This article is a much more comprehensive review of which companies are excellent--looking at the way in which they market themselves, how they manage their finances, the way they treat their employees etc. It is certainly not confined to their respective loyalty programs.

As an HH and MR super-elite--I would agree that this survey conclusion is right on the money. Marriott is a very well run company that understands its broader role within society--and Hilton simply does not. Give you an example. The Denizen fiasco would just never have happened within Marriott--integrity reign supreme.

Do yourself a favor if you are in any doubt. Ask employees you interact with at both chains how they rate their employer from 1-10. And report back your findings after you have spoken to at least five...