Hi all-

Looking for advice on where to focus some upcoming hotel stays.

Briefly:

I have a new consulting role which will require 20-25 hotel nights (total) in October and November. I'm looking for advice on how to leverage those paid stays to maximize earning potential for reward stays in the future with personal travel.


Details about my goals/situation:

My goal is to maximize earnings for future redemption for free nights. Status and other benefits are less important to me.

Current Hotel Status: Marriot Silver (credit card), Priority Club Plat (credit card), Best Western Diamond (match)

travel patterns: several trips per year to various US cities. 3-4 trips per year to Central America (but most often travel involves rural areas where there are no hotel chains), 1-2x per year to Europe

While I enjoy staying in nice properties, I don't really value luxury hotels, so for the most part I am happy staying in lower/mid tier chain hotels, Pensions, Inns, Independent hotels, etc (often where I travel these are my only options Therefore, I'm looking for one or more programs in which to concentrate these paid stays to earn the most future nights in similar low/mid tier hotels.

Any programs that might be particularly well suited towards those goals?
Any promotions that anyone would point me towards that help maximize earnings on these longer stays (likely it will be 2-3 stays)? I know both Marriott and Choice are having attractive promotions right now with 1 night free after every 2nd stay - It seems like I'd be better off with a promo based on nights, or double points or something.

Thanks in advance. Your advice is appreciated!