Hi SimpleManToo,
I don't know enough about the Hilton program, but for Marriott ...
Originally Posted by
SimpleManToo
but if I charge every thing to say an amex surpass card, that would allow me to get 9 points per dollar spent which makes me think that the Hilton program might be better for accumulating points faster.
Anyone gets 10 base points per dollar spent at most Marriott family hotels (except for Residence Inns and one other brand where you get 5 - At Courtyards and some others, only the room rate counts). [Check the Marriott Rewards T&Cs for full details]
If you get a Marriott branded credit card (asssuming you are in the US or Canada), you get automatic silver status, yielding 20% extra, thus gettting you to 12 points per dollar spent, plus you get additional points for using the Marriott card at Marriott family hotels. Thus, you can be earning way more than 9 points per dollar spent.
I would recommend spending a little more time reading up on both programs and their branded credit cards to be sure that you are making the best choice. In the end, it's not necessarily about earnings, but about the ease of earning based on
your travel patterns.
Cheers,
GenevaFlyer