{
 "source": "The Sales Traveler — the Index Desk",
 "license": "Free to use with attribution to The Sales Traveler. See https://thesalestraveler.com/press/",
 "dataUrl": "https://thesalestraveler.com/data/sales-ready-index.json",
 "slug": "sales-ready-index",
 "name": "The Sales-Ready Index",
 "url": "https://thesalestraveler.com/sales-ready-index/",
 "entityNoun": "Brand",
 "measures": "published commitments",
 "period": "2026-07",
 "methodology": "We ran 50 US business-transient hotel brands through the 15-check Sales-Ready standard — scored entirely on public commitments: published brand standards, app capabilities, stated programs and policies. The result: not one brand clears the certification bar on its promises alone. One — Crowne Plaza — touches 80 on raw points, and still fails on the published dimension rule: 1 of 3 on Quiet & Rest. The average is 54.",
 "scale": {
  "rawMax": 15,
  "displayMax": 100,
  "formula": "round(raw / rawMax * displayMax)"
 },
 "categories": [
  {
   "id": "Q",
   "label": "Quiet & rest",
   "checks": [
    "Quiet-room program",
    "Sleep/sound program",
    "Published late-checkout guarantee"
   ],
   "max": 3
  },
  {
   "id": "C",
   "label": "Connectivity",
   "checks": [
    "Call-grade Wi-Fi commitment",
    "Premium/faster tier published",
    "In-room Wi-Fi standard"
   ],
   "max": 3
  },
  {
   "id": "W",
   "label": "Work surface",
   "checks": [
    "Desk in every room, by standard",
    "Work-lighting standard",
    "Outlets as a brand feature"
   ],
   "max": 3
  },
  {
   "id": "H",
   "label": "Hosting",
   "checks": [
    "Work-capable lobby by design",
    "Bookable meeting space standard",
    "Food/space open before 8am"
   ],
   "max": 3
  },
  {
   "id": "A",
   "label": "Admin",
   "checks": [
    "App checkout with instant folio",
    "Auto-emailed receipts",
    "Credible early check-in process"
   ],
   "max": 3
  }
 ],
 "entities": [
  {
   "rank": 1,
   "name": "Crowne Plaza",
   "category": {
    "Q": 1,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 3,
    "H": 3,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 80,
   "note": "WorkLife room standard (desk + task lighting + outlets) and the Sleep Advantage program — the only brand scoring on both work and rest commitments.",
   "subtitle": "IHG",
   "sources": [
    {
     "url": "https://www.ihgplc.com/news-and-media/news-releases/2018/crowne-plaza-hotels-and-resorts-awarded-patent-for-worklife-room",
     "kind": "corporate-release",
     "checks": [
      "C",
      "W"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "IHG PLC newsroom, August 2018. Describes the WorkLife Room — an uncluttered desk area, fast free Wi-Fi, and USB and power for up to fourteen devices — as a newly patented concept then available at six named US properties, with three thousand rooms expected by early 2019. States no lighting commitment."
    },
    {
     "url": "https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2025/crowne-plaza-hotels-resorts-modernizes-premium-hospitality-experience-across-key-americas-properties",
     "kind": "corporate-release",
     "checks": [],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "IHG PLC newsroom, 2025. States that IHG forecasts 70 percent of Crowne Plaza’s Americas estate will showcase updated designs by the end of 2025. Does not mention the WorkLife Room, and states no lighting, desk or sleep commitment."
    },
    {
     "url": "https://www.ihg.com/",
     "kind": "blocked",
     "checks": [
      "Q",
      "C",
      "W",
      "H",
      "A"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "IHG’s own consumer site refused automated access (HTTP 403) on every path tried, including the Sleep Advantage, meetings and Best Price Guarantee pages. Commitments published there could not be checked."
    }
   ],
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 2,
   "name": "Westin",
   "category": {
    "Q": 2,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 3,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 73,
   "note": "Heavenly Bed sleep program is a genuine rest commitment; work commitments stop at the standard desk.",
   "subtitle": "Marriott",
   "sources": [
    {
     "url": "https://westin.marriott.com/",
     "kind": "brand-standard",
     "checks": [
      "Q"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Westin brand site. States the Heavenly Bed is found in each guest room — an explicit universal scope claim for the bed itself."
    },
    {
     "url": "https://westin.marriott.com/wellness/sleep-well/",
     "kind": "product-doc",
     "checks": [],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Westin wellness page. The Sleep Well in-room dining menu is marked available at participating hotels, and a separate note excludes select hotels in Asia Pacific from the Heavenly Dog Bed program."
    },
    {
     "url": "https://www.marriott.com/loyalty/terms/default.mi",
     "kind": "stated-terms",
     "checks": [
      "C",
      "A"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Marriott Bonvoy program terms. Complimentary in-room internet is stated for a member who books a Participating Property through a Marriott channel; enhanced Wi-Fi is gated to Gold Elite and above; priority late checkout is based on availability and limited to participating brands."
    },
    {
     "url": "https://www.marriott.com/",
     "kind": "blocked",
     "checks": [
      "Q",
      "C",
      "W",
      "H",
      "A"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Marriott’s loyalty terms, guarantee and property pages refused automated access (HTTP 403), one returning a Retry-After of about eight hours."
    }
   ],
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 3,
   "name": "Courtyard by Marriott",
   "category": {
    "Q": 1,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 3,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 67,
   "note": "Built for business transient: desk standard, lobby work zones, meeting space brand-standard, elite late-checkout guarantee published.",
   "subtitle": "Marriott",
   "sources": [
    {
     "url": "https://www.marriott.com/loyalty/terms/default.mi",
     "kind": "stated-terms",
     "checks": [
      "C",
      "A"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Marriott Bonvoy program terms. Complimentary in-room internet is stated for a member who books a Participating Property through a Marriott channel; enhanced Wi-Fi is gated to Gold Elite and above; priority late checkout is based on availability and limited to participating brands."
    },
    {
     "url": "https://www.marriott.com/brands/courtyard-by-marriott.mi",
     "kind": "brand-standard",
     "checks": [
      "C"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Courtyard brand page. Describes plush bedding, flexible workspaces and fast free Wi-Fi in its rooms."
    },
    {
     "url": "https://www.marriott.com/",
     "kind": "blocked",
     "checks": [
      "Q",
      "C",
      "W",
      "H",
      "A"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Marriott’s loyalty terms, guarantee and property pages refused automated access (HTTP 403), one returning a Retry-After of about eight hours."
    }
   ],
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 4,
   "name": "Delta Hotels",
   "category": {
    "Q": 1,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 3,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 67,
   "note": "Positioned as seamless business travel; the published commitments match Courtyard's, no more.",
   "subtitle": "Marriott",
   "sources": [
    {
     "url": "https://delta-hotels.marriott.com/about-delta-hotels/",
     "kind": "brand-standard",
     "checks": [
      "C"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Delta Hotels brand site. States free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, and describes comfortable beds and focused workspaces. The same page uses ‘select hotels’ language for a different amenity, so the absence of that qualifier on Wi-Fi is meaningful."
    },
    {
     "url": "https://www.hotel-development.marriott.com/resourcefiles/fdd-document/2024-dl-fdd-3-31-2024.pdf",
     "kind": "stated-terms",
     "checks": [
      "C"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Marriott’s 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document for Delta Hotels — a filed, contractual document setting out system requirements for franchisees. Confirmed by this desk: it requires the installation of an on-property communications network meeting Marriott’s bandwidth standards (p.76), and requires an on-property Wi-Fi network for the benefit of the hotel and guests, costed at roughly $650 to $1,000 per guestroom to install (p.90)."
    },
    {
     "url": "https://www.marriott.com/",
     "kind": "blocked",
     "checks": [
      "Q",
      "C",
      "W",
      "H",
      "A"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Marriott’s loyalty, guarantee and property pages refused automated access (HTTP 403, one returning a Retry-After of about eight hours), and several news.marriott.com pages returned a script shell with no readable text. Commitments published there could not be checked."
    }
   ],
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 5,
   "name": "Hyatt Regency",
   "category": {
    "Q": 1,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 3,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 67,
   "note": "Convention-grade meeting space standard and the Globalist guarantee; quiet and connectivity uncommitted.",
   "subtitle": "Hyatt",
   "sources": [
    {
     "url": "https://newsroom.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency-brand-information",
     "kind": "corporate-release",
     "checks": [],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Hyatt newsroom brand page. Brand-positioning copy referencing expert meetings and technology-enabled collaboration; states no operational standard on any of the five checks."
    },
    {
     "url": "https://www.hyatt.com/",
     "kind": "blocked",
     "checks": [
      "Q",
      "C",
      "W",
      "H",
      "A"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Hyatt’s consumer, terms and corporate domains refused automated access (HTTP 403) on every path tried, via both the fetch tool and a browser user-agent."
    }
   ],
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 6,
   "name": "Marriott Hotels",
   "category": {
    "Q": 1,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 3,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 67,
   "note": "The full-service template: desk, meeting space, lobby, elite 4pm guarantee. Nothing published above the template.",
   "subtitle": "Marriott",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 7,
   "name": "Renaissance",
   "category": {
    "Q": 1,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 3,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 67,
   "note": "Lifestyle skin on the full-service skeleton — the business commitments are the parent's, not the brand's.",
   "subtitle": "Marriott",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 8,
   "name": "Sheraton",
   "category": {
    "Q": 1,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 3,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 67,
   "note": "The Community/Studios workspace redesign is a rare public commitment to lobby-as-workplace; elite 4pm guarantee published.",
   "subtitle": "Marriott",
   "sources": [
    {
     "url": "https://sheraton.marriott.com/",
     "kind": "brand-standard",
     "checks": [],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Sheraton brand site. Rest and productivity claims are tied to new guest rooms within an explicitly in-progress transformation of its hotels."
    },
    {
     "url": "https://www.marriott.com/loyalty/terms/default.mi",
     "kind": "stated-terms",
     "checks": [
      "C",
      "A"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Marriott Bonvoy program terms. Complimentary in-room internet is stated for a member who books a Participating Property through a Marriott channel; enhanced Wi-Fi is gated to Gold Elite and above."
    },
    {
     "url": "https://www.marriott.com/",
     "kind": "blocked",
     "checks": [
      "Q",
      "C",
      "W",
      "H",
      "A"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Marriott’s loyalty terms, guarantee and property pages refused automated access (HTTP 403), one returning a Retry-After of about eight hours."
    }
   ],
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 9,
   "name": "AC Hotels",
   "category": {
    "Q": 1,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 0,
    "H": 3,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 60,
   "note": "Design-led lounge hosts a conversation well — but the brand famously minimized in-room desks, and it costs three points here.",
   "subtitle": "Marriott",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 10,
   "name": "Aloft",
   "category": {
    "Q": 1,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 60,
   "note": "Tactic meeting rooms are a real bookable-space commitment — undercut by no desk standard and a lobby designed to be loud.",
   "subtitle": "Marriott",
   "sources": [
    {
     "url": "https://www.marriott.com/",
     "kind": "blocked",
     "checks": [
      "Q",
      "C",
      "W",
      "H",
      "A"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Marriott’s loyalty, guarantee and property pages refused automated access (HTTP 403, one returning a Retry-After of about eight hours), and several news.marriott.com pages returned a script shell with no readable text. Commitments published there could not be checked."
    }
   ],
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 11,
   "name": "Cambria",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 2,
    "H": 3,
    "A": 2
   },
   "score": 60,
   "note": "Marketed squarely at business travelers: desk, outlets-as-feature, meeting space standard. Choice's app trails the majors on early check-in.",
   "subtitle": "Choice",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 12,
   "name": "DoubleTree",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 3,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 60,
   "note": "Full-service basics committed — desk, meeting space, app admin — nothing published for quiet or demo-grade connectivity.",
   "subtitle": "Hilton",
   "sources": [
    {
     "url": "https://stories.hilton.com/doubletree-by-hilton-fact-sheet",
     "kind": "corporate-release",
     "checks": [
      "H"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Hilton corporate newsroom fact sheet. States multiple meetings and events facilities across a range of sizes. The page contains no Wi-Fi, desk, lighting, quiet or sleep language at all. It does use explicit limiting language elsewhere — the welcome cookie is offered \"at select properties in Europe and all U.S. hotels\"."
    },
    {
     "url": "https://www.hilton.com/",
     "kind": "blocked",
     "checks": [
      "Q",
      "C",
      "W",
      "H",
      "A"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Hilton’s own consumer site refused automated access (HTTP 403), as did every brand subdomain that redirects into it and the Hilton Honors terms. Brand guarantee terms published there could not be checked."
    }
   ],
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 13,
   "name": "EVEN Hotels",
   "category": {
    "Q": 1,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 60,
   "note": "Wellness rooms include a committed rest angle; work commitments are standard-issue.",
   "subtitle": "IHG",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 14,
   "name": "Element",
   "category": {
    "Q": 1,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 60,
   "note": "Wellness positioning stops short of a sleep guarantee; work commitments are the extended-stay basics.",
   "subtitle": "Marriott",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 15,
   "name": "Embassy Suites",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 3,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 60,
   "note": "Two-room suites are a published hosting advantage — a semi-private meeting in your own room — plus meeting space standard.",
   "subtitle": "Hilton",
   "sources": [
    {
     "url": "https://stories.hilton.com/embassy-suites-by-hilton-fact-sheet",
     "kind": "corporate-release",
     "checks": [
      "H"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Hilton corporate newsroom fact sheet. States comfortable, flexible event spaces and large meeting areas, with no limiting qualifier. \"Rest and work\" appears as general description only, with no desk, lighting or quiet standard. Wi-Fi appears only as a Hilton Honors member benefit."
    },
    {
     "url": "https://www.hilton.com/",
     "kind": "blocked",
     "checks": [
      "Q",
      "C",
      "W",
      "H",
      "A"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Hilton’s own consumer site refused automated access (HTTP 403), as did every brand subdomain that redirects into it and the Hilton Honors terms. Brand guarantee terms published there could not be checked."
    }
   ],
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 16,
   "name": "Fairfield",
   "category": {
    "Q": 1,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 60,
   "note": "The reliable floor: desk, early breakfast, app checkout, elite guarantee. Floor, not ceiling.",
   "subtitle": "Marriott",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 17,
   "name": "Four Points",
   "category": {
    "Q": 1,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 60,
   "note": "Honest business basics: desk, breakfast hours, app admin. Nothing published above the floor.",
   "subtitle": "Marriott",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 18,
   "name": "Hilton Garden Inn",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 3,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 60,
   "note": "Desk standard, meeting rooms brand-standard, and Hilton's app (checkout, folio, room selection) carries the admin dimension.",
   "subtitle": "Hilton",
   "sources": [
    {
     "url": "https://stories.hilton.com/hilton-garden-inn-fact-sheet",
     "kind": "corporate-release",
     "checks": [
      "W",
      "H"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Hilton corporate newsroom fact sheet. States thoughtful extras \"in every room\", including \"generous workspaces with plenty of outlets to charge devices\", and flexible onsite meeting and event spaces. Wi-Fi appears only as a Hilton Honors member benefit. No statement about quiet, sleep or rest appears on the page."
    },
    {
     "url": "https://www.hilton.com/",
     "kind": "blocked",
     "checks": [
      "Q",
      "C",
      "W",
      "H",
      "A"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Hilton’s own consumer site refused automated access (HTTP 403), as did every brand subdomain that redirects into it and the Hilton Honors terms. Brand guarantee terms published there could not be checked."
    }
   ],
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 19,
   "name": "Hilton Hotels & Resorts",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 3,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 60,
   "note": "The flagship commits to everything except the two things sellers ask about first: quiet and a working connection.",
   "subtitle": "Hilton",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 20,
   "name": "Holiday Inn",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 3,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 60,
   "note": "The mid-market workhorse: desk, meeting rooms, early breakfast, full app admin. The floor most brands should envy.",
   "subtitle": "IHG",
   "sources": [
    {
     "url": "https://development.ihg.com/hotel-brands/holiday-inn",
     "kind": "product-doc",
     "checks": [],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "IHG franchise-development brand page. Contains positioning and guest-profile material only; states no brand-wide commitment on quiet, connectivity, work surface, meeting space or service guarantees."
    },
    {
     "url": "https://www.ihg.com/",
     "kind": "blocked",
     "checks": [
      "Q",
      "C",
      "W",
      "H",
      "A"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "IHG’s own consumer site refused automated access (HTTP 403) on every path tried, including the Sleep Advantage, meetings and Best Price Guarantee pages. Commitments published there could not be checked."
    }
   ],
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 21,
   "name": "Hyatt House",
   "category": {
    "Q": 1,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 60,
   "note": "Extended-stay suites work well; the brand publishes nothing on hosting space or connectivity beyond standard Wi-Fi.",
   "subtitle": "Hyatt",
   "sources": [
    {
     "url": "https://newsroom.hyatt.com/hyatt-house-brand-information",
     "kind": "corporate-release",
     "checks": [],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Hyatt newsroom page for Hyatt House. The page body serves Hyatt Place copy under the Hyatt House heading, so it cannot be read as a Hyatt House commitment."
    },
    {
     "url": "https://www.hyatt.com/",
     "kind": "blocked",
     "checks": [
      "Q",
      "C",
      "W",
      "H",
      "A"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Hyatt’s consumer, terms and corporate domains refused automated access (HTTP 403) on every path tried, via both the fetch tool and a browser user-agent."
    }
   ],
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 22,
   "name": "Hyatt Place",
   "category": {
    "Q": 1,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 60,
   "note": "Cozy Corner + desk standard and Globalist 4pm guarantee; bookable meeting space varies by property, so it scores No.",
   "subtitle": "Hyatt",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 23,
   "name": "InterContinental",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 3,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 60,
   "note": "Luxury-business positioning, standard-issue commitments. Club lounges exist; none are promised.",
   "subtitle": "IHG",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 24,
   "name": "Residence Inn",
   "category": {
    "Q": 1,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 60,
   "note": "Suites with real work surfaces and elite late-checkout; no committed meeting space or sound program.",
   "subtitle": "Marriott",
   "sources": [
    {
     "url": "https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/marriott-internationals-residence-inn-brand-now-present-in-all-50-states-300382546.html",
     "kind": "corporate-release",
     "checks": [
      "W"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Marriott press release, December 2016, distributed via wire. Describes suites with a large, well-lit work desk, ergonomic chair and complimentary high-speed internet, with no participating-hotel qualifier."
    },
    {
     "url": "https://www.marriott.com/loyalty/terms/default.mi",
     "kind": "stated-terms",
     "checks": [
      "C",
      "A"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Marriott Bonvoy program terms. Complimentary in-room internet is stated for a member who books a Participating Property through a Marriott channel; enhanced Wi-Fi is gated to Gold Elite and above; priority late checkout is based on availability and limited to participating brands."
    },
    {
     "url": "https://www.marriott.com/",
     "kind": "blocked",
     "checks": [
      "Q",
      "C",
      "W",
      "H",
      "A"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Marriott’s loyalty terms, guarantee and property pages refused automated access (HTTP 403), one returning a Retry-After of about eight hours."
    }
   ],
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 25,
   "name": "SpringHill Suites",
   "category": {
    "Q": 1,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 60,
   "note": "Suite layouts give room to work; brand publishes nothing on sound, lighting, or bookable space.",
   "subtitle": "Marriott",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 26,
   "name": "TownePlace Suites",
   "category": {
    "Q": 1,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 60,
   "note": "Home-office-style suites give it the work points; nothing committed for client-facing needs.",
   "subtitle": "Marriott",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 27,
   "name": "Canopy by Hilton",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 53,
   "note": "A desk survives the lifestyle treatment; meeting space and quiet don't make the brand book.",
   "subtitle": "Hilton",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 28,
   "name": "Hampton by Hilton",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 53,
   "note": "Desk standard and the strongest budget-tier app admin; no quiet, hosting, or connectivity commitments.",
   "subtitle": "Hilton",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 29,
   "name": "Home2 Suites",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 53,
   "note": "The Working Wall is a real published work-surface commitment; hosting and quiet aren't.",
   "subtitle": "Hilton",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 30,
   "name": "Homewood Suites",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 53,
   "note": "Extended-stay desk standard and Hilton app admin; quiet, hosting, and connectivity uncommitted.",
   "subtitle": "Hilton",
   "sources": [
    {
     "url": "https://stories.hilton.com/homewood-suites-by-hilton-fact-sheet",
     "kind": "corporate-release",
     "checks": [],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Hilton corporate newsroom fact sheet. Describes suites with separate living and sleeping areas; states no desk, lighting, quiet or meeting-space commitment. Wi-Fi appears only as a Hilton Honors member benefit."
    },
    {
     "url": "https://stories.hilton.com/releases/downtown-tuscaloosa-welcomes-homewood-suites",
     "kind": "corporate-release",
     "checks": [
      "A"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Hilton corporate newsroom. States the brand \"stands behind each stay with its 100% Suite Assurance guarantee\"."
    },
    {
     "url": "https://www.hilton.com/",
     "kind": "blocked",
     "checks": [
      "Q",
      "C",
      "W",
      "H",
      "A"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Hilton’s own consumer site refused automated access (HTTP 403), as did every brand subdomain that redirects into it and the Hilton Honors terms. Brand guarantee terms published there could not be checked."
    }
   ],
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 31,
   "name": "Kimpton",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 53,
   "note": "Design-forward with real desks — but boutique variance means bookable meeting space can't be promised brand-wide.",
   "subtitle": "IHG",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 32,
   "name": "Motto by Hilton",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 53,
   "note": "Micro-rooms trade the desk for square footage; the co-working common area is the stated answer. On the road, it isn't.",
   "subtitle": "Hilton",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 33,
   "name": "Moxy",
   "category": {
    "Q": 1,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 1,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 53,
   "note": "Outlets everywhere and 24/7 grab-and-go — and a brand book that removed the desk and turned the lobby into a bar. Built for fun, scored for work.",
   "subtitle": "Marriott",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 34,
   "name": "Tempo by Hilton",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 53,
   "note": "Markets a smartly designed room and delivers the desk; everything else is the Hilton baseline.",
   "subtitle": "Hilton",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 35,
   "name": "citizenM",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 53,
   "note": "Kiosk check-in/out is genuinely fast and societyM spaces exist at some properties — but the room's work surface is a ledge, by design.",
   "subtitle": "citizenM",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 36,
   "name": "Holiday Inn Express",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 1,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 47,
   "note": "Desk and early breakfast committed; single-tier Wi-Fi with no published faster option costs the fallback point.",
   "subtitle": "IHG",
   "sources": [
    {
     "url": "https://development.ihg.com/hotel-brands/holiday-inn-express",
     "kind": "product-doc",
     "checks": [],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "IHG franchise-development brand page. Contains positioning and guest-profile material only; states no brand-wide commitment on quiet, connectivity, work surface, meeting space or service guarantees."
    },
    {
     "url": "https://www.ihg.com/",
     "kind": "blocked",
     "checks": [
      "Q",
      "C",
      "W",
      "H",
      "A"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "IHG’s own consumer site refused automated access (HTTP 403) on every path tried, including the Sleep Advantage, meetings and Best Price Guarantee pages. Commitments published there could not be checked."
    }
   ],
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 37,
   "name": "Hotel Indigo",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 0,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 47,
   "note": "Neighborhood-story rooms make no work-surface promise. Charm is not a commitment.",
   "subtitle": "IHG",
   "sources": [
    {
     "url": "https://development.ihg.com/hotel-brands/hotel-indigo",
     "kind": "product-doc",
     "checks": [],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "IHG franchise-development brand page. Contains positioning and guest-profile material only; states no brand-wide commitment on quiet, connectivity, work surface, meeting space or service guarantees."
    },
    {
     "url": "https://www.ihg.com/",
     "kind": "blocked",
     "checks": [
      "Q",
      "C",
      "W",
      "H",
      "A"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "IHG’s own consumer site refused automated access (HTTP 403) on every path tried, including the Sleep Advantage, meetings and Best Price Guarantee pages. Commitments published there could not be checked."
    }
   ],
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 38,
   "name": "Staybridge Suites",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 1,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 47,
   "note": "Extended-stay suites with real work surfaces; single-tier Wi-Fi costs the fallback point.",
   "subtitle": "IHG",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 39,
   "name": "Tru by Hilton",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 1,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 47,
   "note": "Outlets are a marketed feature; the mobile chair-and-surface concept is not a desk, and it shows in the score.",
   "subtitle": "Hilton",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 40,
   "name": "Wingate by Wyndham",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 1,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 3,
    "A": 2
   },
   "score": 47,
   "note": "The rare midscale brand with meeting space as a stated pillar — a business identity it actually commits to.",
   "subtitle": "Wyndham",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 41,
   "name": "avid hotels",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 1,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 47,
   "note": "Publishes a sleep-quality pitch and bedside outlets; makes no desk promise. Honest economy, scored honestly.",
   "subtitle": "IHG",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 42,
   "name": "Candlewood Suites",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 1,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 1,
    "A": 3
   },
   "score": 40,
   "note": "A workspace in every suite and a lobby that barely exists — built for solo work, not hosting.",
   "subtitle": "IHG",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 43,
   "name": "Comfort Inn & Suites",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 1,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 2
   },
   "score": 40,
   "note": "Choice's app carries checkout and receipts down-market; the room promises stop at the desk.",
   "subtitle": "Choice",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 44,
   "name": "Country Inn & Suites",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 1,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 2
   },
   "score": 40,
   "note": "Residential-friendly and desk-committed; nothing published for hosting, quiet, or connectivity.",
   "subtitle": "Choice",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 45,
   "name": "La Quinta",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 1,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 2
   },
   "score": 40,
   "note": "Desk and breakfast committed; single-tier Wi-Fi and a thinner app hold the score down.",
   "subtitle": "Wyndham",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 46,
   "name": "Omni",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 2,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 3,
    "A": 0
   },
   "score": 40,
   "note": "Meeting-heavy full service undercut by a thin published app stack — the admin dimension goes uncommitted.",
   "subtitle": "Omni",
   "sources": [
    {
     "url": "https://www.omnihotels.com/-/media/images/pressrelease/omni-hotels-and-resorts-press-kit.pdf",
     "kind": "corporate-release",
     "checks": [
      "C",
      "H"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Omni press kit. States complimentary in-room Wi-Fi as a Select Guest loyalty benefit from the first stay, and lists a specific meeting-space square footage for each of the 51 named hotels."
    },
    {
     "url": "https://www.omnihotels.com/",
     "kind": "blocked",
     "checks": [
      "Q",
      "C",
      "W",
      "H",
      "A"
     ],
     "verified": "2026-07-30",
     "note": "Omni’s site refused automated access (HTTP 403) throughout, including its loyalty terms and guarantee pages. Only a directly linked press-kit PDF was reachable."
    }
   ],
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 47,
   "name": "Drury Hotels",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 1,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 3,
    "A": 0
   },
   "score": 33,
   "note": "Famous free hot food and real meeting rooms — beloved in practice, thin in published digital commitments.",
   "subtitle": "Drury",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 48,
   "name": "Best Western Plus",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 1,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 0
   },
   "score": 27,
   "note": "Desk and breakfast committed; the app stack publishes no checkout, folio, or receipt promises.",
   "subtitle": "BWH",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 49,
   "name": "Sonesta Select",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 1,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 2,
    "A": 0
   },
   "score": 27,
   "note": "Courtyard's floor plan without Courtyard's app stack — the admin dimension is entirely unpublished.",
   "subtitle": "Sonesta",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  },
  {
   "rank": 50,
   "name": "Extended Stay America",
   "category": {
    "Q": 0,
    "C": 1,
    "W": 1,
    "H": 1,
    "A": 0
   },
   "score": 20,
   "note": "A desk and a kitchen, and almost nothing else in writing. Price is the product; the Index scores promises.",
   "subtitle": "ESA",
   "ruledBy": "Editor-in-Chief, The Sales Traveler",
   "ruledOn": "2026-07-22"
  }
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