I find that Hilton properties at the low and middle ends are better than Marriott properties. Hampton Inns are nicer than Fairfield Inns. Embassy Suites are usually better than Residence Inns. HGI are much, much better than Courtyards. I hate Courtyards and dislike Starbucks coffee. I like Homewood Suites better than Towneplace Suites or Springhill Suites. The rooms at Springhill Suites aren't even real suites but they call them that. It is also much easier to reach Gold with Hilton (which offers real benefits) than Gold with Marriott. At the high end, I would say both chains are about equal.