In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,856
For me I like the Hilton Garden Inn most, but only if I'm Gold or Diamond with Hilton so I can get free breakfast. They're also good about upgrading elites and they're usually very consistent (and often quite nice in big cities).
I put Hampton Inns next because they're usually decent enough, they recognize status and I know if anything goes wrong, I can invoke the Hampton 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and the room will be free.
Next Holiday Inn Express. They're usually a little worse than a HI though you get the bonus of Cinnamon Rolls.
After that, all Choice properties.
I don't have enough experience at the mid-tier Marriotts to rank them.