Hilton Garden Inns are probably their best value IMHO. They are newer properties. Traditional Hiltons are a waste. Hilton has now clue about customer service. Marriott does. I do not have elite status in either program, but I was once upgraded to a suite at a Marriott on an award stay when the lobby area was tied up by a wedding reception, and it was difficult to get to the front desk. I clearly did not expect an upgrade, but I told the desk clerk that I thought the wedding thing was ridiculous. I was give a huge suite on a free stay.

At a Hilton, I asked for extra blankets and was told that this was impossible since it was New Year's eve and the hotel was full. That was my last stay in a Hilton. There was several issues, and when i complained, all I got were excuses.

At Marriott, the service is almost always consistent, and the employees are usually very helpful. I think Marriott treats their employees beter.