Maybe it's just me, but FI isn't high on my list of hotels to pick for a family stay. Within the Marriott brands, I'd probably look at all of the suites brands first, then the full-service hotels, then Fairfield, and last Courtyard.

If I held no elite status, the order would flip between the FS and Fairfield, but if I held no elite status I'd probably look at all of the other suite brands across HH, HY, etc. before ever getting to a Fairfield Inn.

If I'm at a Fairfield, it's probably because I'm nowhere near the other brands.