While I realise it isnt the obvious solution on FT as its mainly about maximising the points you earn etc but since all the negative changes with Bonvoy I have actually started taking a different approach and when I look at the location I am travelling to look at the hotel that I would like to stay at, regardless of the attachment it has. I have used Amex FHR for quite a few of these stays and I must say its been a revelation, not the FHR just the fact I am picking properties based simply on their reviews, what people say and how they look no loyalty to any program, just myself!
What I have found is generally the properties that jump to me do so because they have great service and not great service to members of their program, simply great service as a hotel. I am still staying at many Marriott properties because these are properties that always gave good service rather than because they are Marriott