You are probably right about the Marriott name. Just in general, all things equal, I'd pick Marriott over Sheraton, Hilton and Hyatt any day. Westin, though, is a different story.

When did you get the $219 rate for Marriott Mag Mile? Lowest I ever saw it at in the month or so I tracked it was $309.

I ended up with the Westin River North, river view room (worth $60 in that property) with breakfast for 2, for $209. It is fully refundable, so if I see a better deal I can still take it.

It is important to me to be able to stay in the River North/Mag Mile area. I even avoided Wacker Drive (despite good rates at the Fairmont and Swiss).