Marriott vs Hilton Comparison: Points, Rewards, & Business Amenities

In terms of sheer availability of hotels and brand reach, Marriott and Hilton are two of the most popular hotel chains in the world.

You can find their hotels in every major US city, along with dozens of affiliate brands that focus on business travel, luxury stays, budget rentals, and more. Marriott has 32 brands under its umbrella, while Hilton has 20.

Between Marriott and Hilton (plus their affiliate brands), you can find just about every amenity you’ll need for a good stay. That might mean business features, pet-friendly amenities, joint car rentals, and more.

Still, there are plenty of distinctions between these two brands and what they’re capable of providing travelers. So how do they stack up when compared side by side, especially when it comes to earning points that can be applied toward rewards?

Let’s explore Marriott vs Hilton in terms of points and rewards, business amenities, and global reach.

Global presence: Tie

As mentioned up top, both Marriott and Hotel have a worldwide presence.

You’ll find these hotels and their brands in close to 150 countries around the world. Hilton has around 7,000 properties around the globe, while Marriott has closer to 9,000.

When you sign up for a loyalty program and/or credit card with either, you’ll have direct access to hotels around the world. I don’t see a huge difference between those 2,000 locations, as many overlap in the same cities.

So if you’re on the hunt for a borderless hotel chain, there’s no major difference between Marriott vs Hilton. In other words, both Marriott and Hilton offer top-tier hotel stays around the world.

Using points: Hilton

Unfortunately, Marriott’s Bonvoy loyalty program hasn’t been pleasing too many members over the last two years. During the pandemic, Marriott decided to ax a good number of its rewards.

Worst of all, Marriott also laid out a new dynamic pricing feature for its hotels.

This dynamic pricing feature means you’ll pay more for hotel rooms when demand is higher—even as a rewards member. Hilton, on the other hand, still uses its straightforward base pricing for Hilton Honors members. No spiked prices for rewards members, in other words.

Earning rewards: Marriott

Hilton Honors comes out ahead of Marriott Bonvoy in terms of using those reward points for hotel rooms.

On the other hand, Marriott’s loyalty program makes it easier for members to earn points. That helps mitigate those dynamically priced rooms.

Members can earn Marriott points by spending on most major credit cards (including American Express and Chase), including on hotel stays, dining, car rentals, and more.

Hilton, by contrast, makes it a little bit harder to earn those points. Spending must be on co-branded credit cards, while spending on Chase cards won’t count at all.

(On a related note: if you’re open to opening a credit card with either hotel, go with Hilton. It’s got one of the best credit card rewards programs for those willing to open a new account.)

Business amenities: Tie

Both Marriott and Hilton have gone above and beyond to create business-centric programs for loyal members.

Marriott offers a bit more geared toward small business-owners. It has an eTools program that allows entrepreneurs to easily book rooms, meeting spaces, and even catering for larger events.

I’m also intrigued by Marriott’s EcoEvents program. This sustainability-minded initiative allows members to book ‘green’ meeting rooms that include recycled notepads, reusable lunch boxes, and other features. It’s not very robust, but it’s a start.

Hilton offers a similar reel of features that make it easy for entrepreneurs to book meetings and host clients. Their meeting package includes all the necessary features for a successful gathering, from flip charts to fast Wi-Fi.

Train Travel in Europe: Everything You Need to Know About the Eurail Pass

Those heading to Europe for the first time usually have high hopes of traveling by train.

First, trains are a great way to see the countryside—especially when you have limited time. Second, they’re viewed as a more ‘classic’ form of transportation compared to our American dependence on cars. Third, it’s greener than flying.

Unfortunately, most travelers never get around to booking a train.

They’re wildly expensive, to put it mildly. They’re also in high demand. Oh, and they tend to take a lot longer than people expect.

Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy train rides around Europe.

You can use train routes to get from country to country without delaying your trip—you just need to be more proactive and mindful about doing so. If you’re looking to use trains as a way to get around Europe, then you need to consider the Eurail pass.

This pass works for all 33 European countries across the most popular train companies, from Spain’s Renfe to Eurostar. But, similar to Amtrak, there’s a lot you need to know to get the most out of the Eurail Pass.

Here’s everything you need to know about it.

How does Eurail work?

I have exceptional news for you: the Eurail website is a beauty to behold.

That means that if you’re unclear about anything in this article, you should be able to find answers quickly via the website. If not, you can even ask a question in the forum.

Here are the basics.

As outlined above, Eurail is designed to get you across Europe easily and quickly—including across borders. Some night trains act like red-eyes, while other routes are more scenic and slow.

Depending on which pass you purchase (more on this below), you can access a range of routes. Keep in mind that night trains are only available for Global Pass holders.

The Eurail Pass is designed for convenience and ease of travel first and foremost. It might also save you money, but not necessarily. Non-Eurail Pass holders might pay an arm and a leg for reserving a ticket last minute, but last-minute price hikes don’t apply to Eurail Pass holders.

So, who is the Eurail Pass ideal for? It’s best for planners who want to save on transportation while seeing more of Europe from their window. Best of all, the Eurail Pass includes discounts on major hotels, museums, and more.

But which Eurail Pass do you need—the One Country Pass or the Global Pass?

Eurail One Country Pass

If you want to explore a single country, then this is the best option for you.

With the Eurail One Country Pass, you can use up to eight days of flexible travel within a one-month period. And given local train lines tend to be less busy than international routes, you won’t face too many crowds.

Keep in mind that Eurail One Country Passes offer bundled deals for small countries. You can buy a Scandinavia Pass, which includes Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, or a ‘Benelux’ Pass for Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg.

The Eurail One Country Pass is ideal for travelers who are going on a longer trip in a single country. You’ll get to experience different train types and routes, too.

For example, a Eurail Pass in Spain gives you access to meandering lines like the Renfe regional trains or high-speed bullet trains.

You can shop around for different types of One Country Passes, including 4-day, 5-day, and other short increment periods.

Eurail Global Pass

The Eurail Global Pass gives you access to all 33 countries in Europe, connecting you to an astounding 33,000 towns, villages, and cities.

But there’s one key difference: you need to reserve your seats with the Global Pass, as many trips are international.

Some of these reservations will cost you a small fee of up to $15. The fee might not be a turn-off, but keep in mind that most Global Pass routes are more popular—meaning you should reserve your place ahead of time to avoid missing out.

As with One Country Passes, the Global Pass also runs on a few different formats. You can choose flexi passes like 5-day, 7-day, and 10-day passes. The most popular option is the 10-day Global Pass, which can be used across a two-month period.

Open for Business: The Oldest Hotels in the United States

The United States is a comparatively young nation when it comes to official statehood.

Aside from the East Coast, there aren’t too many places in the US that remember life before the Revolutionary War.

At least, you might not think so.

Despite the fact that American history is incredibly short compared to places like Italy or China, many towns and cities in the US have gone above and beyond to preserve their history.

Not only can you visit many of these historic places, but you can even stay the night. In fact, some of these historic hotels have kept their doors open for centuries… and they’ve been open since before the Declaration of Independence was written.

All five of the US’s oldest continuously running hotels first opened their doors before there was a United States of America. At the time each of the hotels below opened, we were still an English colony.

Let’s count down the US’s oldest hotels where you can rent a room today, starting from oldest. (Note for my history fans: I’ve kept Massachusetts’ Red Lion Inn off this list because it was destroyed and reconstructed into a familiar budget inn setup.)

Concord’s Colonial Inn (1716)

Concord, Massachusetts

Speaking of the American Revolution, welcome to the village of Concord. You probably don’t recognize the name—but this is where the Revolution first kicked off.

And the Colonial Inn looks a lot like it did when the conflict started. In fact, locals used the Inn to store arms and ammunition when the battles began in 1775.

Since then, the inn has changed hands dozens of times. For a few decades, it was even a private residence that hosted famous transcendentalist writer Henry David Thoreau.

If you want to visit, I suggest heading there in April. That’s when locals celebrate their very own version of Patriots’ Day.

Book a room.

Faraway Hotel of Martha’s Vineyard (1742)

Edgartown, Massachusetts

Whaling was a lucrative business—you can tell by how well-preserved and well-regarded many of its former hotspots are, including Martha’s Vineyard.

In fact, the Kelley House was originally built as a whalers palatial private home.

Today, you’ll find a tavern on the grounds, a large pool, and a restaurant. It’s still a popular haunt for locals thanks to its food and atmosphere.

You might also this hotel listed as the Kelley Inn or the Kelley House—it’s the same as the Faraway Hotel, which has been known by many names over the years.

Book a room.

John Rutledge House Inn (1763)

Charleston, South Carolina

If you know about Charleston, then you know that it’s gone above and beyond to preserve its historical districts (plural).

Enter the John Rutledge House, which was constructed back in 1763 as a private residence for John Rutledge. At the time, he was serving as the governor of South Carolina.

But you probably know him better as one of the writers and signers of the Declaration of Independence—which was partly drafted inside this very house.

The grounds were converted into an inn recently in 1989. As a callback to the old days, hotel staff serve port and brandy throughout the evenings.

Book a room.

The Omni Homestead Resort (1766)

Hot Springs, Virginia

Slowly and steadily, the Omni Homestead has grown into an expansive resort.

When it was first constructed, the inn had only 18 rooms. Today, its grounds are vast, appealing to vacationers throughout summer and winter. (Seriously, you can do everything from zip-line to fly fish. It’s even a PGA-official hotel with two full courses.)

But back in the day, most visitors arrived to enjoy the hot springs.

During its heyday in the late 1700s, almost two dozen American presidents spent their time there. Thomas Jefferson was apparently a huge fan, returning often to relax in the hot springs.

Book a room.

The Beekman Arms & Delamater Inn (1766)

Rhinebeck, New York

There are few historic inns as famous as the Beekman Arms. In fact, it’s appeared in enough Hollywood films and television series that you might recognize its exterior and interior.

Over the decades, the Beekman has hosted some of the US’s biggest celebrities. I’m talking a massive range of big wigs, from George Washington with his actually hefty wig to Miley Cyrus.

In other words, it’s a storied gem in the Hudson Valley—one that’s not likely to change anytime soon.

Book a room.

Black Sand Beauties: 5 Top Spots Around the World

There’s a beach for just about every mood.

On the hunt for a romantic and never-before-seen beach experience? I’d recommend exploring Crete’s pink-sand beaches.

Want a more unique and unforgettable beach experience? Find a great glass beach in California—or far beyond.

Want an unparalleled and heavenly beach day? Check out a white-sand beach in a place like the Caribbean.

But what about the world of black sand beaches?

These are the bad boys of the coastal world. Most of the world’s sand is formed from the breakdown of rocks, sediments, silt, and clay particles. Oftentimes, these materials are pale in color, broken down from limestone, sandstone, and other sedimentary forms.

But black sand usually comes from volcanoes. Volcanoes produce a lot of heat, which tends to create darker rock formations (known as igneous rocks for those who want a throwback to grade school geology).

Black stones like obsidian, basalt, shale, and lava stone break down into tiny particles of sand. Black sand, specifically.

Want to explore these intensely beautiful beaches? I’ve selected five of the largest and coolest black sand beaches in the world. Let’s explore.

Anse Ceron, Martinique

This Caribbean country is part of the French West Indies, making it a tropical hotspot for French travelers.

The island’s northern coast is mountainous, which is hard to navigate on foot. It’s also home to an active volcano named Mont Pelée (sounds auspicious), which means that most of the rock formations on Martinique’s northern coast are dark brown and black.

The same for its black sand beach, Anse Ceron. To reach it, you’ll need to hike through the jungle. But it’s well worth the effort.

Not only is Anse Ceron a black sand beach, but it’s not often crowded. Oh, and you’ll probably spot a few sea turtles. They use the beach as a breeding ground.

Perissa Beach, Santorini, Greece

If you’ve been to Santorini, you might have been shocked to notice black sand beaches backdropping the white-painted houses.

But this famous Greek island is home to a few black sand beaches thanks to its now-inactive volcanoes. Though they’re long gone, you’ll notice their remnants on the black sand beach of Perissa.

This is by far the largest beach listed here, expansive enough for cabanas, water sports, and otherwise hosting hundreds of tourists. You’ll also spot some ancient ruins in the background (Thera), which is never a bad thing.

Punalu’u Beach, Hawaii

This beach, located on the Big Island, is often referenced as the darkest black sand beach in the world. You guessed it—this is thanks to an inactive volcanic that’s located nearby.

Unfortunately, the beach has a rocky coast, which means you probably won’t enjoy wading into the currents. But that’s not entirely bad news.

A freshwater spring feeds into the beach, making for a particularly beautiful site. Similar to Anse Ceron, Punalu’u Beach is also a hotspot for endangered sea turtles. You can spot them laying eggs along the shore.

Playa de San Marcos, Tenerife, Spain

The Canary Islands aren’t short on black sand beaches. In fact, much of the Canary Islands are ecologically unique thanks to the island’s volcanic formations. Gran Canaria, for example, is known as the Island of the Moon for its bizarre craters and valleys.

In other words, you won’t be short on black sand beaches to pick from. But I recommend heading to Playa de San Marcos in Tenerife. The bay-like beach is sheltered on all sides, which means the current is usually calm. It’s also close to the city, meaning you don’t need to venture far.

Reynisfjara, Iceland

Iceland almost always pops up on my radar when researching strange landscapes

Still, I didn’t expect to see such a dramatic black sand beach on the country’s southern coast. The area around Vik I Myrdal is known for dark basalt columns, which rise from the coast like sci-fi-inspired sentinels.

Just make sure to admire from a safe distance.

Not only is it super windy along the coast, but these beaches are known for producing waves as tall as 10-story buildings. Oh, and they come out of nowhere, and they form even when the weather is nice. Here’s your official advice on how to stay safe at Reynisfjar from Visit Iceland: Never turn your back to the ocean.

Storied Speakeasies: The US’s Oldest Prohibition-Era Bars

For thirteen years, the US banned alcohol sales. At least, it tried to.

From 1920 to 1933, the Prohibition Era overlapped with the US’s gilded Roaring Twenties era. (This fact always surprises me, as it’s hard to imagine flappers doing their thing without a curvaceous glass of champagne in their hand.)

Unsurprisingly, the Prohibition Era was highly impactful.

Not only did it spur a period of social and cultural change in the US, but it also heralded seemingly random new pastimes. NASCAR, for example, got its start from the jerry-rigged stock cars that Appalachian bootleggers supped up to outrun the police.

It also signaled huge growth for syndicates across the US. It gave rise to organized crime in cities like Chicago, Boston, and New York City. In the Big Apple, crime families played a hugely pivotal (and undercover) role in Manhattan’s skyline in the 1950s and 60s.

We wove a tangled web here in the United States during the brief era of Prohibition—and some of our strangest and most iconic landmarks and pastimes harken back to this era.

But let’s stick to one of the more fun remnants from Prohibition: speakeasies. Over the last decade, old-style bars have started trending. But what about the bars and lounges that can trace their rise back to the age of Prohibition?

There are a surprising number of these bars still running across the US. I’m ranking a few of my favorite picks here. My selections are based on three factors: an old-school style setting, an emphasis on handcrafted drinks, and historical relevance.

So pour yourself a sidecar, dim the lights a little bit, and barricade the door. We’re going back to the 1920s to the speakeasy era.

Ohio Club, Hot Springs

Est. 1905

The Ohio Club is located in Hot Springs, Arkansas—which isn’t too close to the state of Ohio.

Originally, the Ohio Club started out as a cigar store, bar, and casino. It was a hotspot for local politicians, gangsters, and baseball players. (Told you—baseball runs deep in the US.)

During the Prohibition Era, the Ohio Club expanded its reach to serve booze to its clientele. When the era ended, the Ohio Club kept its doors open. It had a reputation as a fantastic watering hole with great live music—even Mae West performed here back in the day.

The Ohio Club is still open and remains a staple in Hot Springs. People still head there to enjoy live music on the weekends, along with craft cocktails galore.

The Mint, Los Angeles

Est. 1937

I know—the Prohibition Era was formally over by the time The Mint opened its doors.

But it turns out that a lot of Americans were still spooked as hell about a second coming of the alcohol ban. Bars, in particular, were prone to buying copious amounts of booze and hiding it in cellars.

Enter The Mint. When it opened its doors, the bar was largely used to store alcohol from neighboring establishments. It didn’t actually start serving customers until a few years later. At that time, its focus shifted toward music.

The Mint is a classic West Coast art deco-inspired venue. Today, it’s a landmark in Los Angeles—one that has helped launch more than a few music careers. If you’re in town, catch a live show at this classic establishment.

Pete’s Tavern, New York City

Est. 1864

From the outside, this tavern looks like any other mom-and-pop pub on the East Side of Manhattan.

But it’s cruising toward its bicentennial and is New York City’s oldest continuously operated bar. When it opened back in 1864, it was serving up ‘grog’ to its customers. (Sounds worse than Natty Light.)

If you stop by for a drink today, you’ll be boozing on the very same rosewood bar from its opening day. But during the Prohibition Era, that bar was covered with flowers.

Peter’s Tavern took on the guise of a florist, selling orchids, roses, and violets… while secretly serving politicians and big-wigs in the basement.

When you enter Pete’s Tavern today, head into the first dining room. That’s where spies would be hidden back in the day to signal drinkers onward through a fake refrigerator door and onward to the promised land.

The Green Mill, Chicago

Est. 1910

From the green neon to the art deco style to its emphasis on live music, you’re going to notice a few similarities between Chicago’s The Green Mill and LA’s The Mint.

But there’s a big difference here. While The Mint opened to stow away booze for bars, The Green Mill opened its doors in 1910. (Then, it was known as the Green Mill Gardens.)

This became the hotspot for some of the US’s most notorious criminals. As mentioned up-top, these mob bosses expanded their reach across major US cities during Prohibition.

From the bright lights of The Green Mill, Al Capone and Machine Gun Jack regularly hung out at The Green Mill. Unfortunately, the grounds have been renovated slightly—that means you can’t sit in the same booth that Capone once did.

However, you’ll still get to explore The Green Mill as it existed in its glory days as a jazz venue in the 1930s and 40s.

4 US Cities with the Oldest Historic Districts

In the United States, we tend to admire buildings that live past their hundredth year.

Compared to historic districts around the world, our best-preserved old towns are few and far between. They’re also centuries younger than city centers from around the world.

From medieval Croatian villages to Japanese temples, the US doesn’t have quite the same hold on ancient architecture.

Still, many cities and towns across the US have fought hard to preserve their historic districts.

They want to maintain their connection to the past, showcase the region’s unique identity, and maybe even show a few tourists around. Though not quite as elaborate as Ren Fairs or reenactment villages, historic districts are educational, charming, and a deep-seated part of American culture—especially when national holidays roll around.

But which US cities have the oldest historic districts settled by Europeans? Let’s take a closer look at some of our nation’s most maintained and historically relevant neighborhoods. Some actually predate the arrival of English settlers.

New Castle, Delaware

Founded 1651

Shortly after founding areas of modern-day Brooklyn (including Bedford-Stuyvesant), Dutch colonial officer Peter Stuyvesant made his way to New Castle, Delaware.

This settlement changed colonial hands for decades, from the English to the Dutch. It was even briefly part of a New Sweden colony.

Over time, New Castle became an important capital in the fledgling state of Pennsylvania. Throughout the 1600s and 1700s, it steadily grew. In fact, some of the US’s Founding Fathers hung out in New Castle, including three of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Over time, Philadelphia replaced New Castle as a political capital. But locals didn’t let their historic district fall into disrepair. In the 1920s, multiple projects took off to renovate its old town.

Today, it remains a pristine encapsulation of life from the days of yore. From the cobblestone streets to the glass windowpanes, every detail transports you back centuries.

Visitors can explore dozens of pre-American homes that date back to the Georgian and Victorian eras. On the third Saturday of May, the entire town dresses up in colonial garb and opens their days to showcase the living past throughout the area.

Check out:

Charleston, South Carolina

Founded 1670

This city needs no introduction. It’s regularly listed alongside the most romantic, haunted, and historic cities in the US—and for good reason.

Much of its historic buildings have been painstakingly restored, including iconic spots like Rainbow Row.

Unlike other locations on this list, Charleston was founded as an English colony. It played a pivotal role in just about every major American conflict since it was founded, including the American Revolution and the Civil War. As a capital of the Antebellum South, there’s also an emphasis on colonial history from an African perspective.

Check out:

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Founded 1729

Lancaster is a bustling city with skyscrapers—but don’t let that fool you. It’s also home to an amazing historic district.

The land was originally allotted to William Penn back in the late 1600s, then was slowly settled over the next decades. After that, it served as a brief capital of Pennsylvania, playing a pivotal role in the American Revolution and then the Civil War.

In fact, during the 1800s, it was one of the US’s most densely packed urban areas. That’s no longer the case, but Lancaster’s Historical Society has worked overtime to maintain its window to the past.

Old Town Lancaster has a whopping 578 buildings that date back to the 1800s (and a few to the 1700s).

In fact, you’ll have to choose between exploring the Lancaster Historic District and the Lancaster City Historic District. (Don’t worry, you can explore one and then check out the other in the same day.)

Check out:

St. Augustine, Florida

Founded 1556

Welcome to the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States—that was settled by Europeans, at least.

Though it’s not quite as old as a few other Caribbean cities, there’s one huge reason St. Augustine has stayed on the map: its massive fort.

St. Augustine shifted between English, Spanish, and French control during the 1600s and 1700s. In fact, the state of Florida got its name from one conquistador who thought the area was an island—which he dubbed La Florida. In Spanish, that translates to ‘flowery’—a term that referred to the Spanish crown.

Given this area was a hotspot for Spanish conquistadors and settlers, there’s plenty of Spanish colonial architecture. While the Fort of St. Augustine draws plenty of visitors (and you should absolutely check it out), the small village also has a solid historic district.

Check out: