I would recommend PriorityClub (IHG, Holiday Inn..) as I've had a good experience with it.. Generally 15,000 or 20,000 points get you a free night, and you receive 10 points for every dollar spent at base membership.. You can get upgraded levels if you hit a promo, and earn more points.. To keep it simple, PriorityClub you can use your points on promo "PointsBreak" to get a free night on 5,000 points depending on hotel and dates availability.. So that's a free night on a $500 spend at base level.. We were able to stay in a suite on the PointBreaks 5,000 point redemption as well..

Generally, if you're flying.. start with the general basics.. 15,000 points for a shorthaul, 25,000 points for the rest of continental USA, and branch from there.. I would go with the airline you're flying with most and consider that first.. do some research and ask some questions on the various forums on FlyerTalk, to see if the program meets your needs..

And obviously to get some ideas.. look at MileBuzz.. If you see a bonus of 75,000 points/miles, that means signing up, you get 5 short haul, or 3 flights accross continental USA roughly.. score!