[QUOTE=Miles2go]

Considering SPG or MR, I hear SPG is no good @ Gold, but very fine at Plat. SPG has nice resorts all over the world (seems better than HH). Checking on the web last year, I noted that MR tries to collect $30 per extra person per night, on award redemptions?

Have two kids, so not being hit up in this way is important. Also, interested in getting into Resort properties in nice places. How good is Marriott on this, how easy are rewards to get for Gold and Plat.
QUOTE]

On the $30, I've never encountered that. Regarding resort properties, I think Marriott has some of the best options for resorts out there (Starwood and Hyatt are close), but I think Marriott may have the most. Also, you can use points for Ritz Carlton properties or specialty properties such as Orient Express, etc.