Hilton Honors versus Marriott Rewards
Apr 14, 2009, 5:49 pm
#151
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: HH Diamond, Gold every other chain
Posts: 41
I prefer Hilton - better properties, better service. But I end of staying a lot at Marriotts and IC brands because of bonus promos. Marriott mid tiers really need re-vamped - faster than they are currently doing. Last few Courtyards stays I felt like I was in a Quality Inn. For redemption purposes, I find IC has more properties of all three.
Hilton vs. Marriott vs. Starwoods. Apples vs. Oranges, Coke vs. Pepsi, Playboy vs. Penthouse.....They all have their pros and cons. My philosophy: Get a card in every hotel program and which ever your travels take you; pick the best hotels in the best locations. The hotel that is right next to where you travel to work or the one where you want to redeem points to vacation too, may be the best program to be in, then augment the hotel(s) you can accrue the most points, with an affinity credit card to gather more points. If your co-workers are going to a convention or meeting and they are staying in a cool no-name hotel near the bars, jogging track, eateries, casinos, sunbathers, etc; then you have to ask yourself if it's worth staying that week in a boring brand name airport hotel two miles away. Many business contacts/deals are made in a social setting and points and a free breakfast is not worth it if you’re not in the mix. I enjoy planning the travel/hotels for my co-workers and family and you can steer travel toward your favorite places and rack up the points!
Apr 15, 2009, 9:15 pm
#152
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: milwaukee
Programs: DL Diamond, HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 241
I stay in hotels 40 to 50 nights/year. I can choose the hotel 80% of the time. I was a Marriott fan for many years. Since I could never achieve Gold status, I never received any upgrades, free breakfast or other perks
. With hilton, I can achieve Gold status and with some luck Diamond status. I generally get free breakfast and upgrades to the exec floor. I also like that hilton gives stay credit for award stays. Plus the Hilton Amex provides me with enough points for a free week stay every year. IMHO, for the moderate travel, hilton has a significant advantage.
. With hilton, I can achieve Gold status and with some luck Diamond status. I generally get free breakfast and upgrades to the exec floor. I also like that hilton gives stay credit for award stays. Plus the Hilton Amex provides me with enough points for a free week stay every year. IMHO, for the moderate travel, hilton has a significant advantage.
Jun 28, 2009, 9:44 pm
#154
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Ashburn, VA (IAD/DCA/BWI)
Posts: 2,748
Plus no elite benefits at resorts steered me to HH. For my biz travels, HH and MR are the only options due to travel locations. Since I already gained Diamond (for the first time!), I'm diversifying to MR to retain Gold.
Feb 17, 2010, 1:04 pm
#155
Join Date: Feb 2006
Programs: Marriott Rewards Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 73
Hilton HHonors vs. Marriott Rewards - any recent comparisons?
Ok, so about 3 years ago I was Hilton HHonors Diamond. Due to a shift in travel and change in locations, I'm not Marriott Rewards Platinum. In an odd chain of events, I actually book, pay for and "stay" about 385 nights a year with Marriott (as a result of being booked year-round at an extended stay PLUS booking another 15-20 nights for side trips).
Recent events (i.e., limited to paltry upgrades) are causing me to look at which hotel chain I frequent based upon their rewards programs.
When I compare the current "lack of special-ness" of the Marriott Rewards program (as a Platinum) with how I was treated as a Diamond 3 years ago . . . the gap between Hilton and Marriott looks big (in Hilton's favor), and this has me contemplating a switch to Hilton (if they'd match status). However, I understand full well that this is not an apples-to-apples comparison. Things change over time. So my question to any forum member who has personal experience:
Have you switched from Marriott Rewards to Hilton HHonors in the last year (as a Platinum to Diamond, specifically), and if so, what's your more recent take on how the two programs stack up against one another in terms of upgrades and benefits?
Recent events (i.e., limited to paltry upgrades) are causing me to look at which hotel chain I frequent based upon their rewards programs.
When I compare the current "lack of special-ness" of the Marriott Rewards program (as a Platinum) with how I was treated as a Diamond 3 years ago . . . the gap between Hilton and Marriott looks big (in Hilton's favor), and this has me contemplating a switch to Hilton (if they'd match status). However, I understand full well that this is not an apples-to-apples comparison. Things change over time. So my question to any forum member who has personal experience:
Have you switched from Marriott Rewards to Hilton HHonors in the last year (as a Platinum to Diamond, specifically), and if so, what's your more recent take on how the two programs stack up against one another in terms of upgrades and benefits?
Feb 17, 2010, 1:20 pm
#156
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,095
Compared to Hilton HHonors, Marriott Rewards is more reliable in providing me what its marketing material promises in terms of at-hotel elite benefits and in fixing problems when they arise.
I still find Hyatt and -- to a slightly lesser degree -- Starwood to be better than Hilton and Marriott overall in terms of what is gotten from elite status.
I still find Hyatt and -- to a slightly lesser degree -- Starwood to be better than Hilton and Marriott overall in terms of what is gotten from elite status.
Feb 17, 2010, 1:32 pm
#157
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: ORD
Programs: 1k "Heavy" -MM
Posts: 6
Reverse situation applied to me about 10 months ago. Although number of nights are far less - about - 75.
Diamond is a cut above most other programs I have been in including Marriott. Travel worldwide and use about 8-10 free nights per year. Bus and pleasure. Have never been denied using points even in NY or London. Could be just lucky however,batting 100%. When I have called the Diamond desk to get point rooms,also batting 100%.
When using points I (we) have been treated the same as when we were paying,even in high tariff locations such as NYC ,Tokyo,London.
Upgrades--again almost 100%.
If you have a problem they will take care of it imm.
DMs are sent an E mail after they check out to ask if there were any problems. On those rare occasions where there have been,the general manager has called me directly with the cell on file.
What a lot of these programs may not know (or consider) is behind the elite member are in many cases large staffs and meeting planning decision makers. So it is not just simply the individual members # of stays/spend.
All things considered,myself and staff have choosen Hilton over the several other programs.
"1k Heavy"
Diamond is a cut above most other programs I have been in including Marriott. Travel worldwide and use about 8-10 free nights per year. Bus and pleasure. Have never been denied using points even in NY or London. Could be just lucky however,batting 100%. When I have called the Diamond desk to get point rooms,also batting 100%.
When using points I (we) have been treated the same as when we were paying,even in high tariff locations such as NYC ,Tokyo,London.
Upgrades--again almost 100%.
If you have a problem they will take care of it imm.
DMs are sent an E mail after they check out to ask if there were any problems. On those rare occasions where there have been,the general manager has called me directly with the cell on file.
What a lot of these programs may not know (or consider) is behind the elite member are in many cases large staffs and meeting planning decision makers. So it is not just simply the individual members # of stays/spend.
All things considered,myself and staff have choosen Hilton over the several other programs.
"1k Heavy"
Feb 17, 2010, 2:18 pm
#158
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 52,574
If I had a year-long commitment to one property, no question about it I'd go with Marriott for the Execustay concept. I don't *think* Hilton has anything similar.
I used Execustay for about 4 years - 3 different cities - and loved it. ^ At the time, we received fixed status (Gold) and a flat 20,000 points per quarter rented (about 3 pts/$). I was more than happy to trade off some points earning for a much better lifestyle in those 3 cities. Now the earnings are slightly less (2.5/$) but you can attain Platinum status with a 6 month rental.
The catch, of course, is that you have to know you'll be in that one city for a period of time. I think we did 3 months upfront and then month to month, but we were working for a company who did a lot of Execustay volume so I'm not sure that was a standard deal. I can see them wanting more upfront commitment. (I didn't negotiate my Execustay terms or rent...I only know this because I had a couple of 2-3 month gigs and was told I needed to commit 3+ to go Execustay.)
If I had a shorter commitment but long enough to go extended-stay, I'd make the opposite recommendation: go Hilton, as Homewoods are (IME) newer and nicer than Residence Inns and you don't get hit with the 50% earnings penalty like you do with Marriott. I was happy to take that hit to get an Execustay unit, but I'd be less happy to do so for RI unit as long as comparable Homewood was nearby.
As for the other 15-20 nights, those probably matter somewhat less. Upgrade-wise I've actually done better with HH Gold than I have with MR Platinum. On-property treatment is usually better with HH Gold, with no withholding of benefits for being at a "resort" or doing a weekend stay. Once in a while, I'll have a wonderful experience at a Marriott...a suite upgrade, an unexpected bottle of wine, etc...but 90% of the time it's a very vanilla, predictable experience.
Your extended-stay requirement probably rules out Starwood. Perhaps not Hyatt...I have yet to check out Hyatt Place and see how it stacks up to Homewood or RI.
I used Execustay for about 4 years - 3 different cities - and loved it. ^ At the time, we received fixed status (Gold) and a flat 20,000 points per quarter rented (about 3 pts/$). I was more than happy to trade off some points earning for a much better lifestyle in those 3 cities. Now the earnings are slightly less (2.5/$) but you can attain Platinum status with a 6 month rental.
The catch, of course, is that you have to know you'll be in that one city for a period of time. I think we did 3 months upfront and then month to month, but we were working for a company who did a lot of Execustay volume so I'm not sure that was a standard deal. I can see them wanting more upfront commitment. (I didn't negotiate my Execustay terms or rent...I only know this because I had a couple of 2-3 month gigs and was told I needed to commit 3+ to go Execustay.)
If I had a shorter commitment but long enough to go extended-stay, I'd make the opposite recommendation: go Hilton, as Homewoods are (IME) newer and nicer than Residence Inns and you don't get hit with the 50% earnings penalty like you do with Marriott. I was happy to take that hit to get an Execustay unit, but I'd be less happy to do so for RI unit as long as comparable Homewood was nearby.
As for the other 15-20 nights, those probably matter somewhat less. Upgrade-wise I've actually done better with HH Gold than I have with MR Platinum. On-property treatment is usually better with HH Gold, with no withholding of benefits for being at a "resort" or doing a weekend stay. Once in a while, I'll have a wonderful experience at a Marriott...a suite upgrade, an unexpected bottle of wine, etc...but 90% of the time it's a very vanilla, predictable experience.
Your extended-stay requirement probably rules out Starwood. Perhaps not Hyatt...I have yet to check out Hyatt Place and see how it stacks up to Homewood or RI.
Feb 17, 2010, 7:05 pm
#159
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Dallas, TX, USA
Posts: 651
I haven't switched.....but I'm Platinum at Marriott the past few years and have been diamond at Hilton for about a decade.
My personal preference is the Hilton program. For myself, breakfast EVERY day is a big difference. I really hate marriott's "resort" rules not giving you breakfast (especially when it seems 50% of the international hotels are resorts) and Marriott Hotels not giving breakfast on weekends. Also I've found too many Marriott lounges closed on the weekends for my taste.
I also like HGI and Hamptons much better than Courtyards (especially internationally where Courtyard Does not provide internet access unless you pay some stupid rate like 15 euros).
That said, Marriott has the travel package which gives you airmiles and a week hotel stay.
Beyond that its property specific. There are some Marriott properties I choose over Hilton - I choose the Brussels Renaissance over Brussels Hilton or Conrad because they have a nice gym. I choose Hilton Prague over marriott Prague because the Hilton lounge and the hotel gym are excellent. In Warsaw I like the Marriott location but Hilton property is better IMO. I could go on and on, but the main thing is being top tiered allows you to "try" more properties and decide.
Neither program is perfect. Hilton is my "first" choice in terms of the program but I choose more and more based on property. At one time I stayed at Hiltons no matter what - now I choose based on service and property specific things. If I were in your shoes I'd at least make the effort to be Hilton gold in addition to Marriott.
My personal preference is the Hilton program. For myself, breakfast EVERY day is a big difference. I really hate marriott's "resort" rules not giving you breakfast (especially when it seems 50% of the international hotels are resorts) and Marriott Hotels not giving breakfast on weekends. Also I've found too many Marriott lounges closed on the weekends for my taste.
I also like HGI and Hamptons much better than Courtyards (especially internationally where Courtyard Does not provide internet access unless you pay some stupid rate like 15 euros).
That said, Marriott has the travel package which gives you airmiles and a week hotel stay.
Beyond that its property specific. There are some Marriott properties I choose over Hilton - I choose the Brussels Renaissance over Brussels Hilton or Conrad because they have a nice gym. I choose Hilton Prague over marriott Prague because the Hilton lounge and the hotel gym are excellent. In Warsaw I like the Marriott location but Hilton property is better IMO. I could go on and on, but the main thing is being top tiered allows you to "try" more properties and decide.
Neither program is perfect. Hilton is my "first" choice in terms of the program but I choose more and more based on property. At one time I stayed at Hiltons no matter what - now I choose based on service and property specific things. If I were in your shoes I'd at least make the effort to be Hilton gold in addition to Marriott.
Feb 17, 2010, 8:35 pm
#160
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DFW
Programs: Marriott Life Titanium, Hilton Diamond, United Silver, DL, IHG Plat, etc.
Posts: 2,888
I also like HGI and Hamptons much better than Courtyards (especially internationally where Courtyard Does not provide internet access unless you pay some stupid rate like 15 euros).
That said, Marriott has the travel package which gives you airmiles and a week hotel stay.
Beyond that its property specific. There are some Marriott properties I choose over Hilton - I choose the Brussels Renaissance over Brussels Hilton or Conrad because they have a nice gym. I choose Hilton Prague over marriott Prague because the Hilton lounge and the hotel gym are excellent. In Warsaw I like the Marriott location but Hilton property is better IMO. I could go on and on, but the main thing is being top tiered allows you to "try" more properties and decide.
Neither program is perfect. Hilton is my "first" choice in terms of the program but I choose more and more based on property. At one time I stayed at Hiltons no matter what - now I choose based on service and property specific things. If I were in your shoes I'd at least make the effort to be Hilton gold in addition to Marriott.
That said, Marriott has the travel package which gives you airmiles and a week hotel stay.
Beyond that its property specific. There are some Marriott properties I choose over Hilton - I choose the Brussels Renaissance over Brussels Hilton or Conrad because they have a nice gym. I choose Hilton Prague over marriott Prague because the Hilton lounge and the hotel gym are excellent. In Warsaw I like the Marriott location but Hilton property is better IMO. I could go on and on, but the main thing is being top tiered allows you to "try" more properties and decide.
Neither program is perfect. Hilton is my "first" choice in terms of the program but I choose more and more based on property. At one time I stayed at Hiltons no matter what - now I choose based on service and property specific things. If I were in your shoes I'd at least make the effort to be Hilton gold in addition to Marriott.
Marriott
- more consistent upgrades
- better top level elite customer service
- better welcome gifts
- better mainline lounges
- points have more value
- more/better promos
Hilton
- Diamond force can be extremely useful
- flexible status earning option on stays allows diversification (I can get Hilton Diamond and IHG Plat for what it takes to get Marriott Plat in nights)
- better spectrum of properties at the lower end (Hamptons and HGIs definitely beat Fairfields and Courtyards)
- double dip earnings potential
Feb 26, 2010, 11:31 pm
#161
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 4
Well said and I agree, with the breakfast part which is not provided in Courtyards.
I have stayed in both Hilton and Marriott hotels based on proximity to my client sites but would always drive a little further to stay at Hamton Inn or HGI since they have free breakfast atleast to diamond members, which was missing when I was platinum in Marriott.
I have stayed in both Hilton and Marriott hotels based on proximity to my client sites but would always drive a little further to stay at Hamton Inn or HGI since they have free breakfast atleast to diamond members, which was missing when I was platinum in Marriott.
Feb 27, 2010, 6:26 am
#162
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 993
To me - Marriott points are worth more and have greater flexibility. If one does the 7 days package deal, one can also add on 1 point to 1 airline mile conversion to it. Also, can convert Marriott points to cheques. One can often find lower end Marriott rewards at like 15000 points a night.
While Hilton gives you more points, Marriott seems to run more promotions. In 2009, I think one can earn close to 100,000 points in promotions at Marriott.
Whether Marriott or Hilton lounges are better, think they are about the same. Depends on locale.
My feeling is if one is lucky to be able to choose between the two, one should optimize based on current promotions or trying to maintain status. Otherwise, choice is really limited to what is available in the area of stay. At that point, it really does not matter which program is better.
While Hilton gives you more points, Marriott seems to run more promotions. In 2009, I think one can earn close to 100,000 points in promotions at Marriott.
Whether Marriott or Hilton lounges are better, think they are about the same. Depends on locale.
My feeling is if one is lucky to be able to choose between the two, one should optimize based on current promotions or trying to maintain status. Otherwise, choice is really limited to what is available in the area of stay. At that point, it really does not matter which program is better.
Feb 28, 2010, 9:00 am
#163
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 21
hilton vs. mariott rewards
We are primarily hilton users but sometimes when my traveling for business a marriott is the easier option. question - does either hilton or marriott offer complimentary parking? I would never have thought so but recently we stayed at a marriot on a rewards stay and they comped our parking...were they just being nice? it was unexpected and totally appreciated.
Feb 28, 2010, 9:11 am
#164
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Worcester, MA, BOS, PVD, BDL, MHT, ??ORH??
Programs: Delta Platinum, HHonors Diamond, PC Platinum
Posts: 11,928
complimentary parking is not a published benefit of HHonors, but it has been known to happen.
For more on Marriot vs HHonors http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...t-rewards.html
For more on Marriot vs HHonors http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...t-rewards.html
Feb 28, 2010, 11:50 am
#165
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Johnstown, PA
Programs: UA P, Delta SL, US SL, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Diamond, IHG PL AMB, Marriott Plat, SPG Plat
Posts: 928
I have stayed at some Marriott properties, most recently Renaissance Orlando Airport where they offered free parking or high speed internet as a perk for Platinum members. This is not a published benefit, but just one the some properties offer. I have occasionaly found Hilton properties that did not charge Diamond members for parking, but again this is a property perk and not a published benefit.