Originally Posted by
Adelphos
Most of the replies are off topic / not addressing the OP’s travel pattens and needs. The OP appears to be making mostly domestic trips, staying in limited service properties and therefore needs a wide domestic footprint. OP also appears to like staying in similar properties on vacation. The obvious choices are Hilton and Marriott. Hyatt doesn’t have the footprint, and Hilton/Marriott have better hotels than IHG in this category.
I disagree on your assessment of IHG. Current incantation of Holiday Inn Express (really probably last 8+ years) are on par with Hampton Inn and Fairfield Inn. They are ubiquitous and can be found everywhere from small towns, to alongside interstate highways, and even in downtown urban locations. Staybridge Suites (IHG extended stay brand) is similar to but not quite on par with Homewood and Residence Inn. IHG is really a points program with little to no meaningful status for elites. Royal Ambassador status might be an exception but it only applies to upper scale premium properties anyway which is not relevant for the OP. Based on the their preferences IHG might be a good fit and should be considered. They can get IHG platinum status with an IHG credit card which gives you a nice points earning boost. Furthermore, OP would probably hit Spire (top level IHG status) reasonably quickly with their stays patterns.
So distilling it down both Marriott and IHG are good options for the OP to consider as a secondary program with Hilton. I can't comment on Hyatt since I don't have experience with that program. YMMV....
--Jon