I echo other posters with additional comment....

Hampton is a step above HIX, mainly because their free breaklfast is generall better. Hampton, IMO, also has one of the most comfortable beds (Cloud 9) of ANY hotel brand.

Hamptons, Fairfield and HIX are all very consistent in terms of product, anywhere you travel.

HIs were woefully inconsistent in past, but there has been an emphasis at ICH to re-do the HI brand. They have begun enforcing minimum standards and are taking away franchise rights from properties which are deemd lousy. In essence, the ICH CEO was tired of hearing "That's one of the good HIs" - the brand is moving toward a more consistent product and I have noticed recently this taking shape with remodeling, service, etc.

Hilton Garden Inns are excellent hotels and very consistent.

Priority Club has many more 'bonus' and incentives than you will receive from HHonors, where many promos are targeted with no remedy if you didn;t receive the promo.