You're right about it sometimes being like a bad marriage. I am extremely brand-loyal to Marriott, simply because the Platinum bonus (30%) and the Marriott Visa bump (50%) means I can pile up the points, and turn 'em into nice places to stay on vacations.

Having all the points in one place, instead of spread over 2-3 hotel groups, means I'll usually put up with more small problems instead of changing hotels. Marriott properties are usually problem-free, but even when there is a problem I'll let management know, and try to find a work-around. I've got co-workers that will storm out of a hotel and move to another brand if the clerk looks at them sideways. On the other hand, once I've unpacked for the week, it takes quite a bit to cause me to move rooms, much less switch hotels. When checking into a room I give it the perfunctory check for clean sheets & working lights, but past that my needs are simple.

I like booking all my hotels through one web site (marriott.com), calling one phone number to make changes, and having all my points in one place. I considered staying at more expensive hotels, but I'm pretty sure to find some type of Marriott, from the lowly Fairfield up to the full service properties, no matter where I'm working that week.

I give Marriott all my business, and they reward me with points, properties in many locations, and a special phone number to call. We're stuck with each other, but most of the time, that isn't a bad thing.