But at least the perennial pilgrims would be able to find a room. The rise of chain ownership began in the hotel heyday of the 1920s, bringing many strategic advantages that also benefited consumers. Scale economies in purchasing, the comfort that comes from repeated interactions with the same product, the development of professional managers, and accounting systems all helped stabilize hotel companies and improve the quality of services. The Holiday Inn chain, for instance, pioneered market research to determine how guests' needs differ depending on the purpose of their visit. In New England, however, the independents still hold a relatively high market share, which consultant Rachel Roginsky attributes to the enduring tradition of the country inn.
Independent hotels can offer a unique style and personal service that's difficult to replicate.
Some trade on impeccable locations, such as the Copley Square and Lenox hotels in Boston's Back Bay. Thus, the Copley Square ties into a reservation system widely used by travel agents in Europe. The smallest of independents can compete effectively by affiliating with a network. Growing use of the Internet for travel planning has extended the network's reach, says Executive Director Tom Kaiden. Our web site is very efficient by consolidating all our members in a single place.