"Preference, distinction, choice, and authenticity" establish Select Registry members as "the best of the best"

A recent New York Times article noted that the proliferation of "inns" has resulted in an industry rife with misrepresentation, lack of quality control, and widely varying room rates. With its rigorous inspection program, Select Registry has established quality as a hallmark of its member properties. Select Registry carries out a quality assurance inspection for this process provides a guarantee to the traveling public that a Select Registry inn is in a class of its own. No other online directory or organization of innkeepers has a comparable inspection program.

The "personal touch" of a welcoming innkeeper is often what sets apart a lodging experience, and, in conjunction with Quality, is what Select Registry properties are known most for. Other criteria include; Personal hospitality; Inn must be run as though it is owner operated, fully licensed, all meals must be pleasant dining experiences.