They've copied with positioning, but in this lower end segment Marriott really trails behind Hilton. On the other hand, the full service Marriotts and Renaissance properties are consistently good, while full service Hiltons and Doubltrees are not as consistent.

Given the choice of a Fairfield or Hampton, I will generally take the Hampton. Your run-of-the-mill Courtyards are _way_ below the standards of the Hilton Garden. I agree with the OP that the Courtyards don't offer that much more than the Fairfields in terms of amenities. There are exceptions, of course, and I have stayed at Courtyards that had full service bar/restaurant service and upgraded bedding - but that is the exception rather than the rule.