Originally Posted by
sdsearch
Fairfield Inn gives a free breakfast pretty comparable to Hampton Inn. Residence Inn gives a free breakfast pretty comparable to Homewood Suites. So just as you can get free breakfast at several brands within the Hilton family without status, so you can within the Marriott family.
And I've been to some BW Plus properties (note that BW now has 3 tiers, BW, BW Plus, and BW Premier) that had a free-for-all breakfast buffet more comparable (in one case even better than) an HGI or Embassy. (But you're right about the lowest tier of BW, those tend to often have very minimal breakfasts.)
Meanwhile, Marriott's breakfast benefit for Gold/Plat is not at all brands (no CW and no AC), and is M-F only in the US, but is 7 days a week overseas at participating brands.
The simplicity of Hilton's "free breakfast and free internet at all brands worldwide" for Gold/Plat certainly has its advantages, but if someone has the ability to choose which exact brands to stay at (in some cases even research on TripAdvisor before choosing the individual property), it's possible to get free breakfast and free internet with less status or no status in many different programs.
I have never stayed at a fairfield but their breakfast can't be any worse than a Hamptons
One thing to consider is double dipping and promos as well. I think Marriott has some decent promos but most of the ones at BW aren't that great. I was status matched to Diamond at BW andd really the only advantage a diamond ahs over no status there is more points (which doesn't matter since the people here are using WN points instead), so about the only benefit you have at BW is the shot at a possible upgrade. I loved the Hilton stay 4 get one night certificate promo q4 last year and all but q3 of 2010.
One other thing to consider with BW (and possibly marriott) has no diamond guarantee. It is a benefit a lot of people don't use but it has been a great benefit for me when I need it. With BW though you have a lot more hotel choices if travelling to europe.