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Ranking the 37 best and worst international hotel chains of 2024, three Spanish brands top the list, while household names are at the bottom.
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Ranking the 37 best and worst international hotel chains of 2024, three Spanish brands top the list, while household names are at the bottom.

The best and worst international hotel chains revealed; lesser-known Spanish brands Iberostar, Paradores and Riu top the list, while French-owned Campanile is at the bottom.

Brands rank at the top and bottom of the 37-strong ranking. Which? questionnaire It has more than 2,000 members. They were asked about their experiences of staying at international hotel brands last year and were asked to rate their stay out of five stars based on 10 criteria, including cleanliness, bed comfort, customer service and value for money.

Customer score was calculated based on overall satisfaction and likelihood of recommending the brand.

Which? He said the survey found that four Hilton-owned brands were in the bottom half of the table, along with brands such as Wyndam, Holiday Inn and Ibis Budget, and that “household names cannot always be relied upon to deliver the best experience”.

The Campanile chain, which is widely seen near airports, motorways and various city centers throughout Europe and beyond, and is well distributed in France, comes in last place with a score of 57 percent.

Revealing insight into the survey findings, Which? Reviews: ‘On average, a double room costs £64 (one of the cheapest average room prices of the brands surveyed), but despite budget prices the chain still only received a two-star rating for value for money.

‘It also received just two stars in other key categories such as cleanliness, bathrooms, bedrooms, common areas and decor; one participant said the rooms were “basic”.’

But the brand isn’t universally disliked; One respondent said it ‘did what it said on the box’, while another said its features were ‘ideal for an overnight stay’.

Ranking the 37 best and worst international hotel chains of 2024, three Spanish brands top the list, while household names are at the bottom.

The best and worst international hotel chains revealed; lesser-known Spanish brands Iberostar, Paradores and Riu top the list, while French-owned Campanile is at the bottom.

Iberostar (Barcelona property above) Praised by Which? members for providing 'first class' customer service

Iberostar (Barcelona property above) Praised by Which? members for providing ‘first class’ customer service

Hampton by Hilton is the second-lowest-rated brand with a customer score of just 58 percent, and in the bottom half of the table are fellow Hilton-owned brands Doubletree (61 percent), Hilton Garden Inn (62 percent). and Hilton (68 percent).

Which? It explains: ‘Hampton by Hilton received just two stars in five of the ten categories assessed, including value for money, bathrooms, food and drink, public areas and decor, and how well the description matched reality.

‘One participant stated that the hotel they stayed in was “generally run-down”, while another said the food was “relatively simple and poor”. Despite this, the brand performed better in other areas, including four stars for cleanliness and bed comfort; One guest described his room as ‘clean and comfortable’.’

Just behind Hampton by Hilton and in third-to-last place is Wyndham, with a customer score of 60 percent.

Which? Comments: ‘The brand received its lowest rating for food and drink with just two stars; one customer described the breakfast offering as ‘basic’, while another complained about the ‘noisy, crowded dining room’. It received a mix of three and four stars in the remaining categories, including four stars for cleanliness, bed comfort and bedrooms.’

At the other end of the table, Iberostar, Paradores Hotels and Riu top the list with customer scores of 85 percent. Which one? reveals that all three were given the ‘prestigious’ award Which? In addition to Recommended Provider status, Iberostar and Paradores Hotels also earned the Great Value badge.

The consumer champion adds: ‘Originally founded by a family of artisan shoemakers from Mallorca, Iberostar’s hotel empire today boasts more than 100 four- and five-star properties across Europe, Africa and the Americas.

‘It’s at the heart of its portfolio of beachside all-inclusive hotels, which include activities such as yoga and paddle boarding, as well as cocktails by the pool.

Paradores Hotels (above, a Malaga hotel) praised for its 'majestic and historic buildings'

Paradores Hotels (above, a Malaga hotel) praised for its ‘majestic and historic buildings’

Hampton Inn by Hilton ranks second to last in the rankings with a customer score of 58 percent

Hampton Inn by Hilton ranks second to last in the rankings with a customer score of 58 percent

Campanile chain hits rock bottom with customer score of just 57 percent

Campanile chain hits rock bottom with customer score of just 57 percent

‘The brand received an impressive five and four stars from those surveyed; Many said they would be keen to return, praising the “first class” customer service and “beautiful” grounds.’

Riu proves ‘equally impressive’ with Which? He comments: ‘Another family business was founded in Mallorca, with five and four star ratings, including five stars, for locations ranging from a private island in the Maldives to a saltwater lagoon full of exotic bird species on Gran Canaria. took a bunch.

‘Their food and drink also aroused admiration; It was awarded five stars, which is given to high-quality buffets and specialty restaurants serving everything from steak to sushi. Time after time, participants enthusiastically described their stay as “fabulous”, “exceptional” and “perfect”.’

Paradores, meanwhile, ‘proved to be the best option for a cultural stay in Spain’.

Which? Reviews: ‘These state-run hotels are housed in some of the country’s most grand and historic buildings, offering accommodation in unique properties including restored castles, palaces and even monasteries.

‘Although prices vary by location, we found excellent historic properties across Paradores’ portfolio for as little as £100 per night, earning it a Great Value recommendation.

The brand has received an impressive range of five and four star ratings, with holidaymakers praising the ‘excellent service, excellent food and magnificent premises’.’

Other top-rated brands that achieved Which? Recommended Provider status included Relais & Chateaux with an 84 percent customer score, Pestana and World’s Leading Hotels with an 83 percent score, and Melia Hotels with an 80 percent customer score. Logis Hotels (81 per cent) received the Great Value badge, with an average price per night of just £108.

Wyndham criticized by survey respondents for offering a 'basic' breakfast offering

Wyndham criticized by survey respondents for offering a ‘basic’ breakfast offering

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel said: ‘Our survey found that smaller, family-run brands often outperform the best-known names when it comes to offering an exceptional holiday, with Spanish brands topping the table.

‘Family-run firms such as Riu and Iberostar impress guests with their excellent customer service, great food and drink and beautiful locations, while state-run Paradores Hotels have proven popular for their unique heritage features.’

A spokesperson from ibis budget said: ‘We were surprised to find our position in this survey did not reflect the standard of guest experience we strive for. We will take action to address these comments.

‘Our guest feedback, based on over 9,000 reviews so far in 2024, rates Ibis budget at around 80 per cent for key customer touch points including staff, cleanliness and value for money.

‘In addition, guest reviews obtained through TrustYou and based on independent reviews on Booking.com, Google, Tripadvisor and other platforms also highlight the positive quality of Ibis budget staff, leading to 85 per cent positive reviews of our service. ‘Our guests’ experience at every property is our number one priority.’

Which? He said he contacted Campanile, Hilton, Holiday Inn and Wyndham Hotels for comment but received no response.