ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times

DATE: Wednesday, January 15, 1997            TAG: 9701150106
SECTION: BUSINESS                 PAGE: B-6  EDITION: METRO 
DATELINE: NEW YORK

IF THEY CAN'T BE HOME, THEY STAY HERE

Westin came out on top among 11 upscale hotel chains in a survey that rated business travelers' satisfaction, J.D. Power and Associates and Frequent Flyer Magazine said Tuesday.

But the study found that even the best hotels had room for improvement. Out of a perfect score of 1,000, Westin received 670 points, followed by Renaissance, 642; Hyatt, 637; Marriott, 633; and Omni, 629.

J.D. Powers would not release the scores for those hotels that came in below the industry average of 626, but other hotels included in the survey, in alphabetical order, were: Crowne Plaza, Doubletree, Hilton, Sheraton, Radisson and Red Lion.

Westin scored particularly well for its rooms, its price and value, and its food and beverage service, said Stephen Goodall, president of J.D. Power.

The 50-question survey was randomly distributed in September to 10 percent of the 300,000 people who subscribe to OAG Frequent Flyer Magazine's pocket guide, which gives airline listings and is a staple for many frequent travelers. The respondents, who took an average of 28 trips a year, were asked about their two most recent stays. About 3,520 people sent back the survey.

-Associated Press

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