Under Stage 1 I really like the “wrought iron” look of the first sample. (Moreso without the thin lower-left and upper-right lines and their pointy counters.) It gives it an old-world and hand-crafted feel in contrast to the modern type.

I also like the third one under Stage 1 which feels like a modern version of the “fifties car type” you had going with the first idea you were working on.

Really like the combination of the painted and digital. I can almost see the logo hand-painted onto one of the Carsonified sites.

On this subject I’m a big fan of logos such as MTV which allow a varied execution of a brand, as a designer it just gives you more opportunities to ‘play’ and explore ideas with less penalty – and the direction of these logos allow you ‘mess’ with the background whilst retaining the brand typography.

The light bulb is an excellent idea, if done right. It’s simple, yet conveys a powerful message – after all, that’s what you want in a logo. I look at the lightbulb in the “O” and immediately go, “Ah. Innovative.”

On the other hand, squiggles and stuff exude some form of “royalty” and high-and-mightiness, and doesn’t seem to tie in with what you guys do.

Just a thought.

The single C on the red strokes is powerful too.

I also think it adds an element of pompous/snobby class that really only exists in high end hotels.

All that to say…I don’t really care of the flourishes. :)