Hilton honor rewards vs. marriott reward programs

[rwielatz]

Anyone have an opinion as to which rewards program offers more advantages? More perks? Thanks!

 

[theelfqueen]

We've decided we like Marriott better... their lower tier hotels -in our experience- are nicer, and more widely available and there are upper tier hotels everywhere. We stayed in Marriotts in Europe. We've stayed at Courtyards in Middle-of-Nowhere towns....

 

[WILDERNESS FAN 55]

Another vote for Marriott. For 8 years I set up my girls softball teams road trips and by far families enjoyed Courtyard and Fairfield much more than Hilton counterparts. Seems like a lot more attainable "specials" also which earned me more pts quicker.

 

[rwielatz]

Thanks! This is what I was looking for. we've stayed mainly in the Hilton group but I guess we'll branch out.

 

[Chelley00]

We have both but use our Marriott a lot more. Marriott also runs "stay so many nights get a free night" type specials. I've never seen Hilton do that.

 

[loveswdw]

Don't know if this matters but Marriott also participates in other programs like MyPoints. I've cashed in points a couple of times for Marriott travel cards. We got a great rate at the JW Marriott Indy, used the travel cards from MyPoints and still earned Marriott hotel points.

 

[swilshire]

Marriott has such great points promotions that I use them almost exclusively. It's a shame, because I like the Homewood Suites and Hampton Inns better in general, but I rarely stay there.

Now I'm working toward Lifetime Gold in Marriott before I retire, so they definitely are getting all my business. They treat me pretty good as a Platinum, but I'll never make Lifetime Platinum.

Sheila

 

[ICF]

I vote for Hilton, as I can get the Hilton Honors Amex with no fee....vs the $85 / year fee for the Marriott Visa.

I am a member of both....but unless I travel for business usually stay for free at a Hilton Family hotel from the Amex Honors pts.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Marriott has such great points promotions that I use them almost exclusively. It's a shame, because I like the Homewood Suites and Hampton Inns better in general, but I rarely stay there.

Now I'm working toward Lifetime Gold in Marriott before I retire, so they definitely are getting all my business. They treat me pretty good as a Platinum, but I'll never make Lifetime Platinum.

Sheila

It's not a sign of success, but I have Lifetime Platinum

I am also Gold in Hilton and Starwood (yes folks I need a life!)

Moving along. None of them are perfect... redemption costs are always going up etc.. That said, Marriott works better for me overall. However, if your whole goal is to redeem for Disney Hilton probably has better locations (Hilton DTD and Hilton Bonnet Creek.) Marriott is a farther commute.

The big difference for me is that while the "earning" rate on both Hilton and Marriott is about equal, Hilton always wants a LOT more points for the same quality hotel. Plus they have a HORRID website.. (Second only to Disney's for bad hotel booking experiences )

I use mine for Europe and overall have been happy with my redemption options there.

 

[kandazak]

We love Marriott too. Our Marriott credit card racks up points, we never pay interest, and our annual fee is only $35

 

[Julia M]

I pretty much stay exclusively Marriott and use their credit card. No travel for business but my dd competes so we do go away some weekend nights. Yes the credit card is $85 but you do get a free night each renewal date. In addition I have 5 free nights on my account from varied promotions. The last few years they have done a fall and spring promotion that gives 1 free night after 2 stays (a stay can be 1 night) that free night used to be good for 6 months but recent promotions have been good for a year.

 

[rwielatz]

thanks everyone. I don't have either cc or plan to get one in the near future so I don't have that consider. I do like Homewood Suites, especially in Tallahassee where we travel to quite a bit, but I think I'm going to check out the Marriott next time. Thanks again.