The aim of this research project is to increase our understanding of the costs and benefits connected with operating a hotel independently or as part of a hotel chain, using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Such an understanding could be used to spur further research but should also be directly applicable by the practitioners. This research project stems from a genuine practical problem in the hospitality world that is illustrated by the overall research question: “What are the advantages and disadvantages of being affiliated in the hotel industry?”