As a whole, the JW Marriott Marriott brand is by far the best value. Top-of-the-line luxury or near-luxury at very reasonable prices or award redemption rates. We have had amazing stays at JWs in Phuket, Capri (no longer part of Marriott), Scottsdale, Las Vegas, Tuscon, and now Costa Rica.

I was blown away last week by the new JW Marriott in Guanacaste, north Costa Rica.

It is a spectacular property on the beach. Gorgeous rooms. Flawless service. The best pools I have ever seen at any hotel anywhere. Excellent kids club--and free!

And lots of adventure possibilities available as day trips.

My second favorite brand is Westin--has many of the features of JW Marriotts.

Park Hyatt is in general consistently excellent, but commands premium pricing or award ponts.

Among other brands' luxury or near luxury offerings, Conrad, Waldorf-Astoria and Intercontinental are all inconsistent and most get average ratings at Tripadvisor.com.