Hotels Versus B

No B&B; or “quaint country inn” can match a good chain hotel for facilities. I defy you to find a B&B; that can compete with the aquatic possibilities of the Red Lion La Posada in Scottsdale, Ariz., with its splendiferous pool or the opulent ambiance of Ritz Carlton’s entries in Laguna Niguel or Rancho Mirage.

Nor does one need to confine oneself of hotels of the Ritz Carlton class. Any halfway decent Hilton or Sheraton runs rings around the typical B&B; in terms of sophistication, staff attentiveness and other intangible components that fall under the umbrella heading of “service.” And how about dining?

Better hotels employ chefs that formerly supervised meal preparation at some of the world’s renowned restaurants. Even second-tier hotels maintain a level of quality that compares favorably to better eateries. So please stop treating the chains like Rodney Dangerfield. Give ‘em some respect.

STEVE SALERNO

San Diego

Editor’s Note: Not only have we pointed out the good points of B&Bs; in past articles, but we also have pointed out the lack of charm in B&Bs; where appropriate.