Guest satisfaction winners

According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study, hotel guests are increasingly dissatisfied with rising costs and fees associated with their stay:

The study finds that the costs and fees factor has significantly increased in importance to hotel guests, becoming either the most or second-most-important influencer of overall satisfaction across all six segments. At the same time, satisfaction with this factor has also declined significantly across several brands.

We're all feeling the pinch of rising travel costs and reduced business travel budgets. Bump that up against the strong seller's market, and there's bound to be a disconnect. Given that hotel revenues, expenses, and profits are continuing to rise, expect to see similar results in the 2007 survey.

Anyway, here are the hotels that ranked highest in their segments:

Luxury: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Upscale: Omni Hotels

Mid-Scale Full Service: Hilton Garden Inn

Mid-Scale Limited Service: Drury Inn & Suites

Economy/Budget: Microtel Inns & Suites

Extended Stay: Residence Inn