked to order breakfast is available to Gold and Diamond Hilton Honors Members. Some properties also offer free wine to elite HHonors members. The hotels also offer a business center and meetings rooms for the business traveler.

Bob Bowen, a human resources consultant in Canton, Ohio, appreciates the spacious rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn. He calls the pillows excellent.

And, he says, “the shower head is above my head so I don’t have to bend in the morning to shower.”

Another morning perk that won over Andrea Warren, a financial consultant in Birmingham, Ala., was the free breakfast.

“It had a larger than usual breakfast menu and they gave me a free bottle of wine,” she says. “Breakfast is a big factor for me when selecting a hotel.”

William Waff, a retired army officer from Gurnee, Ill., loves the Hilton Garden Inn in Mt. Holly, N.J. He pretty much lived there from October 2010 through September 2013.

“They allowed me to keep a suitcase and uniform box in the baggage closet when I was not there, which eliminated me having to haul stuff back and forth with me,” he says. “They also pretty much kept the same room 'fenced' off for me with some additional table lamps and other specific items in the room that made it much more personal".

Hilton Worldwide in general earned high marks among Road Warriors looking for mid-priced housing options. Ten other Road Warriors say they turn to Hilton when looking for affordable lodging.

Another Hilton brand, Hampton Inn, got 10 votes.

“The rooms are generally more spacious than other chains, with a more upscale feel,” says Tom Gauer, a media analyst in Kansas City, Mo. “The property is meticulously maintained, and the staff goes way beyond efficient and friendly.”

He also enjoys the free breakfast with hot entrees that rotate every three or four days.

Marriott International, which is in the process of buying Starwood Hotels and Resorts, also got many votes of approval.

Its Courtyard by Marriott brand was singled out by 16 frequent travelers.

“In their newer properties they have the best room for working on the road,” says George Evans, a health care consultant at Pascagoula, Miss. “Rooms are adequately sized, very nice work desk area with lots of plugs, great desk chair. Good selection of TV, free internet. Very consistent experience from property to property.”

Drew Guenett, an automotive trainer and consultant in Scottsdale, Ariz., says that in addition to helping him work, staying at Courtyards helps him relax.

“They do a great job of making you feel at home in your own living room,” he says.

Marriott’s Fairfield Inn, which has 700 locations, also impressed business travelers with their free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and meeting spaces.

Dan De Riemer, an automobile dealer in Roswell, Ga., especially likes the one in Clermont, Fla.

“Every level of staff had a smile on,” he says. “Rare in today’s travel venues. Friendly, courteous, helpful, and welcoming.”

InterContinental Hotels Group scored in the mid-scale segment with its Holiday Inn andHoliday Inn Express brands.

“The new Holiday Inn hotels have made a noticeable effort to raise the bar by providing comfortable, clean spaces while maintaining a reasonable price for business travelers,” says Tom DeWaard, a district manager in Springfield, Mo. “I enjoy their business suites with large work stations, separate bedroom area, and kitchenettes. Their locations in Baton Rouge and Oklahoma City offer nice work out areas with free weights and a variety of machines.”

MSC Cruises Announces New Details About The MSC Meraviglia Launching In June 2017

 

MSC Cruises reveals further details of the first of its features-packed next generation smart ship launching in June 2017

With just twelve months to go until the first guests set sail on-board MSC Meraviglia, MSC Cruises — the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and brand market leader in Europe, South America and South Africa — has today revealed further details of its first next-generation smart ship.  Designed around meeting every need of its guests, MSC Meraviglia will introduce new, cutting edge ways to connect vacationers seamlessly with the experiences that matter to them, whether at sea or on land.

With the first cruise scheduled for June 4, 2017, MSC Meraviglia will feature the ultimate in entertainment, alongside a broad range of dining options and luxurious wellness choices.  In addition to the on-board experience, the ship will spend her inaugural summer season sailing the western Mediterranean—calling at beautiful, historic destinations with a unique, highly-tailored program of discovery excursions, to immerse guests in local culture and tastes.

1.       Exclusive, world-class entertainment from Cirque du Soleil

The highlight of on-board entertainment will be represented by the world leader in artistic performance, Cirque du Soleil, thanks to the exclusiveCirque du Soleil at Sea partnership with MSC Cruises.

Two unique Cirque du Soleil shows will be performed on-board in the evenings, 6 nights per week, at the purpose-built Carousel Lounge. In addition, MSC Cruises will offer an exclusive on-site dinner service for up to 100 of the 450 guests booked for the show, elevating MSC Cruises’ exquisite dining and award-winning entertainment to yet another level. In fact, this is a unique experience that cannot be had anywhere else at sea — or in the world, for that matter.

MSC Cruises designed a custom-made entertainment venue, the Carousel Lounge, for MSC Meraviglia and its three Meraviglia and Meraviglia-Plus sister smart cruise ships.  Featuring the latest technology, this ground-breaking venue, which has been designed to meet the needs of Cirque du Soleil and its performers, will be a stunning circular performance space with a 180° circular glass wall.  Constructed with the most cutting edge equipment and special rigging, the Carousel Lounge will enable Cirque du Soleil performers to deliver their world-renowned performances for the exclusive enjoyment of MSC Cruises guests.

2.       Enriched family offering and cutting-edge entertainment for all ages

With MSC Meraviglia, MSC Cruises continues to evolve and enrich the family options that have historically been at the core of its offering. The facilities and services for families on every MSC Cruises vacation, are designed to ensure that it is engaging for all members of the family, both together and individually.

For the first time on any MSC Cruises ship, all of the facilities for families, kids and teens are all together in a super amusement park and children’s area.  This means families have a dedicated area specially designed for their needs, providing a safe place for children, and an opportunity to also meet and get to know other families. This area includes the DOREMI Studio Lounge, a dedicated lounge for all family activities, DOREMI Tech Lab, a must visit destination for kids who love technology, as well as facilities designed in partnership with family experts including the LEGO Group and Chicco.

Amongst other features, the on-board Aqua Park will include four action-packed water slides, a splash pool and champagne bowl. And the Himalayan Bridge will thrill adventure seekers, who can attach themselves to a rope and cross the ship, nearly 200 feet above the water.

3.       Comfortable accommodations to meet every need

The innovative accommodations on MSC Meraviglia demonstrate the way that MSC Cruises puts the guest at the heart of its designs and ship building — the way in which only a family-owned business can. With 10 different types of staterooms to choose from, there really is something for everyone.

The MSC Yacht Club

MSC Meraviglia features an enhanced MSC Yacht Club with luxurious accommodation, now spanning three decks with 78 suites, 15 inside staterooms and two apartments. The two coveted apartment suites are designed with a large living room and two balconies, one of which is a large outdoor space that has a dining table for eating al fresco and a private whirlpool. 

This unique “ship within a ship” concept is specially designed for guests seeking exclusivity and privacy in a world full of choice.  MSC Yacht Club guests can thus enjoy the world-class entertainment, specialty restaurants and boutiques before returning to their own private, luxurious sanctuary.

With unparalleled luxury comparable to that of a private yacht, it also provides key benefits including the Top Sail Lounge, an entirely self-contained private club, offering panoramic sea views, and the One Pool Deck, featuring a private pool, whirlpool baths and solarium.  A private elevator will transport guests discreetly to the MSC Aurea Spa to experience the delights of an authentic Balinese spa, with an exclusive MSC Yacht Club massage and treatment room.

Modular staterooms designed with the needs of families in mind

The trend for multi-generational vacations is further met on this ship with a clever modular staterooms system, which is unique to MSC Cruises.  Up to three staterooms can be combined together to accommodate up to 10 guests. 

In addition to the modular staterooms, quadruple staterooms can accommodate a family of up to four people each, with a living space in the daytime, and a sofa that turns into a comfortable bed by night – making the most effective use of space in the stateroom.

4.       A truly unprecedented choice of both fine and casual dining options

MSC Meraviglia makes available to her guests an unprecedented choice of both fine and casual options through 12 venues – in true MSC Cruises fashion - serving always fresh, authentic food. This starts with the buffet, open 20-hours a day, which will serve a delicious array of Mediterranean specialties and international cuisines – including ethnic, “itinerary” and wellness corners, plus a multitude of other tastes and dietary needs catered for round-the-clock.

In addition, fine dining options examples include the award-winning Kaito Sushi Bar, the new Kaito Teppanyaki Restaurant and an American-style steakhouse with specialty meats from around the world (details of additional fine dining options will be revealed over time).

5.       The 315 foot long Mediterranean-style promenade

Another outstanding feature of MSC Meraviglia is her impressive Mediterranean-style indoor promenade, featuring a 262 foot LED sky that creates an awe-inspiring atmosphere 24 hours a day.  With stunning visuals and effects, the Promenade will be the social center of the ship and a focal point for a broad range of leisure activities.  Amongst others, guests can stroll up and down, sit back and take in the atmosphere, shop until their hearts’ content, or snack on delicious ice cream or crepes from Jean Philippe Maury, the award-winning French chocolatier and pastry chef.

6.       Elegant pools for daytime relaxation and night-time entertainment

MSC Meraviglia offers all her guests a choice of three elegantly designed pools:

·         The main pool, located on deck 15 is inspired by the cool vibes of Miami’s South Beach.  At approximately 82 feet long, it has the most generous poolside space at sea.  By night, the pool becomes a visual spectacle, illuminated with special lighting.  There is also a buffet nearby with inside and outdoor dining options, providing guests with more convenience and optimal relaxation time.

·         As MSC Meraviglia is the ship for all seasons, there is a 33 foot indoor pool with a magrodome that can be opened when the ship is in port or the weather simply allows for it.

·         Finally, the Aft Pool on deck 16 offers spectacular views from the front of the ship, while by night is transformed into a space where guests can dance the night away under the stars.

Additionally, the private One Deck Pool, exclusively for the use of MSC Yacht Club guests, is in a coveted position at the top of the ship on deck 19 providing a quiet hideaway for relaxation.

These are just some of the special features of the incredible MSC Meraviglia and more will be revealed soon. Seeing really will be believing - sales for summer 2017 are open so to find out more visit: http://mscmeraviglia.com/us/en

Additionally, to help guests find out more about the unique experience that awaits them on board, watch this comprehensive guide to all of the key features to understand why MSC Meraviglia will soon become the must-visit destination in the Mediterranean next summer:https://youtu.be/AwdoBFm42Jk.

To book your next Mediterranean cruise experience on MSC Meraviglia visit: http://bit.ly/MSCMeraviglia_FYC. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE ARRAY OF EXCITING FEATURES ONBOARD MSC MERAVIGLIA

MSC Meraviglia offers a world of choice, with everything that a guest might look for in a vacation, both on board and onshore. In particular, she features the ultimate in entertainment for the whole family, a huge range of dining options, and luxurious pampering and wellness. But the fun doesn’t stop there. In addition to the on board experience, MSC Meraviglia will spend her inaugural summer season – with the first cruise scheduled for June 4, 2017 – sailing the western Mediterranean.

• At 1033 feet long and 213 feet tall, with an impressive 19 decks and capacity of 4,500 guests (double occupancy) not only will MSC Meraviglia become one of the biggest cruise ships at sea, but it is poised to naturally become one of the hottest vacation destinations, packed with innovative features to give guests an unforgettable experience.
• In addition to the exclusive Cirque du Soleil shows, MSC Meraviglia features a second plush, 10,765 sq. ft. theatre venue offering six different shows per cruise.  With three showings per day, guests will be provided with additional options in a variety of world-class, award-winning productions.
• One of the key highlights on the Promenade will be the pre-dinner parades. Providing a tempting taster of the evening’s entertainment with dancers, singers and performers in their flamboyant costumes designed to dazzle and wow guests – all overseen by the Cruise Director, leading the entertainment from a bridge over the Promenade. There will be spectacular special "mini-shows" with the LED sky.
• At the end of the Promenade there will be a versatile bar open 24-hours-a-day, serving coffee, cappuccinos and fresh croissants in the morning, and a wide range of cocktails in the evening – before transforming itself into a post-dinner ballroom.  There will also be a band for guests to dance to, or simply enjoy the music throughout the evening.
• The Super Amusement Park houses the latest in entertainment for all the family. Key features include, amongst others:
  • A multi-purpose, amusement arena with sweeping sea views that can be used for sports such as basketball, football and volleyball.  The area can also work as a ballroom or an events space for both large and smaller groups
  • The latest technology including two F1 Simulators, a 5D cinema, a Flight Simulator and fun arcade games
  • A full-length bowling alley with a glass wall that provides amazing views out to sea, as families compete against each other
• The multi-purpose media space on deck 7 will operate as the TV studio from which the Cruise Director will film their “Morning Show,” to be broadcast throughout the ship during the day. 
• The karaoke bar will also allow guests to order and purchase a copy of their performance as a unique souvenir of their vacation.

About MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises, part of the MSC Group is the Swiss-based, world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and brand market leader in Europe, South America and South Africa, sailing year-round in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Seasonal itineraries cover northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, Cuba and the French Antilles, South America, southern Africa, China and Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman.

The MSC Cruise experience embodies the elegant side of the Mediterranean to create unique and unforgettable emotions for guests, through discovery of the world’s cultures, beauties and tastes. Its fleet comprises 12 of the most modern ships at sea: MSC Preziosa; MSC Divina;MSC Splendida; MSC Fantasia; MSC Magnifica; MSC Poesia; MSC Orchestra; MSC Musica; MSC Sinfonia; MSC Armonia; MSC Opera andMSC Lirica.

In 2014, MSC Cruises launched an investment plan to support the second phase of its growth through the order of two ships of the Meraviglia generation and two others of the Seaside generation (plus an option for a third) and in February 2016, confirmed the existing options to build a further two Meraviglia Plus ships with an even greater capacity. In April 2016 this rose to $10.2 billion with the announcement of signing of the letter of intent to build a further four ships, each with next-generation LNG propulsion technology. Consequently, between 2017 and 2026 a total of up to 11 new, next-generation MSC Cruises ships will come into service. MSC Cruises is the first global cr

Lufthansa Begins New San Jose – Frankfurt Service

First European airline to offer non-stop flights to continental Europe / New route increases Lufthansa’s presence on the West Coast

 Lufthansa begins its new, non-stop service between Frankfurt, Germany and San Jose, California. Flight LH 488 departed from Frankfurt (FRA) at 10:53 a.m. local time, and is scheduled to arrive at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport in San Jose (SJC) at 1:40 p.m. local time this afternoon. Eastbound flight LH 489 will leave San Jose at 3:20 p.m. local time, and is due to land in Frankfurt at 11:15 a.m. local time tomorrow (July 2, 2016).  Lufthansa will be operating a five-times-weekly service on the new route all year round.

“San Jose is an emerging aviation market in the United States. Adding another California gateway to our already popular San Francisco route made complete sense due to the growing business environment in the region and the innovative spirit that is deeply entrenched in Silicon Valley, and which aligns with the Lufthansa Group’s brand values,” said Juergen Siebenrock, Vice President, The Americas, Lufthansa Group. “Passengers traveling from this new gateway will now be able to experience the quality service and premium products that Lufthansa offers, including our brand new Premium Economy Class that has 50 percent more legroom, a wider seat for comfort and relaxation, as well as an elevated experience overall.”

“We are proud to celebrate the launch of nonstop service between San Jose and Frankfurt, two technological and economic powerhouses that generate incredible demand from both business and leisure travelers,” said San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo. “This flight will help promote trade, investment and economic growth in both of our high-tech regions, and I’d like to thank Lufthansa for creating this direct connection from Silicon Valley to continental Europe.”

Onboard

The Airbus A340-300, which is used on the SJC-FRA route, offers a three-class configuration that includes 18 Business Class seats, 19 Premium Economy seats and 261 Economy Class seats, for a total of 298 seats. Furthermore, all long-haul passengers will experience the latest cabins and newest seats in every travel class. This is a result of the most comprehensive product and service upgrade in Lufthansa’s history. The aircraft is also equipped with FlyNet, Lufthansa’s broadband internet access product.

Onboard, Lufthansa’s Business Class offers a unique seating arrangement in the form of a “V” that angles two neighboring seats toward one another along a central axis. This novel solution enables Lufthansa to fulfill one of the main wishes expressed by customers during an extensive research process – to sit or lie facing the direction of travel, while at the same time virtually doubling the distance between two neighboring seats at shoulder level so Business Class passengers have greater privacy and more space. At the push of a button, the seat converts to a full-flat, horizontal sleeping surface, measuring 6’6” in length. Ergonomically improved cushioning ensures a high degree of comfort in a seated or horizontal position, and adjustable armrests provide more space in the shoulder area when lying down.

Debuting in November 2014, the Premium Economy Class is a new travel class for Lufthansa passengers to enjoy. The class touts affordability with greater comfort, offering up to 50 percent more room, a seat pitch of 38 inches, height-adjustable head and foot rests and individual armrests. Other features of the Premium Economy seats include a bottle holder, electrical outlet and ample storage space. Premium Economy passengers are also allowed to bring two pieces of baggage weighing up to 50 pounds each, and are able to access Lufthansa Business Class Lounges for 25 EUR.

The 261 Economy Class cabin seats feature an in-seat video screen and an optimized seat design with a slimmer seat back that adds more personal space per passenger.

Connections and destinations

Frankfurt – Germany’s most international city – has a rich culture and history. With a population of about 5.6 million, the Frankfurt Rhine-Main metropolitan area is one of Europe’s leading economic centers and a popular travel destination. The city offers a wide range of tourist attractions and sights, including world-class ballet, opera, theatres and art exhibitions. Although only fifth in size among German cities, Frankfurt is Germany's financial powerhouse. The German Central Bank is located in Frankfurt, as is the European Central Bank, which manages the Euro.

Working through its home base at Frankfurt Airport and together with its Lufthansa Group carriers and Star Alliance partners, Lufthansa provides passengers connecting in Frankfurt with convenient access to the world’s largest airline network and more than 159 destinations worldwide.  Upon arrival in Frankfurt, passengers have access to 93 one-stop connections in Europe, 10 destinations in Africa and 19 cities in Asia.

With regards to San Jose, those that travel via this gateway to Northern California have several advantages. The new Lufthansa flight route reduces additional transportation costs for passengers, since they no longer have to drive the often traffic-filled route to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in order to fly, non-stop, to continental Europe. San Jose International Airport’s (SJC) ultra-modern and efficient facilities and high-tech services offer convenience, faster security checks and expedited Customs entry into the US. Lufthansa’s business class customers receive complimentary access to The Club at SJC, the airport’s award-winning passenger lounge, which is open to all other travelers for a minimal-cost day pass. The Club is located directly opposite Lufthansa’s gate, and allows passengers to unwind in a relaxing atmosphere while enjoying complimentary snacks and beverages. San Jose’s predictably sunny, fog-free skies contribute to the best on-time record among California airports served by Lufthansa. 

The new service in brief

Currently, a round-trip Lufthansa flight between San Jose, California and Frankfurt, Germany starts at $1,073. For further information and reservations visit LH.com.

About Lufthansa
One of the world's largest and most prestigious airlines, Lufthansa, serving 21 North American gateways, currently flies to 198 destinations in 77 countries. The air carrier offers hubs in Frankfurt and Munich. With the Lufthansa Group acquisition of Austrian Airlines, SWISS and a stake in Brussels Airlines, additional hubs include Vienna, Brussels, and Zurich. The entire Group flew a total of 108 million passengers in 2015 and currently serves 261 destinations in 101 countries worldwide. Lufthansa, along with its Group members and Star Alliance partners, serves over 1,300 destinations worldwide. An industry innovator, Lufthansa has long been committed to environmental care and sustainability, operating one of the most technologically-advanced and fuel-efficient fleets in the world. Its long-haul fleet to and from North America includes the Boeing 747-8 and the Airbus A380—the industries’ two most environmentally-friendly passenger aircraft. Lufthansa is the largest European operator of the A380 and was also the launch customer for the new Boeing 747-8. The Lufthansa Group currently has 259 new aircraft on order worth €35 billion in list prices, to be delivered by 2025. Known for its premium services, Lufthansa continues to build new or upgrade existing lounge facilities across its worldwide network. In 2014, Lufthansa introduced its new Premium Economy Class which offers further comfort and more personal space. Lufthansa’s entire long-haul fleet now features all new onboard products in each class– bringing Lufthansa one step closer to becoming the first five-star airline in the Western Hemisphere. Additionally, the entire Lufthansa long-haul fleet is equipped with its onboard broadband wireless Internet service, FlyNet. For more information or reservations, visit LH.com.

Deutsche Lufthansa AG

About Mineta San José International Airport
Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) is Silicon Valley’s airport, a self-supporting enterprise owned and operated by the City of San José. SJC serves more than 10 million passengers annually, with 166 peak daily departures on 14 domestic and international carriers to 38 nonstop destinations.

SJC’s five-star customer service experience sets it apart from other Bay Area and U.S. airports. Airlines and passengers respond positively to SJC’s customer amenities, including modern terminal buildings, free and fast WiFi, comfortable seating with built-in power outlets, a luxurious, award-winning lounge open to all travelers, a duty free store offering an enhanced shopping experience, a rental car center conveniently located across from the terminals, and the Mobile Passport app and Global Entry kiosks to expedite arriving international passengers. Silicon Valley’s airport is located in San José, California’s third largest city and the nation’s tenth largest city. SJC facts can be found here. For more airport information, visitwww.flysanjose.com.