Late last year, I was feeling exactly the same as the OP, so I decided to give Marriott a try. I must say that I have been very impressed. They upgraded my status to both Gold and Plat early without having to ask… Although I have been staying at some high $$ hotels. Marriott has given me more upgrade in the three months that I’ve been a Plat then in six years (over 1000 nights with HH) with Hilton. Had the Presidential Suite last week – something that has NEVER happened with HH.

Hope this helps...