I value Marriott points far more than IHG points.

And as the previous post mentions--you can get IHG platinum status just by getting their CC.

But at the end of the day--it depends on where you want to go and how you want to stay.

I prefer using my points for aspirational properties that would otherwise be very expensive. Marriott has more of these, including in JW Marriotts, Ritz Carltons and the new Edition brand.

But if you are fine vacationing in a regular Holiday Inn--IHG may be more valuable to you.