In general, Marriott is better because of:
1. Lifetime Elite Status - This is really important for me. Hyatt is the only other hotel chain to offer it, but it is easier to earn at Marriott since it is based on paid nights stayed, qualifying for an elite level at least once, and points earned.
2. Better FS properties - Hilton is more consistent on the lower end - Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn, and Homewood Suites
3. Stronger gold status - you get lounge access at all international properties (resorts excluded) whether you are on the club floor or not - I think this outweighs the resort inclusion for Hilton
4. EEOs for gold and platinum members- buy one get one free weekend room and dinner coupons available 3 times a year for most FS properties in the United States (excluding resorts and certain expensive places like NYC Marriott Marquis) Certain restaurants are also excluded.
5. Stronger guarantee for elites being bumped from reservations - Marriott promises cash payments and free room certificates at FS properties for all elite members, in addition to elite night and point credit and alternative accommodations. Platinum members get free room certificates at all properties if they are bumped.
6. Cash guarantees for room type (limited to North America for gold members, not available for silver), platinum welcome gift, and lounge access on weekdays or free continental breakfast (excluding resorts)
7. More systemwide promotions - It has been a while since Hilton had promotions covering all of their properties. Marriott runs 2 MegaBonus promos a year (the fall one requires the use of a Visa).
8. Better website - Hilton's website is a joke. You have to enter a AAA number to check for AAA rates, whereas Marriott requires only a checked box. Also, Hilton website is buggy, and you often have to relogin after only 5 minutes on their website.
9. No limit on how long a stay can be for earning points, with the exception of Marriott ExecuStay apartments. Hilton caps point earnings to 30 nights for one stay.
10. The travel packages mentioned are quite lucrative. You can use them to acquire lifetime elite status on AA since AA bases lifetime elite status on number of RDMs earned. As an added bonus, AA miles are some of the easiest to use for overseas tickets in business and first.
11. Discounts are given for multi-night stays at one property, with a 7 night stay being the sweet spot (travel packages are miles with a 7 night stay). Hilton only offers discounts on multi-night stays if you have the Hilton Amex card and/or are elite with Hilton.
12. Other discounts - Bonus Bucks, Premium Pound coupons that can be used on two night stays and will earn full points. Also on FT, there is a link to buy Marriott gift cards at a 10 % discount.
13. Better customer service - Marriott's customer service is more consistent. This is a big plus for me.
Hilton does have some strong points:
1. Double dipping can be valuable if you have an account with BMI. You can earn up to 3,000 miles for each stay (1,000 miles per night at all Hilton properties, unlike most other airline programs where the miles are limited at lower end properties), and BMI's reward program is quite lucrative (they allow you to book one way awards and use cash copays to reduce the number of miles). However, the status of BMI's program is somewhat in the air since LH has a right to buy the company in the next year. Many expect that this will happen, and BMI's program will disappear (and be replaced by a less generous LH program) sometime after that possible purchase.
2. Hilton has some top end properties that are quite high in quality - i.e. Conrad Tokyo, Conrad Hong Kong and are better or equal to Marriott counterparts (there is no FS Marriott in Tokyo now).
3. The Hilton Amex card is better that the Premier Marriott Visa card for everyday spending. If you charge 20K/year, you can get gold from the Amex card. The Amex card also lets you redeem discount awards for 4 night stays. This card gives silver status, which lets you redeem GLON and GLON2 awards (best value are 6 night stays). Having this card also prevents you from losing all your points.
4. As mentioned above, HGIs are better than CYs and HIs are better than FIs. If you plan to stay at lower end properties, Hilton might be a better choice.