Hotel rewards are often a little different than airline rewards because they transfer out of the brand's portal. So the main utility is fungibility. Sure your

Hotel rewards are often a little different than airline rewards because they transfer out of the brand's portal. So the main utility is fungibility. Sure your credit card might let you transfer to a bunch of Star Alliance brands, but once it is in that one brand or you earned that one brands airline points, its stuck there. Secondly, yes upgrades are possible. It is very random but more frequent with being in certain tiers. Late checkouts, early checkins perhaps. Free stays just because you have points, and earning free stays that don't require the points. Earning points faster because you have a certain level. The amenities are negligible. Definitely not the point. And finally, Marriot/Starwood is now a HUUUUUGE portfolio. You wouldn't have to stay in the corporate business hotels. The redemption rates are also pretty nice and easy. There are still lots of boutiques, AirBnBs and interesting hotel tonight options, but Marriott/Starwood has a compelling portfolio.