Starwood's hotel portfolio is clearly superior to Hilton, but my experience is that too many Starwood hotels nickel and dime you on the benefits. My two biggest complaints are the mysterious disappearing suite (at least one suite is available on the website at the time of check-in, but the front desk tells you that it is actually booked) and the "if available" clause on the 4pm checkout ("we can let you check out at 1pm, but no later"). SPG seems to have little, or no power over the individual properties, which is why I've reduced my status from Plat (2007-10) to Gold (10-11) to six stays and holding as of today.

I find the best loyalty program for consistency of benefits honored to be Hyatt. I just wish they had more hotels and some of those great Starwoods in Europe.