Between hotel stays, Marriott timeshare stays, and credit cards, I should be able to hit top tier status with both Hilton and Marriott this year, and I've found a few cases where a Marriott stay actually makes more sense for me. For instance:

A 5 night stay where HGI would cost $120 but Springhill Suites is $89. (For that difference, I'll go out for breakfast if it's not great.)

A 5 night stay where Embassy Suites is $139 (and other Hilton properties won't work) but Residence Inn is $120.

I'm sure there will also be some award stays (and free nights with the CC) that will work out good as well.