Defining Hotel Types: From Budget to Luxury—What to Expect

When planning a group event, whether it’s an executive retreat, a training seminar, or a multi-day conference, the type of hotel you choose plays a critical role in shaping the experience. From atmosphere and amenities to budget and branding, hotel chains come in a wide range of tiers designed to serve very different needs.

In this guide, we’re breaking down the different types of hotel chains and how each category can support your event goals.

We’ll explore the spectrum from luxury to economy, all-inclusive to extended stay, highlighting what makes each unique and why they might be the right fit for your next group gathering.

Luxury Hotels

Where premium service, exclusivity, and unforgettable experiences come standard.

Benefits of Luxury Hotels for Group Travel

• VIP-Ready Venues: Ideal for high-end corporate retreats, board meetings, and incentive travel where the stakes, and the expectations, are high.
• Cutting-Edge Facilities: These properties offer advanced AV capabilities, elegant conference spaces, and private event rooms designed for both productivity and prestige.
• Premium Services: Think luxury catering, event butlers, curated entertainment, and personal concierge support.
• Prestigious Locales: Whether located in world-class cities, exclusive islands, or cultural capitals, luxury hotels elevate your event by association.

Top Luxury Hotel Brands to Consider

• Marriott: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, JW Marriott, W Hotels, The Luxury Collection
• Hilton: Waldorf Astoria, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts
• IHG: InterContinental, Six Senses, Regent Hotels, Vignette Collection, Hotel Indigo, Kimpton
• Omni Hotels & Resorts: All fall under the luxury category
• Wyndham: Registry Collection Hotels, Wyndham Grand
• Choice Hotels: Radisson Collection
• Accor: Orient Express, Raffles, Banyan Tree, Fairmont, Emblems Collection, Sofitel, M Gallery

Ideal for

• Executive leadership summits
• Corporate retreats
• Incentive travel
• Luxury brand activations
• VIP events

Pro-Tip: These properties often come with a premium price point, but the ROI is clear when hosting VIP stakeholders or building loyalty through elevated experiences.

Upscale to Upper Upscale Hotels

Refined hospitality for business gatherings, weddings, and unforgettable social events.

Why They’re a Smart Choice for Groups

• Flexible, Scalable Event Spaces: Many of these properties feature spacious ballrooms, rooftop terraces, garden courtyards, and multiple breakout rooms, making them ideal for everything from keynote sessions to rehearsal dinners.
• Stylish Ambiance: Upscale hotels tend to offer elevated aesthetics—think sleek lobbies, custom artwork, curated lighting, and modern decor—that enhance the mood for both professional and personal events.
• All-in-One Convenience: Guests and attendees enjoy on-site restaurants, cocktail lounges, spas, pools, and fitness centers. It’s a one-stop shop for hosting and housing your group comfortably.
• Experienced Event Teams: These hotels typically have in-house coordinators who specialize in both corporate and social event planning, helping ensure a smooth experience from the first walkthrough to the final toast.
• Desirable Locations: Often found in lively urban centers, scenic resort towns, or near key transportation hubs, these hotels are easy to get to and fun to explore—great for business travelers and wedding guests alike.

Popular Brands in the Upscale/Upper-Upscale Category

• Marriott: Sheraton, Westin, Renaissance, Le Méridien, Autograph Collection, Gaylord Hotels
• Hilton: Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Signia by Hilton, Curio Collection, Canopy by Hilton
• IHG: Voco, Even, Crowne Plaza, Hualuxe Hotels & Resorts
• Wyndham: Dolce Hotels & Resorts, Wyndham Trademark Collection
• Choice: Cambria Hotels, Ascend Hotel Collection, Park Plaza, Radisson Blu
• Accor: Mantis, Art Series, Pullman, Swissôtel, Angsana, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel

Perfect for

• Corporate conferences
• Destination weddings & high-end social gatherings
• Product launches, media events & brand showcases

Insider Tip: Many hotels in this category market themselves as lifestyle hotels. Offering trend-forward decor, local art, craft cocktail bars, and curated activities—creating the perfect atmosphere for Instagram-worthy weddings and stylish corporate events alike.

Midscale to Upper Midscale Hotels

Smart, consistent, and value-focused stays for everyday group needs.

Midscale and upper midscale hotels are workhorses in the hospitality world, offering dependable accommodations, consistent service, and strong value. These hotels are built to deliver essential comforts at a fair price, and they’re a favorite among both leisure and business travelers.

For group planners, this tier provides the sweet spot for budget-friendly events that still offer professionalism and comfort. 

Why They Work Well for Groups

• Affordable Group Blocks: These hotels often provide competitive rates for group room bookings and may include perks like complimentary breakfasts or welcome packages.
• Meeting Space on a Budget: While these properties may not feature grand ballrooms, many have well-equipped boardrooms or multi-purpose rooms with built-in AV for small-scale meetings or workshops.
• Guest Convenience: Attendees enjoy essential amenities like free Wi-Fi, fitness rooms, and a grab-and-go breakfast.
• Quick Turnaround: These hotels are often ideal for short-term bookings or when event planning timelines are tight.

Popular Midscale Brands Across Chains

• Marriott: Courtyard by Marriott, Fairfield by Marriott, SpringHill Suites, AC Hotels, Moxy Hotels
• Hilton: Hampton by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, DoubleTree by Hilton, Motto by Hilton, Tempo by Hilton, Tru by Hilton
• IHG: Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn – the niu, Garne, avid hotels
• Wyndham: Wingate by Wyndham, La Quinta, Ramada
• Choice: Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion
• Premier Inn: Premier Inn also has sub-brands like Hub by Premier Inn and Zip by Premier Inn
• Accor: Mantra, Handwritten Collection, Novotel, Mercure Hotels, Tribe, Adagio

Ideal for

• Corporate training and workshops
• Regional team meetings
• Sports teams
• Student groups or youth organizations
• Small business travel

Planners’ Insight: Don’t underestimate the power of consistent service and clean, comfortable spaces. Many midscale brands offer quality and reliability at a much more accessible price point.

Economy to Premium Economy Hotels

Affordable comfort for groups who prioritize value.

Economy hotels focus on affordability, simplicity, and functionality. While they don’t offer many extras, they do deliver the essentials: clean rooms, friendly service, and reliable accommodations—perfect for short stays or large groups traveling on a budget. 

Benefits of These Hotels for Groups

• Cost-Conscious Travel: Great for schools, churches, sports leagues, and social groups that need rooms for 20+ people without exceeding their budget.
• High Availability: Often located in high-volume areas—near highways, airports, or major attractions, making them easy to book for bus tours or road trip groups.
• Quick & Convenient: Features like free parking, grab-and-go breakfasts, and straightforward check-in processes make logistics easy.
• Simple Group Coordination: Many properties can accommodate group blocks and offer special rates for multiple rooms.

Common Economy to Premium Economy Brands

• Hilton: Spark by Hilton
• Wyndham: Super 8, Days Inn, Travelodge, Microtel, Howard Johnson
• Choice Hotels: Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, Park Inn
• Accor: BreakFree, ibis, Greet, HotelF1

Best For

• Student travel
• Tour operators and bus groups
• Youth sports teams
• Road trippers and budget travelers
• Church and mission trips

Planner Tip: When booking, double-check for recent renovations, safety standards, and group-friendly policies like room block guarantees or breakfast availability.

Extended Stay Hotels

Comfortable, flexible, and perfect for long-term group travel.

Why They’re Great for Groups

• Home-Like Living: The in-room kitchens and extra space are perfect for guests who want to cook, work, or simply spread out.
• Affordable Over Time: Multi-week bookings typically cost less per night than traditional hotels.
• Small Meeting Spaces: Many offer communal areas or small conference rooms ideal for informal team meetings or group dinners.
• Ideal for Corporate & Non-Corporate Needs: These properties are a top choice for business travelers on long assignments, traveling medical staff, film crews, sports teams, and relocating families.

Extended Stay Brands to Know

• Marriott: Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Element by Westin, Marriott Executive Apartments
• Hilton: Homewood Suites, Home2 Suites, Embassy Suites, LivSmart Studios
• IHG: Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites, Atwell Suites
• Wyndham: Hawthorn Extended Stay, WaterWalk Extended Stay, and ECHO Suites Extended Stay
• Choice: MainStay Suites, Everhome Suites, Suburban Studios

Best For

• Long-term corporate travel
• Film & production crews
• Extended training programs
• Traveling nurses and medical teams
• Family relocations or renovation stays
• Construction crews

Pro Tip: Extended stay properties often offer complimentary breakfasts, social hours, and grocery delivery partnerships, which are great perks for keeping your group fed and connected.

All-Inclusive Resorts

Simplified planning meets elevated experiences—all in one place.

All-inclusive resorts are like a one-stop paradise, providing everything your group needs, from beachfront suites to gourmet meals and daily activities, all wrapped into a single, seamless package. Found in sun-soaked destinations, these properties turn group travel into a true escape, where the focus shifts from logistics to simply enjoying the moment. With planning made easy and experiences built in, they’re perfect for creating connection, celebration, and lasting memories.

Why Groups Love Them

• No Surprise Costs: Budgeting is easier when everything is included—from meals and drinks to event spaces and activities.
• Unique Event Spaces: Host a group meeting in a beachfront cabana, a private garden, or an open-air terrace overlooking the ocean.
• Endless Activities: Guests can fill their days with snorkeling, cooking classes, spa treatments, beach volleyball, or dance parties—perfect for both relaxation and team-building.
• All-Ages Appeal: Great for multigenerational families, destination weddings, corporate incentive trips, and wellness retreats.

Featured All-Inclusive Brands

• Marriott: Royalton CHIC Antigua, Autograph Collection, Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort, Sanctuary Cap Cana, The Luxury Collection, Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, Autograph Collection, The Westin Reserva Conchal, Costa Rica
• Hilton: Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort, DoubleTree by Hilton Antalya-Kemer, Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton, The Yucatan Playa del Carmen All-Inclusive Resort, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
• IHG: Iberostar Selection Coral Cancún, JOIA Paraíso by Iberostar, Iberostar Waves Cozumel
• Wyndham: Wyndham Alltra Cancun, Wyndham Alltra Playa del Carmen, Adults Only, Wyndham Alltra Vallarta, Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana, Wyndham Alltra Samaná
• Other Popular Resorts:
  • Secrets Resorts & Spas: Adults-only luxury
  • Sandals Resorts: Couples-focused all-inclusive in the Caribbean
  • Riu Hotels & Resorts: Group-friendly resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean
  • Club Med: Known for wellness, sport, and family-friendly experiences

Best For

• Corporate retreats & incentive trips
• Destination weddings & vow renewals
• Wellness and yoga retreats
• Family or friend group vacations
• Milestone birthday or anniversary celebrations

Planner Insight: Many all-inclusive resorts have dedicated group sales teams who can help customize packages, coordinate dinners and special group activities.

Vacation Clubs & Timeshare Resorts

Spacious, flexible, and ideal for relaxed group getaways.

Vacation clubs operate on a membership or ownership basis, giving travelers access to a portfolio of resorts around the world. But here’s the best part: you don’t have to be a member to stay at most of them. Many vacation club properties open availability to the general public, especially during non-peak times.

What makes them ideal for groups is the style of the accommodations, including villas, condos, or multi-bedroom suites that feel like a home with resort amenities.

Why They’re Great for Groups

• Room to Spread Out: Villas and suites with multiple bedrooms, common areas, and full kitchens make it easy for groups to stay comfortably under one roof.
• Built for Togetherness: These properties are especially appealing for multigenerational families, friend groups, or teams that want to relax and connect in shared living spaces.
• Resort Amenities Included: Pools, restaurants, golf courses, spas, and fitness centers are common on-site, adding a luxury feel without needing to leave the property.
• Tailored Experiences: Many offer concierge services, excursion planning, private dining, or group-specific programming to create a personalized stay.
• Cost-Effective Over Time: For frequent group travelers, vacation club memberships can lead to long-term savings while unlocking access to a broad network of upscale destinations.

Top Vacation Club Brands

• Marriott Vacation Club: Access to luxury villas and resorts in top-tier vacation destinations around the world
• Hilton Grand Vacations: High-end accommodations in places like Hawaii, Orlando, Las Vegas, and international resort hubs
• Wyndham WorldMark & Club Wyndham: A wide network of global resorts with varied ownership and booking options
• Disney Vacation Club: Family-friendly suites with access to Disney parks and experiences
• Westgate Resorts: Large, amenity-rich properties designed for families and large groups
• Diamond Resorts: Upscale timeshare resorts focused on experiential travel and premium amenities
• Bluegreen Vacations: Unique properties in regional destinations like the Smoky Mountains, Myrtle Beach, and the Florida Keys
• Club Med Vacation Ownership: Flexible plans for accessing Club Med’s all-inclusive resorts, especially in the Caribbean and Mexico

Ideal For

• Family reunions and multigenerational travel
• Bachelorette/Bachelor parties 
• Birthday and anniversary celebrations
• Couples or friend group vacations
• Long weekend getaways or week-long stays

Good to Know: Most vacation club resorts offer event space or concierge services to help plan private dinners, excursions, or spa days for your group.

More Than Just a Hotel. It’s an Experience!

Each of these hotel types brings something different to the table, so think about what matters most to your group:

More space?
More convenience?
More flexibility?
More amenities?

When the hotel fits the experience you’re creating, everything else falls into place.

Smarter Group Planning Starts Here

From white-glove luxury properties to reliable economy favorites, hotel chains offer something for every group and every kind of event. As a planner, understanding the key differences between these tiers will empower you to make more informed decisions that align with your group’s needs and budget.

With GroupSync™, you can browse by property type, destination, group size, and amenities—all in one place. Compare hotels, view real-time availability, and even book rooms instantly without an RFP.

From team retreats to reunions to celebration getaways, you’ll find the right fit faster with more confidence and less back-and-forth.