I did a challenge with Hilton Honors to match my Plat. status with Marriott. They made me a Diamond. What a disappointment. Stuff I miss when visiting Hilton properties:

- Lack of a Welcome gift. I know it's not much, but that bottle of water (or sometimes 2) and snack at the lower end properties comes in handy when thirst or hunger pangs strike late at night. Occasionally I get a treat at Hilton, but usually it's a big fat nuthin'. (I do have the option checked for bottled water/snack item under 'My Way' for Hampton Inn's...it's just that no one ever pays attention to it)

- Unencumbered internet access. When I stay at Hilton's lower end properties, I find it ridiculous that they have both their wireless and wired internet access under lockdown. You can't access without the 'key'. To a degree, I understand about the wireless...they don't want people usurping the bandwidth if they aren't guests. But wired? Come on...are they afraid is someone going to somehow get access to a room and sign on?

- Recognition. I have yet, for the last 6 months of stays throughout the US and Asia, to NOT be thanked by the desk agent checking me in at Marriott properties, for being a Platinum Member. In my 20+ visits to Hilton hotels over the same time frame, I have not been thanked once. They mention my status, but it's something to the effect of '...and we have your Diamond Honors number on file'.

- Room upgrades. 20+ stays at Hilton props, not a one upgraded. To qualify that statement, I will say that I do stay at more low-end properties, but even when I am at a Hampton Inn & Suites, I never get a suite. With Marriott, my success rate is almost 85% or better.

- No preferences profile. Marriott let's me choose extra feather pillows, lower floors, near an elevator, non-smoking room (luckily, the only option at Marriott), and fridge in room as my preferences...all in a profile that gets applied to every one of my reservations. You can request all of these things at Hilton...but you have to do it for each reservation.

- Non-smoking rooms. Marriott has nothing but. Hilton has many left. Even as a Diamond, when checking in late, I have been given smoking rooms, despite having reserved non-smoking. But late at night, what can I do?

Hands down, Marriott's customer service culture runs circles around Hilton. I truly and honestly feel very special at Marriott properties, regardless of whether I am in a JW or a Fairfield. I am sure each of you will have your own reasons as to why you prefer Marriott over Hilton. I am interested in hearing them.