I agree that Marriott's typically have a very consistent service, but at times they are a bit too consistent: all the hotels appear to be the same and I don't find that you'll see the local flavour of a city or country reflected. The Marriott in Amsterdam for example could be anywhere in the world - there is no telling...

Intercontinental and Hyatt do this a lot better in my opinion - if you are in the Bali Hyatt, you're in Bali - not just in any other resort. The Intercontinental American hotel in Amsterdam (it's a Forum hotel really) is definitely very 'Amsterdam' - design, art work etc.