Best Budget Hotel Brand (2014)

Candlewood Suites, a budget extended stay hotel chain, makes sleeping away from home, for a couple of days or for a few weeks, an affordable pleasure. Each suite comes with a fully equipped kitchen (including silverware!), making cooking budget-friendly meals a possible alternative to pricey restaurants. Travelers can pick from studios or one bedrooms. Larger suites are still reasonably priced, making this a favorite with traveling families.

Photo courtesy of Candlewood Suites

America's Best Value Inn is one of the fastest growing budget hotel chains in the country with over 1,000 locations dotting the map. Most of the inns serve a complimentary breakfast and offer free wi-fi. The hotel chain also provides a Value Club that offers members 15% off their stay, making this chain a favorite with frequent and penny-wise travelers alike.

Photo courtesy of America's Best Value Inn

Hampton Inn & Suites promises great value and they deliver. Among the budget-friendly chains, they are most well-known by travelers for their free, hot breakfasts (think fresh waffles and oatmeal). Their rooms are equally appetizing and outfitted with high-speed internet and lap desks. Great for those on business.

Photo courtesy of (c) 2013 Hampton Inn & Suites

Budget-minded travelers who find themselves spending multiple nights on the road make up Extended Stay America's customer base. Each suite comes with a fully equipped kitchen and flat screen TV. Other on-site amenities include airport shuttles, a "grab and go breakfast" and a laundry room. Some locations even have fitness centers and pools.
Photo courtesy of Extended Stay America

Value is this chain's first priority, and they make sure their guests get it at all of their (more than 1,500) locations worldwide. Rooms are equipped with premium mattresses, linens and pillows, and a full hot breakfast is free the next morning (fruit, eggs, cereals!). Their Choice Privileges program extends plenty of rewards for loyal travelers, including free hotel rooms and airline miles.

Photo courtesy of Choice Hotels

"The World's Biggest Hotel Family" comprises more than 4,000 hotels in over 100 countries, making the blue, yellow and red sign easy to spot, even by sleepy eyes. Best Western's comfortable rooms come stocked with tea and coffee, just one of the many touches that make guests feel right at home. Best Western Plus's have fitness centers onsite, and Best Western Premier's offer more luxurious accommodations – great value across the board.

Photo courtesy of Best Western

Residential-style and catering towards those looking for a place to stay for a while, Homewood Suites by Hilton Worldwidel offer studios, one bedrooms and two bedrooms for incredibly affordable prices. All rooms have kitchens, dining areas and at least one TV. Bathrooms are outfitted with Neutrogena products. Outdoor grills and a free grocery shopping service make cooking at the hotel a convenient money-saver.

Photo courtesy of (c) 2014 Homewood

La Quintas are recognizable for their Spanish-inspired architecture. A free continental breakfast bar is a great way to start the day at this moderately-priced hotel chain. Special rates, including travel packages and weekend deals, make planning a well thought out adventure or a last-minute sojourn easy and affordable. In case you were wondering, the name translates to "the country place."

Photo courtesy of La Quinta

Econo Lodge prides itself on economy – it's in the name! As the Easy Stop on the Road, it offers great deals for guests looking for a last-minute place to crash when traveling. Most Econo Lodges are located a stone's throw from highway exits, and they're easy to spot with their red awnings and roofs. Clean rooms and friendly service make this chain popular with the no-frills crowd. Their Choice Privileges program grants plenty of rewards for loyal travelers, including free hotel rooms and airline miles.

Photo courtesy of Choice Hotels