IC last, since I know that as a non-Ambassador I will get zero benefits no matter how high my IHG status, unlike hotels in the same price point from other chains where I do have status and it actually matters. Even on points, I'd rather do 3 nights at a 15K HI property than 1 night at an IC at 45/50K.

Otherwise, I've been in nice hotels from the other brands and miserable hotels so there's no way to generalise. I will mostly decide based on the individual hotel, any previous experiences and reviews on FT and Tripadvisor.