Ok, here's the deal, I really want to know what people think is the best chain for value, comfort, customer service, and points systems. Imho. Marriott has gone down hill in the past two years, and as far as valuing loyal customers such as gold or platinum card holders it stops at the front desk which always forgets the room upgrade or even bottle of water. I've stayed in Marriott for ten years but now staying in Hilton properties I'm beginning to wonder if Hilton is getting better...? Just curious on road warriors opinions...

Its easier to get to Hilton Diamond than Marriott Gold/Platinum if most of your RONs are one night...otherwise you've got to hop around hotels to accumulate stays under HHonors.

My experience has been the service at both types of properties is good, although many Hilton properties in the last year have started offering you a choice of Diamond benefits when you should be receiving them all. Also had issues getting bottled water at a few Hilton properties, to the point where I had to walk down and get them myself (not really that big a deal).

Bottom line? I think they're about the same.

I have brand loyalty to Hilton. When I was going to school at Embry-Riddle, I worked as a valet and bellman at the Hilton Daytona Beach. Im not sure if every single hotel runs like that one, but daily, I saw how much pride the wokers took in their job all over the hotel. They put a lot of effort into making sure the guests were taken care of.

In my former job I usually stayed at Marriott Residence Inns and was very satisfied with the properties and the service. In my present job, I stay at Hilton properties about 90% of the time. The quality varies slightly among the different properties, but once again overall I have no complints about the service. I enjoy the Manager's specials in the afternoon at some like the Homewood Suites (often replaces going out to dinner) and the made to order omeletes in the morning and sit down breakfast service are very nice. Diamond status gives you a free breakfast, Gold/Silver sometimes gives you a $10 coupon at some places. I've even had the wait staff accept the coupon for the full price of breakfast. Since I am only Gold at this time but everyone I travel with is Diamond, I usually get the same perks that they get.

Overall I think that if you are staying at Marriott or Hilton properties then you are probably being taken care of pretty well. At least you aren't staying at MOTELS or places with numbers in the name!

USMCFLYR

I also agree that both chains are very nice, and for the most part you're going to be well taken care of. I've had an overall better experience with Marriotts though, and I always feel like I'm "coming home" when I check in. I have platinum status, so I think that does help with them going a little above and beyond with the customer service. Sadly, I probably won't keep my platinum status after this year!

Hilton. Takes awhile to reach Diamond status but once you do the points come rolling in, free wireless at all hotels, bottles of water, etc... I don't have much experience with Marriott, but one of our pilots came from a flight dept. that used Marriott for everything and he's decided he likes Hilton better overall.

I've been Diamond with Hilton for the last couple of years and almost always stay at HGI or Hampton. A couple of the places I frequent like KSAT I stay at a DoubleTree and get great service.

The main reason I stay at Hilton over Marriott is that most of the Hilton brands have a van service. I rarely have overnights longer than one night so it is easier than renting a car. I have found that most of the Marriott properties where we fly don't offer a van.

The SAT Airport Hilton offers a great rate through Landmark...less than $90/night IIRC.

We have good luck with the Marriott brand, but as with anything the service varies depending on staff and location. I don't have any complaints with them and I do around 80-90 RON's per year

I am a Marriott guy but many properties are getting run down and dumpy. Especially the Residence Inns.

Now, a brand new Marriott hotel ? Or say still new ? Can't beat one.

Me - Marriott first, Hilton Second.