Marriotts "nights" counting rather than others "stay" counting is why we are at Marriott. Mr. Sprite travels sometimes for 10-12 nights at time, same hotel, two at most. He can have 50-100 nights at Marriott where he'd only have 5-10 stays at someone like Hilton. He does find, as you have, that when managers get to know you at hotels you frequent often they will do nicer things for you. I would recommend, as the trip is always the same, that you talk to each manager and see if any of them will give you benefits at their own hotel when you come. Marriott really works well for us. Happy travels!