MNAudiS4 not talking about Marriott Gold vs Hilton Gold, but that Hilton Gold is treated better than Marriott PLATINUM.

My personal experience with Marriott Platinum leaves me feeling less than special - and keep getting cheaper.

*Platinum guest now get a 1/2 bottle of wine (375 ml), while it used to be a full bottle (750 ml).

*Marriott closes most concierge lounges on weekends, and many hotels don't give free breakfast when the lounge is closed (ALL Hiltons do). Marriotts rarely upgrade, and when they do I have NEVER gotten a suite. I can't think of a time a Hilton property hasn't upgraded me (not always to a suite). I've even stayed on HHonors points and still been upgraded to suites in Hilton properties (including the Waldorf=Astoria).

*When we go down a level I'll take Hampton Inn's over a Residence Inn or Courtyard (I don't know why anyone would chose a Courtyard over a Residence Inn - prime example of pay more, get less).

*Lets not forget that HHonors points are much more useable than Marriott points - for Gold and Diamond levels. (if there are no award available nights you can request an award stay. Every Diamond request we made has been fulfilled)

I'll take most Hilton Hotel properties over Marriott Hotel properties 98 out of 100 times - location being the primary differentiator in some cases - even if they Hilton property is "lower" I'll probably still take it because i know the hilton will make the extra effort, while marriotts will just keep trying to nickel and dime you to death. I NEVER have to pay for breakfast at Hiltons - that may seem small, but it's consistent.