STR tweaked its hotel tier classifications

, replacing the "midscale with food and beverage" and "midscale without food and beverage" tiers with "upper midscale" and "midscale" tiers. The firm said the distinction between those tiers has blurred as more brands begin to offer a mix of full and limited food services. Under the new designation, "upper midscale" includes such brands as Comfort Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn and Best Western's Plus and Premier brand categories. "Midscale" include La Quinta Inn & Suites, Ramada, Country Inn & Suites and Best Western.