For me, the choice was always between Marriott and Hilton. Until 18 months ago, I traveled enough to qualify for top tier in both. That travel ended and I had to choose one program. Initially, I went with Hilton because my wife and I have a mutual account. Recently, I decided to switch back to Marriott for a variety of reasons.

Unless Hilton devalues its program for next year(I doubt with the passing of the rolling year qualification for elites), these changes tip me back to Hilton. I'm sure others will parse this in many more accurate ways, but this is a rough calculation of $ spend to get an award at one of the better properties (Cat 6 for Hilton and Cat 7 for Marriott).

For Marriott, a five night stay at a Category 7 now costs 140,000 points or 28,000 points per night. A platinum will now accrue a base of 20 points per dollar spent at a Marriott property(using the MR CC). This means a spend of $1400 for a free night at a Category 7 Property.

For Hilton, a six night stay an elite at a Category 6 costs 175,000 points or 29,166 points per night. A diamond accrues a base of 25 points per dollar spent with Hilton(using HH CC and no double dip). This is a spend of $1167 for a free night at a Category 6 property.

This means that it takes a 20% higher spend at Marriott for a night at better property. These calculations don't include the very top properties at either chain (Category 8 for MR or and the WA group for HH), but I think this is an accurate reflection of what most of us are looking at in terms of actual use.

One further note. Many, many people take vacations seven days at a time. This change to where the 'sweet spot' for awards is a five day stay means either getting five nights free and paying for two for a weeks vacation or obtain sub-par value by using points for the entire seven night stay.

I, also, would be interested in hearing about the costs of awards at MVCI. My stay at 47 Park St is undoubtably my all time best use of points.