I have found that the best loyalty program for hotels is different for everyone. I think the most important part fo the loyalty program is where do you really want to go on your trips that are not work related and who has the best hotel for you vacation, not necessary who has the best value, but who give you what you want. Then you work on maximizing the points in that program.
For us wh have choosen hilton for three reasons we love staying at the Hilton Waikoloa village, the La Qunita resort and Spa, and the Torrey pines hilton (san diego). All three of these properties are great places my wife, 4yo son and I enjoy. so there cound be better deals out there but we are extreamly happy with these little retreats so we stick with hilton.
plus the amex surpass card give 9 points per dollar at hilton resorts so the points add up fast.