Submitted by: James McMillan

What do you think of when you see a Day’s in the US? Rows of doors facing a parking lot, basic rooms equipped with standard necessities, awful floral bedding facing an outdated TV, small front office lobby with an apathetic employee behind the counter, and a continental breakfast that you would rather pass on? So how could a hotel chain like this flourish in China? For one thing, it can’t be anything like what is described above.

Businessmen in China have learned that popular western hotel chains like Day’s Inn carry a certain nostalgia that is attractive to Chinese customers but in order to be successful, they must cater to the Chinese taste. That means the Day’s Inn really can’t resemble the western version in any way. At a Day’s Inn in China, you will find palatial lobbies with marble floors and walls, ornate crystal chandeliers, lavish guest rooms, and a complete breakfast menus. Check out this website that has pictures of a Day’s Inn in Shenzhen China. You’ll be amazed!

So why do Chinese customers gravitate to Western budget hotel chains like Day’s Inn when in fact they really don’t want to stay in a place that has the lackluster amenities that we see in these types of hotels? What is it about the Day’s Inn name that attracts them to these hotels and why aren’t they demanding the real deal?

I think Chinese customers really want to feel like they are experiencing American culture but are not necessarily always willing to completely venture out of their comfort zone.

What do you think?

Maybe the website with the full article will help enlighten you further.