If I have a possibility to choose between a full service Marriott/Renaissance and other properties in the same price range, most of the time I go for Marriott/Renaissance. As an affinity program, Marriottrewards additional benefits - besides earning free nights – are upgrades and access to lounges (sad that they are closed on weekends) for me. And if I compare how the staff treated me at times I was a basic/silver or gold member to platinum status, I see – besides Fairfield Inns - a substantial difference in the percentage of earning upgrades. Overall: Let say I have 95% good experiences to 5% not-so-good ones (I try to make the best out of it ), which is a pretty good batting average to me.