Which of these represents a type of hotel that is owned and managed by the chain or parent company itself?

The answer refers to a type of hotel that operates under its own brand and is fully owned and managed by the parent company. This is characterized by direct control over all aspects of operations, from staffing to marketing. When a hotel is corporate-owned, the parent company retains a high level of oversight and ensures that the property adheres to its established standards and guidelines. This allows for consistency in service quality and guest experience across locations.

In contrast, independent hotels operate without affiliation to a particular chain, which means they set their own policies and standards. Franchise hotels are owned by individual operators but are licensed to use a parent company's brand and operational guidelines. Soft brand hotels, while part of a larger collection, maintain a level of independence in their operations and identity. This distinction is vital in understanding how a hotel is managed within the industry and the implications of ownership on service delivery and brand positioning.