I basically agree with Geneva Flyer, but I'd add the following...

Marriott and Renaissance: Similar in facilities and benefits, but Renaissance hotels tend to be a little more "individualistic".

Courtyard: Ostensibly Mid-Priced: Sort of "awkwardly positioned at the moment". The rooms and physical layout can be very nice, but the level of facilities and services doesn't approach the level full service Marriott-branded properties. Unfortunately, however, the room rate often does. Courtyards outside North America tend to be better appointed and offer more services.

Fairfield: Newer ones can be quite similar to Courtyard except for free (mostly "continental") breakfast buffet and lower prices. Most CY restaurants offer a full service cooked-to-order breakfast, but are not open for lunch for dinner.

SHS and Residence Inns: Free breakfast buffet at each. SHS breakfast is similar to what's offered at FI. RI is more extensive. Most...if not all...SHS properties have at least a few suites with two TVs.

TPS: Similar to RI, but suites are less well appointed and breakfast is more "basic". At both TPS and RI, points are earned at 50% of the level of the other brands.

Hope this helps.