Management companies make the most difference, which is why I follow those more than the flag/chain out front. When I need a room in a new city, I pull up the management co websites and see if any of them have a property in that location.

I stayed at a McKibbon-managed Residence Inn last week. I stay at many properties under their management, but this was my first time at this one. The hotel is 8 years old yet appears to be brand new. Not even scuffs on the walls in the hallways. There was a housekeeper still there cleaning the common areas at 10pm at night. Staff were great as always. Late checkout was automatically assumed by staff with my Titanium status, with them proactively asking what time would I like to depart. Upgraded to a 1 bedroom despite booking the cheapest discounted room I could find. I've said it elsewhere, I get better service out of their limited-service hotels than I do many full-service hotels.

If Marriott would enforce brand standards and training across its hoteliers, it'd make a huge difference. But, alas, the hoteliers are Marriot's customers, not us.