To me, often the hotel is an important part of the travel experience. Nevertheless, the OP should be aware that many current chain hotels are not your father's (or grandfather's) chain hotels. For instance, Starwood LC properties are unique, plus SPG partners with Design Hotels now. In addition, we could ask what the OP considers to be a chain. For example, what about Relais et Chateaux, Leading Hotels, Small Luxury Hotels, Romantik Hotels, paraders, chains like Peninsula and Raffles, or even the FHR and Virtuoso programs? Very few top hotels today are genuinely independent.

While I hate cookie cutter consistency, in some parts of the world brand standards can be reassuring, especially regarding cleanliness, safety, and food hygiene. Front desk staff are more likely to speak English and you have recourse to the chain if problems arise that cannot be resolved locally. It's also convenient to book through a chain website and get a standardized confirmation with standard terms for cancellations etc. clearly stated.

I don't go out of my way to collect hotel points, but they can be useful, especially when you're facing high rates for your travel dates. However, I greatly value top tier elite treatment at hotels, including suite upgrades, guaranteed late check out, lounge access, and sometimes free breakfast. For this reason, I increasingly seek out unique chain properties such as those in SPG's LC rather than first checking what's available through FHR or LHW.