Originally Posted by
lougord99
The point is that Choice hotels provide value to me. I usually save $30-$50 from the cheapest Marriott brand in the same location ( and more from the cheapest Hilton brand in that location ) plus enough points for at least another $25 in value ( Marriott and Hilton seem to offer very little in promotion points). If a hotel room disappoints me, either I get another room or I don't stay at that hotel again.
Going off topic with this comparison, but ... It is true you pay more at a Hilton group hotel, usually.
However, when staying at Hilton, if anything goes not as it should, which has happened on a few occasions, THEY, the hotel, immediately tells me they refund the room in full. No need to ask, no need to complain, just mention what's wrong and they jump, literally.
So speaking of value and customer attention and service:
At Choice it takes a tremendous amount of energy to get things right, and even then often they don't care and leave you in the cold. Status is pointless.
At Hilton if things are not right they tell me I don't pay while I still get the points/miles as if I had paid. Status is underlined, and generates even more attention to detail.
Sadly, Hilton group hotels are not in as many places... I pray they grow.
While Marriott has a satisfaction guarantee, it is not as automatic as it is at Hilton, and I've had bad stays where the hotel refused and needed a push from customer services. Unlike Choice they always get it right in the end though, they just take more time and effort to accomplish their guarantee, when needed.
So for me, give me Hilton every time everywhere, please. They're worth every penny in my opinion.