Hilton Honors seems to have raised award costs at many of its more expensive properties, which members certainly won’t be happy about.
In this post:
Hilton Honors devalues points at many properties
For several years now, Hilton Honors hasn’t published award charts. While the program has dynamic award pricing, the reality is that the most expensive award rates at a particular hotel have been pretty consistent. That’s to say that if a standard room is available, you can redeem points for it at a fixed (but unpublished) cost.
As reported in this FlyerTalk thread, it would appear that on Friday, December 20, 2024, Hilton Honors has increased the points requirements for standard room redemptions at many of its properties. This doesn’t seem to impact all properties, but rather seems to impact some of the more expensive properties in the portfolio (let’s say those retailing for 70,000+ points per night for a standard room).
The increases seem to be anywhere from 5,000 to 20,000 points per night, depending on the property. For example, the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos used to cost 120,000 points per night for a standard room, while it now costs 140,000 points.
Meanwhile the Conrad Osaka has increased in cost from 95,000 points per night, to 100,000 or 105,000 points per night.
That brings us to the second interesting thing about this change, which is that Hilton Honors now seems to have different “tiers” of standard award pricing at some hotels. Up until now, standard room redemptions at a particular property cost a certain amount, assuming there was availability. Now you’ll notice that some properties have either two or three tiers of pricing.
In some cases those pricing tiers are 5,000 points apart (like above, at the Conrad Osaka), while in other cases the pricing tiers are 20,000 points apart (like below, at Zemi Beach House Anguilla).
As a reminder, those situations where you see super high award costs are for premium room rewards, which are in situations where there are no standard rooms available. That pricing is totally dynamic, and generally doesn’t represent a good deal.
Hilton’s standard room award pricing maxes out at 150,000 points per night, for properties like the Waldorf Astoria Maldives. Fortunately that cap hasn’t been raised with this devaluation, and that’s still the maximum you’ll pay. It’s also nice how Hilton Honors free night awards remain uncapped, so aren’t impacted by devaluations.
These changes are unfortunate, but not terrible
Of course nobody is happy to see their points be worth less, so these changes aren’t good for anyone. However, if there’s any silver lining, I’d say that these changes could have been worse. Personally I value Hilton Honors points at 0.5 cents each, so an increase of 5,000 or 10,000 points per night is like paying an extra $25-50 per night. Furthermore, it has been quite some time since Hilton had a widespread increase in points cost, as we’re seeing here.
It’s also not surprising to see Hilton introduce some variable pricing for standard rooms at particular properties. I’m kind of surprised the pricing “gaps” aren’t bigger, as we see with other programs (like with Marriott Bonvoy or World of Hyatt).
If you want to make sense of hotel award pricing, it’s worth understanding how the economics of hotel loyalty programs work. Keep in mind that most hotels are independently owned, so the major global hotel loyalty programs have to compensate individual hotels for each redemption:
- When the hotel isn’t full, the loyalty program compensates the hotel at some reimbursement rate that’s slightly above the marginal cost of servicing a room, etc.
- When the hotel is full (think 90-95%+ occupancy), the loyalty program compensates the hotel close to the average daily rate, in recognition of the fact that the room may have otherwise been sold
The award price increases we see at high end properties reflect the continued strong demand for premium leisure travel. We’ve seen room rates at many top luxury properties increase significantly since the start of the pandemic, so hotel loyalty programs also have to make the math work on that.
Bottom line
Hilton Honors has quietly increased award costs at some of its more expensive properties. For standard room redemptions, many properties have increased in price anywhere from 5,000 to 20,000 points per night. On top of that, we’re starting to see variable award pricing, whereby standard award costs at a particular property might fluctuate by 5,000 or even 20,000 points per night, depending on the day of week or time of year.
No one likes a devaluation, and this isn’t good. However, it’s also not terrible. Either way, it’s worth acknowledging, in case you’ve been looking at properties, and suddenly notice higher costs.
What do you make of Hilton Honors increasing award costs at some properties?
Little concerned about your comment, "not so bad". It is bad.
Check Rome Italy hotels last August, they were all selling 350,000 to 400,000 per nite.
Hotels can charge what they want to in points. Surely they know the trick to remove the standard rooms, thus the standard points package is not available.
Lets see how the world changes, certainly too much inflation in money and in points everywhere.
Awwww. About time. Dumbass DCS loves to dish it out but he can’t take it. Do you need a tissue? Do you prefer it to be from Hilton with its logo? Must be from all of his rough nights at Hilton when his insane statements of using the Ts and Cs to whine and whine in order to get what he wants when the rest of us do fine when we use Ps and Qs. Good riddance dumbass DCS and don’t ever come back. You are the worst.
Love posts about Hilton.
They are always entertaining especially when @DCS shows up with his ridiculous claims and "parting shots".
Keep them coming Ben. Great for engagement and traffic for the blog.
@Lady London Yeah, haha. And how Dumbass @DCS thinks that there are actually any premium rooms at the HGI. He thinks that it is actually okay for the HGI Hong Kong to charge 113,000 points on December 26 for a guest room. They claim it is a premium room but it is just a standard room on a high floor but of course knowing DCS the Dumbass even that room is premium because it is...
@Lady London Yeah, haha. And how Dumbass @DCS thinks that there are actually any premium rooms at the HGI. He thinks that it is actually okay for the HGI Hong Kong to charge 113,000 points on December 26 for a guest room. They claim it is a premium room but it is just a standard room on a high floor but of course knowing DCS the Dumbass even that room is premium because it is a Hilton. That hotel is just gaming the system. I would rather stay at a ‘standard’ room for a lot less points ranging from 50,000 to 80,000 points at a SLH or a Conrad property. And he refused to respond to my reply when I mentioned this because he knew he was wrong and a dumbass.
Dear @Ben:
The last time trolls took over your blog with the of mindless and senseless parodies and taunts that we see below, including one making fun of you by pretending to be your brother, I asked you to put an end to it and you did nothing. So, I boycotted your blog (posting only zingers from time to time).
Well, we have now reached that point where I must again be the...
Dear @Ben:
The last time trolls took over your blog with the of mindless and senseless parodies and taunts that we see below, including one making fun of you by pretending to be your brother, I asked you to put an end to it and you did nothing. So, I boycotted your blog (posting only zingers from time to time).
Well, we have now reached that point where I must again be the adult in the room and put an end to the puerile taunting from ignoramuses unable to address the substance of my erudite comments, as I have shown again and again (see: stupid @Stanley C below), and boycott your blog once more.
It's time, @Ben, that you retake control of your blog, like LoyaltyLobby did swiftly, when trolls similarly invaded his blog.
Goodbye from my suite upgrade at the fabulous 3-year old Conrad Shanghai, second largest in the world. The last 3 weeks of my 2024 Year-end Asian Escapade(tm) continue troll-less and what a pleasure that will be!!!
The real DCS is out (ready to jump back in to expose particularly egregious b.s.).
G'day.
It's about dang time.
What you call trolls are a little silly, agreed.
But no less egregious than your general behavior and attitudes. If we were to ban everyone who is intolerant, illogical, hostile, etc. you would have been thrown off all these blogs long ago.
So, if you can stay, it's great that they can too; something has to police you, given that when the substance of your comments is repeatedly...
It's about dang time.
What you call trolls are a little silly, agreed.
But no less egregious than your general behavior and attitudes. If we were to ban everyone who is intolerant, illogical, hostile, etc. you would have been thrown off all these blogs long ago.
So, if you can stay, it's great that they can too; something has to police you, given that when the substance of your comments is repeatedly refuted (if ignoring your narrowly defined mathematical points) you move to name calling and close- minded intolerance.
So, please- punish everyone with your boycott, in this and all the other blogs you frequent. As long as possible
@aboutdangtime HAHA!!
‘But no less egregious than your general behavior and attitudes.’
—-Well-said.
Ben is smart and he is not going to let a drama queen like @DCS tell him how to deal with comments.
DCS posted the same laughable threats on Loyalty Lobby and they blindly, stupidly closed the comment section to satisfy a useless troll like DCS. Results: massive drop in comments numbers and affiliate commisions.
Trolls or not, comments are stimulating traffic, engagement and are viewed favorably by search engines.
So @DCS stop whinning like a drama queen.
Fantastic news! Go back to your blog with your ones of readers.
@UA-NYC Christmas came early with DCS making a hope to be true promise to not come back to OMAAT ever again!
@DCS yeah dumbass and time and time again the readers told you shut it and you won’t so you expect Ben to do something about it? You are the one that instigates it in the first place and now you are being a big crybaby about it.
So having just bought Hilton points to top me up for a redemption, the hotel has increased the nightly rate by over 5%.
That’s pretty crappy.
It isn’t any easier for me to earn points (they are a fixed number of points per dollar spent) but they are worth less than they used to be.
The loyalty programme has become worse. Again.
And yes - incrementally maybe it isn’t that bad - but there is a tipping point at which point it’s time not to bother. Maybe I’m there.
Many do not know my super villain origin story so allow me to explain.
I am Ben's shunned brother. Growing up before we got into the points world, we would take mediocre vacations (I loved our Garden Inn stays while Ben was more of a Courtyard kind of guy).
As we got older and got into points, we had a falling out when Ben dared to say that Hyatt points were worth more than...
Many do not know my super villain origin story so allow me to explain.
I am Ben's shunned brother. Growing up before we got into the points world, we would take mediocre vacations (I loved our Garden Inn stays while Ben was more of a Courtyard kind of guy).
As we got older and got into points, we had a falling out when Ben dared to say that Hyatt points were worth more than Hilton. I have not met him or the family face to face and use my initials (DCS) to avoid association with him.
Yes I have my insecurities. My blog (One Hilton Point At A Time) never took off like this one. But no matter, I am very happy with my life and I have a new family. Husband Hampton, our son Conrad, our little one on the way (Signia) and our dog Spark. It's Tru, I have ruined countless relationships with people over their refusal to recognize Hilton as the best .
Can we all agree that I once again won the debate?
I've successfully countered all the poor arguments of self anointed travel guru. The bottom line is 1 Hilton Point = 1 Hyatt Point = 1 Bonvoy Point = 1 Bitcoin
No. You are a blowhard who is on the Mt. Rushmore of travel blog laughingstocks. Piss off wanker.
You are all correct and you are all wrong. And that is because you and they are talking about two different things.
So they are right that a Hyatt point is worth more than a Hilton point. And you are right that all loyalty programs are similar in terms of return on spend.
So as a simple example a Hyatt point is worth about 3 times what a Hilton point is worth. But they are...
You are all correct and you are all wrong. And that is because you and they are talking about two different things.
So they are right that a Hyatt point is worth more than a Hilton point. And you are right that all loyalty programs are similar in terms of return on spend.
So as a simple example a Hyatt point is worth about 3 times what a Hilton point is worth. But they are also 3 times harder to earn. So as an example a $1 spend on my Hyatt card gets me 1 Hyatt point. That same spend on my Hilton card gets me 3 Hilton points.
A much bigger issue is whether any loyalty program actually saves you money. They are of course designed to bribe you into spending more money, not less. I am Hilton Diamond as well and I cannot honestly claim that HH has saved me money. It does however often give me a nicer experience for about the same money.
But not particularly any more than the other two chains I have status with: Hyatt and Accor. They are all playing the same (very clever) game.
this is a bit of an idiotic argument. as you said, it is obvious the point value of each loyalty program is unequal, and the "cost" to accumulate the points is irrelevant. you can transfer points from other programs or accumulate them in other ways which may be unique to each program.
Regarding the loyalty program saving money - in my experience, Hilton with the Aspire card (offering Diamond status, free night cert, other credits)...
this is a bit of an idiotic argument. as you said, it is obvious the point value of each loyalty program is unequal, and the "cost" to accumulate the points is irrelevant. you can transfer points from other programs or accumulate them in other ways which may be unique to each program.
Regarding the loyalty program saving money - in my experience, Hilton with the Aspire card (offering Diamond status, free night cert, other credits) offers incredible value, and only necessitates spending in order to redeem the cert or use the resort credits (so technically can maximize value with 2 stays/year).
I agree fully you have won a debate between you and yourself.
But lost otherwise, as you were having a debate about a different topic than everyone else
You fail to understand that points currencies have multiple different "values." Addressing only one narrowly defined aspect really misses the whole point of the entire points and miles game. So, for everytime you are "off topic," I rule that you have lost.
I haven’t read all the comments, but I’ll just say that I appreciate your pragmatic and honest approach to your blog. Thank you.
All this discussion about the value of hotel points in different programmes is nonsensical!
It is too simplistic to look at how many points you earn per dollar because it’s pointless if you earn the equivalent of $100 back in points and try to claim each point is worth x cents per dollar because it’s how you earned them as well as redeem them that determines their value. This can be so variable in...
All this discussion about the value of hotel points in different programmes is nonsensical!
It is too simplistic to look at how many points you earn per dollar because it’s pointless if you earn the equivalent of $100 back in points and try to claim each point is worth x cents per dollar because it’s how you earned them as well as redeem them that determines their value. This can be so variable in itself based on:
EARNING
- Bonus points from promotions
- Tier in the loyalty programme and bonus points earned on top of base points
- Welcome gift points (eg Marriott)
- other benefits that you get that could determine are more valuable return in addition to points (suite upgrade awards, breakfast, lounge access, late checkout and other things people would pay for an earn points on)
- even where you stay has different rates of taxes etc so this determines net earnings / return
- tip people in places like the US that have a tipping culture and you’ll find your points earning rate diminishes quickly!
REDEEMING
- Dynamic pricing greatly varies the value you get per point
- 5th night free etc also determines this when redeeming
- Converting points to air miles or experiences can such varying rates too
Yes, even if you find similar apples to compare, you can determine a % return per $1 across programmes but all the variables above depend on the guest’s knowledge of “gaming the system” to get maximum return which means constantly on the ball with promotions, checking dynamic pricing, best rate guarantees etc.
Perhaps it’s best to compare classic members across programmes who stay in a similar hotel in the same US city and who don’t partake in any promotions, don’t have any breakfast or other benefits and would redeem a room at the same hotel on the average number of points without using an affiliated credit card. That result would be more interesting! Anyway want to do the maths?
As for me, I look at how much I’m paying for the room in the first place. About 80% of my stays are best rate guarantees which reduces the cost of stays. This is more important than how many points per dollar etc. I’m also careful about redemptions and check constantly that I’m getting the best value.
Not true. You are trying to too much of what is inherently an easy problem. The fact that one can calculate, analytically, the value of every hotel loyalty points ccurrency using a simple equation means that all the programs emulate one another to try to achieve parity. As a result, the mathematical modeling, while trivial, is highly accurate, determinative, and informative.
There are basic calculations, yes, however, the value of your points is not determined by just that. It’s effectively how you game the system and take advantage of opportunities at the right time. You may do well with that in terms of Hilton while others may fail to then take a black-and-white view of it. At the end of the day, everyone has to make their own calculation.
Like everyone else, you fail to understand that points currencies have two different "values."
The ones I calculate are objective, fixed and can be modeled. I call them the "face" values of points currencies.
The other values of points currencies are their "redemption" values, which are subjective and highly variable because they are known only after the points have been redeemed according to individual choices, preferences, circumstances or means.
What you and everyone...
Like everyone else, you fail to understand that points currencies have two different "values."
The ones I calculate are objective, fixed and can be modeled. I call them the "face" values of points currencies.
The other values of points currencies are their "redemption" values, which are subjective and highly variable because they are known only after the points have been redeemed according to individual choices, preferences, circumstances or means.
What you and everyone else do is to conflate those two different concepts, leading to the gobbledeygook that is peddled as 'wisdom' in travel blogosphere.
Incorrect. As a 100% leisure traveller I calculate when and where I decide to stay and which hotel group (or no hotel group) depending on the value for money, points earned through promotions or whether I got a best rate guarantee rate. For example, points are NET of taxes earned so in effect, in some countries you’ll be earning 20% fewer points. You can choose which country to visit, which could increase your return by...
Incorrect. As a 100% leisure traveller I calculate when and where I decide to stay and which hotel group (or no hotel group) depending on the value for money, points earned through promotions or whether I got a best rate guarantee rate. For example, points are NET of taxes earned so in effect, in some countries you’ll be earning 20% fewer points. You can choose which country to visit, which could increase your return by a substantial amount. This means that the value of the points I earn depends on my individual choices, not some model that applies to you. Everyone has their one model. At the end of the day, you are paying 20-30% extra to be part of a big chain’s loyalty programme.
Hilton Honors, the Sky Pesos of hotels.
Not a devaluation but an adjustment in the number of points compared to cash price. You really can’t expect a hotel that sold for $200 a night 2 years ago and required 35,000 points to still only require 35,000 points if the rate is now $250 (I know these are much higher end but example still works)
Amazes me how people don’t understand basic economics. Points are still worth around .5 cent each so,...
Not a devaluation but an adjustment in the number of points compared to cash price. You really can’t expect a hotel that sold for $200 a night 2 years ago and required 35,000 points to still only require 35,000 points if the rate is now $250 (I know these are much higher end but example still works)
Amazes me how people don’t understand basic economics. Points are still worth around .5 cent each so, again, no devaluation just aligning them better with current prices. Inflation makes everything more expensive.
I am going to downgrade m y Aspire card to the Gold level. Hilton points are not worth earning. I am a Lifetime Titanium at Marriott and that's good enough for me:
Always upgraded and well treated.
@Mark just wait for dumbass to ‘educate’ you on how wrong you are. Hilton points are so worth earning because you will be told that you are not redeeming them correctly and then given some numbers to ‘prove’ you are incorrect.
But then you give up Diamond status for Lifetime! The absolute best status level in a mid program.
Parting Shot
Dear @James K, @MoJoe and anyone else who thinks like they do: you do not know anything about...
Parting Shot
Dear @James K, @MoJoe and anyone else who thinks like they do: you do not know anything about the relative values points currencies and should avoid pontificating about them, because, you see, 0.5cent/IHG point is worth exactly the same as 1.5 cents/Hyatt point. I am sure that statement confused you, which is precisely why you are clueless and should quit commenting about the relative values of points currencies.
I will spare everyone the long derivations and just provide the final answer. Below is how to calculate, analytically, the exact values of hotel points currencies. Please crunch the number.
(16/30) = the exact value of an IHG point (in cents/point) = 0.53cpp
(16/32) = the exact value of a Hilton point = 0.50cpp
(16/10.5) = the exact value of a Hyatt point = 1.52cpp
(16/23.5) = the exact value of a Marriott point: 0.68cpp
(16/45) = the exact value of a Radisson (America) point = 0.36cpp
@Ben won't quibble with any of those values (which may be why he was finally convinced).
You see that "16" in all the equations? That is the "return on the dollar.
The denominators in all the equations are the established based earn rates of top elites in each program (bonus points from appropriate co-branded CC included).
Value of a point = (Return on the dollar)/(base earn rate)
or
Return on the dollar = (Value of point) * (base earn rate) * 100% = 16%
for all the major hotel points currencies, which are, therefore, all worth exactly the same.
@Ben and@ Gary Leff finally understood some version of the above, which is why neither any longer makes the claim that a "Hyatt point is worth more than any other hotel points currency."
All hotel points currencies are worth exactly the same.
Q.E.D
Waiting for @Ben and @Gary to tell us Hyatt points is worth more.
My favorite part of DCS's illogical rants about how all points currencies have the same value is that he starts with the assumption that they actually don't have the same values, and then uses a bunch of insane mental gymnastics to make them equivalent so that only he can be correct.
This, however, is sadly typical of this poster, whose modus operandi has not changed in his years of trolling forums like this.
You'd think that my purpose as a "Hilton fanboy" would be to make the Hilton point more valuable then equivalent, no?
Anyway, if you can prove those "insane mental gymnastics", which are actually kindergarten-level math that clearly goes over your head, to be fallacious then do so because a troll is one who makes fact-free...
You'd think that my purpose as a "Hilton fanboy" would be to make the Hilton point more valuable then equivalent, no?
Anyway, if you can prove those "insane mental gymnastics", which are actually kindergarten-level math that clearly goes over your head, to be fallacious then do so because a troll is one who makes fact-free pronouncements when presented with incontrovertible mathematical proof.
You are stupid and clueless, and the more you post your drivel, the clearer your ignorance will become, like what we saw earlier with one "Stanley C".
Get lost.
DCS, I know your NPD won't allow it, but maybe you should stick to being a physics professor and leave the economics to the economists.
Mike-
To cut and paste from another post: "Oh, you don't know DCS, do you. He makes long diatribes about points values, mathematically "demonstrates" something that supports his own "unique" beliefs and then decides he is the sole judge that says he has won some kind of debate he is having with.... someone. (Side note- his math is fine. It's just basic arithmetic. The underlying assumptions that underpin his calculations are the faulty part)"
It's...
Mike-
To cut and paste from another post: "Oh, you don't know DCS, do you. He makes long diatribes about points values, mathematically "demonstrates" something that supports his own "unique" beliefs and then decides he is the sole judge that says he has won some kind of debate he is having with.... someone. (Side note- his math is fine. It's just basic arithmetic. The underlying assumptions that underpin his calculations are the faulty part)"
It's funny, because he thinks that basic mathematics is somehow challenging, like he's solved Fermat's last theorem by his demonstration.
So again, he is narrowly mathematically correct, but intellectually dishonest and requires a number of unsupported assumptions at the outset. And he misses the point much of the time. Only by liberal redefinition of what certain terms actually mean can he claim any victory- but claim he does nonetheless.
A gentleman with a severe case of the Dunning- Kruger effect mixed with a little egocentric bias for good measure.
All that is forgivable in my opinion, we have to have some allowances for the neuroatypical. What is not forgivable is labelling something as a "parting shot" and responding again. And again. And again.....
@DC Well-said. Did you just analyze his own dumbass agenda? And telling someone not to talk to him but he keeps responding either directly or indirectly with another post.
I am fully aware of DCS - I'd say that I've done battle with him over the years, but it's largely a case of having a battle of wits with someone who is unarmed.
@Mike that’s just so like dumbass. Illogical and inaccurate. Not knowing how to read and understand what someone is posting and just twisting it around to his own dumbass agenda because no one can say anything bad about Hilton. Do not be mistaken as I do like Hilton but just tired and annoyed of all the comments made by dumbass.
"Return on the dollar is equal" and "all currencies are worth exactly the same" are two very different arguments.
Even if you're correct on return on the dollar, which you're not because promotions and sundry other factors influence one's return, that doesn't change the fact that I can redeem 40,000 Ultimate Rewards for 40,000 Hyatt points, or 40,000 IHG points. Since the Hyatt points can be redeemed for essentially every property, but the same...
"Return on the dollar is equal" and "all currencies are worth exactly the same" are two very different arguments.
Even if you're correct on return on the dollar, which you're not because promotions and sundry other factors influence one's return, that doesn't change the fact that I can redeem 40,000 Ultimate Rewards for 40,000 Hyatt points, or 40,000 IHG points. Since the Hyatt points can be redeemed for essentially every property, but the same number of IHG points will not get me more than airport hotel, the currencies are not worth "exactly the same" in any universe other than yours.
There is no return on the dollar, because I didn't spend dollars to accrue these points. I transferred them from my UR account. And one was worth way more. Redemption value is integral to point value because that's how currencies work. They're worth what you can buy for them.
I mean, if anything you've proved that the points are not worth the same amount, and that when it comes to credit card spending there's a significant difference in what you'll get back on theoretical unbonused spend. For example, the WOH CC giving one point per dollar kicks back 1.52 cents/dollar*, while insert-Marriott-card-here giving two points per dollar kicks back 1.36 cents/dollar. No idea what Hilton is doing these days.
As James pointed out, this...
I mean, if anything you've proved that the points are not worth the same amount, and that when it comes to credit card spending there's a significant difference in what you'll get back on theoretical unbonused spend. For example, the WOH CC giving one point per dollar kicks back 1.52 cents/dollar*, while insert-Marriott-card-here giving two points per dollar kicks back 1.36 cents/dollar. No idea what Hilton is doing these days.
As James pointed out, this is also relevant with respect to transferrable points and so on, and there are also some "persistent misalignments" as well (e.g. all else being equal, NYC hotels tend to be a lousy deal on points, and certain aspirational properties can be this as well, whereas "lower-tier" properties often represent a somewhat better deal).
*This gets wacky once you get up past 60 nights since Hyatt allows you to grab an extra 10k points every ten nights, so there's a /long/ stretch where you're looking at an extra .4 points/dollar (personal CC) or .5 points/dollar (business CC), moving this up into the 2.10-2.25 cents/dollar ballpark.
Ben - the screenshots for the Osaka and Anguilla hotels are the same. When checking zemi awards, all appear to be 110K as they have been for some time for standard awards. Seems Zemi comes out unscathed from the devaluation.
@ RayG -- Whoops, I uploaded the wrong screenshot. It has been corrected now. As you'll see, some nights cost 110K points for a standard room, while other nights cost 130K points.
Ahhh yeah I see the 130K nights now. Thanks Ben!
Lucky — you dropped the ball on this one. “Not that terrible”? Come on, you’ve been in this game so long, you can’t see the forest for the trees. This is what’s known as a slow burn… make small changes over time (get rid of award charts, replace free breakfast with a credit that doesn’t cover much, make our expensive properties a little more expensive), don’t do it all at once like Delta Airlines did,...
Lucky — you dropped the ball on this one. “Not that terrible”? Come on, you’ve been in this game so long, you can’t see the forest for the trees. This is what’s known as a slow burn… make small changes over time (get rid of award charts, replace free breakfast with a credit that doesn’t cover much, make our expensive properties a little more expensive), don’t do it all at once like Delta Airlines did, get our blog allies to soften the blow (because they need constant content and clicks, so they’ll play along — not to mention you didn’t write about Hilton not giving any notice about this change) and the plan to screw consumers more continues. Lucky, your shill-turn is almost complete. You provide no more value on your blogs. You don’t even answer readers’s questions in the comments section. What happened to you?
@ Travel Hacktivist -- Okay, let me take what you say as genuine feedback, and let's unpack this. As far as I know, Hilton last had a widespread increase in points costs in May 2022, so it has been over 2.5 years.
Keep in mind that in the past couple of years, Marriott has increased award costs thanks to its dynamic award pricing, while Hyatt has annual category adjustments, which is ostensibly an annual...
@ Travel Hacktivist -- Okay, let me take what you say as genuine feedback, and let's unpack this. As far as I know, Hilton last had a widespread increase in points costs in May 2022, so it has been over 2.5 years.
Keep in mind that in the past couple of years, Marriott has increased award costs thanks to its dynamic award pricing, while Hyatt has annual category adjustments, which is ostensibly an annual devaluation.
Now we're seeing an average increase of 5,000 to 10,000 points per night at many properties, which is maybe a 10% increase on average, give or take. Do I like price increases? Of course not. But what would you like me to do? I'm reporting the news, and am saying it's bad for members. Do you want me to start a widespread revolt and suggest that people boycott Hilton Honors? Should we boycott all loyalty programs, since they all have devaluations?
I always make it clear that people should be strategic with how they acquire points. They should only buy them with a short term use in mind. Meanwhile there are also lots of credit card opportunities to take advantage of. I try to be practical with the advice I provide, and that applies here as well.
If you don't think I provide value on the blog then I'm sorry, but it sounds like maybe my blog isn't a good fit for you. I do what I can to provide high quality content, though I understand it won't be for everyone.
And you're absolutely right I'm sometimes not great at responding to reader comments, and it's something I feel bad about. The truth is that I'm just one person, and I do my best, and I fall short in many areas. I have a toddler son, and I have a mother with terminal cancer who is now in hospice. As you can maybe appreciate, finding the right balance in priorities can be tough. But I can promise you that I try really hard, and when I'm not taking care of my family, a vast majority of my time is dedicated to this site. I try to be forgiving of myself for the areas I fall short.
@Ben I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's cancer being terminal, especially during this time of year. Your travel posts with her have always been inspiring, seeing how hard she fights. I'm thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
You are writing articles that O find interesting and useful. Thank you.
0 as in none?
Ben, so sorry to hear about your Mom's condition.
"It’s also nice how Hilton Honors free night awards remain uncapped, so aren’t impacted by devaluations."
Is that always true? This past summer I successfully used my free night award at the London Conrad. But only after a few tries. The free night was only available if that night was 80,000 points. If it cost more than that then the free night could not be claimed. I was told it was "not available".
So in practice the cap was 80,000 at that property.
@Ben is right. Read about the free night certs: they are good only when a standard award is available. They are "uncapped" in that they can be redeemed at ANY property...provided that it has at least one standard room available. At London Conrad the cost of a standard award is 80K.
The annoyance here would seem to be a lack of clarity about what qualifies as a "standard night". Of course, even Hyatt has occasional issues with hotels being "creative" about excluding lots of rooms from being "standard rooms"...
The amount of points here is somewhat irrelevant - they can change the cost of a Standard award to 100k or 50k, but as long as available then can redeem the free night cert. Can claim this is some sort of property specific cap, but so what - has no bearing on any other property or the program as a whole.
I have noticed that as well. The Conrad HK costs 70,000 points but now costs 75,000 points. Yet, the Hilton Garden Inn costs 113,000 points for the same night, hehe.
Stupido!
@DCS you mean the points redemption that HGI HK is asking for is nonsense? If so, I concur.
Duh! It means that you are cluelessly stupido. A standard award that goes for 113K at HGI would be insane...so you are comparing apples and oranges and being stupidly proud about it. (Hint: look for "Premium Room Rewards" somewhere and you'll see the stupidity).
Just disappear, man, get off the stage because you are self-immolating!
@ DCS you are the dumbass that lives for Hilton. I was simply pointing out how crazy it was for HGI to offer a standard room at 113,000 points on December 26 when the Conrad or SLH properties that go for a lot less. I definitely did not book the HGI HK and chose something better.
Go get a life or learn how to read what others are saying instead of making the wrong...
@ DCS you are the dumbass that lives for Hilton. I was simply pointing out how crazy it was for HGI to offer a standard room at 113,000 points on December 26 when the Conrad or SLH properties that go for a lot less. I definitely did not book the HGI HK and chose something better.
Go get a life or learn how to read what others are saying instead of making the wrong assumptions. Maybe, if you stop worshipping Christopher Nassetta every morning and night you may have the time for it. Everyone here is already so annoyed with your Hilton obsession so you should just shut up and go away. You only know how to insult because you are a small man in every way.
And yet you reveal yourself as the dumbass! The truth has nothing to do with my purported "Hilton obsession". See for yourself.
The HGI did not offer a standard award for 113K on December 26. It offered a "Premium Room Reward" for 113K and NOT a Standard Room Reward, making clear that, as the real dumbass, you do not know the difference.
Here's...
And yet you reveal yourself as the dumbass! The truth has nothing to do with my purported "Hilton obsession". See for yourself.
The HGI did not offer a standard award for 113K on December 26. It offered a "Premium Room Reward" for 113K and NOT a Standard Room Reward, making clear that, as the real dumbass, you do not know the difference.
Here's is your stupidity for all to see: https://bit.ly/4gOTeb1
I am done with you.
I have already been done with you @DCS. You are still the stupid one for believing a king guest room on a high floor is considered a premium room. Knowing you, a standard room on a higher floor at a Hilton is considered a premium room. You are just like Tim Dunn with his Delta obsession but much worse. This is the hotel playing stupid games for people like you who thinks Hilton can do...
I have already been done with you @DCS. You are still the stupid one for believing a king guest room on a high floor is considered a premium room. Knowing you, a standard room on a higher floor at a Hilton is considered a premium room. You are just like Tim Dunn with his Delta obsession but much worse. This is the hotel playing stupid games for people like you who thinks Hilton can do no wrong. You would probably stay there and believe that standard room on a higher floor is considered premium. No frequent traveler unless you are DCS would ever accept that as a premium room.
@DCS By the way, I know it was for a premium room. You can see in my original message which never asked for your stupid comments was simply stating how ridiculous HGI HK wanted for a room for a night. And how they try to game the system but making guests think it is a premium room but it really is just a standard room on a higher floor. And how I would rather stay at the Conrad HK or a SLH standard room for much less points and much better guest room experience.
I believe @Ben's take on these Hilton Honors award cost increases is right on money on all counts. The increases should be tolerable as long as the program keeps (a) running rewarding global promos, (b) selling points at 0.5cpp with 100% bonuses, and (c) the 5th award night free perk as is.
Please do not be stupid and start posting as "DCS" again. Thank you.
Cheers from Grand Hyatt Taipei, aka the "haunted house" !
How is the Grand Hyatt Lounge?
This property is on my list.
I have no idea because I am not a Globalist and I did not earn or purchase lounge access. What is truly fabulous is the hotel's restaurant on the first floor where a HUGE buffet breakfast that I paid for is served every morning. Therefore, what you should find out is whether the fact that the property has a lounge would preclude Globalists from having breakfast in the restaurant, as per the WoH T&C, because that would be a real shame...
@ DCS -- I could've gifted you a Club Access Award, so you could have club lounge access in addition to the breakfast you paid for!
Ben helping DCS would be the biggest Christmas miracle!
@Ben -- Assuming lounge access and restaurant breakfast are not mutually exclusive? Much appreciated, but then with everyone a Globalist and the lounge full, what would be the lure of the status? ;-)
@ DCS — If you pay for breakfast you still get restaurant breakfast. Regarding everyone having lounge access, I think that’s something you have experience with at Hilton, unless hotels have special lifetime Diamond lounges that us more mortals don’t know about. ;-)
@Ben -- This is not quite clear: "If you pay for breakfast you still get restaurant breakfast". Did you mean if "you pay for lounge access you still get restaurant breakfast"?
Well, no. Hilton has the option for members to have breakfast either in the...
@Ben -- This is not quite clear: "If you pay for breakfast you still get restaurant breakfast". Did you mean if "you pay for lounge access you still get restaurant breakfast"?
Well, no. Hilton has the option for members to have breakfast either in the exec lounge or in the hotel restaurant at hotels that have both, which alleviates the crowd in the exec lounges. Frankly, I have never been in a Hilton exec lounge that was too full, whereas Hyatt club lounges are usually quite full. Sometimes, there is a line in front of the lounge!
@ DCS -- My point was that if you book a rate that includes breakfast and use a Club Access Award, you can still take advantage of the restaurant breakfast and club lounge access. But the Grand Hyatt Taipei actually does offer club guests restaurant breakfast as well.
I'd be very curious to know at what Hyatt you've seen a line out the door to get in? As a lifetime Globalist (the most valuable lifetime hotel elite status), ;) I've never, ever seen that before.
I can name two Hyatt hotels where I'd purchased club access with points and when I went to have breakfast in the morning there was a line in front of "Regency Club" at the now defunct Hyatt Regency Montreal, and the Club at Hyatt Regency Tokyo was so full (including kids!) it destroyed the experience.
Yeah, that is what you claimed in...
I can name two Hyatt hotels where I'd purchased club access with points and when I went to have breakfast in the morning there was a line in front of "Regency Club" at the now defunct Hyatt Regency Montreal, and the Club at Hyatt Regency Tokyo was so full (including kids!) it destroyed the experience.
Yeah, that is what you claimed in a whole post after you made LT Globalist, except that we have not heard much about how that has made your experience different from those of "regular" Globalists. By contrast, by placing me at head of the pack or pecking order, my LT Diamond status has made such wonders of my automated complimentary suite upgrades successes globally that I am afraid it's all a dream and I am going to wake up!
Three stays in December so far, upgrades to suite at all three, automatically before arriving at the hotels:
-- WA Chicago, suite upgrade one day before arrival;
-- Conrad Singapore Orchard, suite upgrade three days before arrival;
-- New Conrad Shanghai where I am headed from Taipei today, suite upgrade already cleared two days before arrival.
I like my chances at WA Bangkok before the end of the month ;-)
Cheers!
Sheep and shills would only agree with you. This change is bad, or at least the continuation of getting worse. And if you guys keep saying it’s not that bad, that gives corporate the cue to continue to slowly turn up the heat. Wake up!
At Hilton, attractive redemption rates always seemed to be the exception and I never developed interest in the program. Member feedback over the years on benefits reinforced the decision. Have never regretted it.
Positive change ✨️
Let's wait for DCS analysis.
I am sure he will educate us all on how MORE valuable Hilton Pesos points are when compared to Hyatt points, especially after this great devaluation
How can people be this stupid?! For a decade I preached in the total wilderness the simple fact that all hotel points currencies are worth exactly the same, while self-anointed "travel gurus" were intoning cluelessly about how a Hyatt point is "the single most valuable point in the history of...
How can people be this stupid?! For a decade I preached in the total wilderness the simple fact that all hotel points currencies are worth exactly the same, while self-anointed "travel gurus" were intoning cluelessly about how a Hyatt point is "the single most valuable point in the history of hotel loyalty" (a debate that I have won, BTW), and some joker would show up here to state with a straight face that "I am sure he will educate us all on how MORE valuable Hilton Pesos points are when compared to Hyatt points."???!!!
Well, the only thing that is sure is that you are utterly stupid because that stupid claim has never been made by "he". You should hide under a rock with shame and come out only to atone for being the stupidest person alive...
Given that all hotel currencies aren't worth exactly the same, what debate was won?
Did you miss the memo that said that all the major hotel points currencies aren't worth exactly the same? It's time to get on the ball and catch up...or edify us on how "all hotel currencies aren't worth exactly the same" so that I can skewer you too !
Correction. The following should have read:
"Did you miss the memo that said that all the major hotel points currencies are worth exactly the same?...", because that is the debate that I've won.
Wait are you actually arguing that 12,000 Hyatt points is worth the same as 12,000 Hilton points? Because I love Hilton but that's a factually incorrect argument
Oh, you don't know DCS, do you. He makes long diatribes about points values, mathematically "demonstrates" something that supports his own "unique" beliefs and then decides he is the sole judge that says he has won some kind of debate he is having with.... someone. (Side note- his math is fine. It's just basic arithmetic. The underlying assumptions that underpin his calculations are the faulty part)
That said , he really has said nothing incorrect...
Oh, you don't know DCS, do you. He makes long diatribes about points values, mathematically "demonstrates" something that supports his own "unique" beliefs and then decides he is the sole judge that says he has won some kind of debate he is having with.... someone. (Side note- his math is fine. It's just basic arithmetic. The underlying assumptions that underpin his calculations are the faulty part)
That said , he really has said nothing incorrect in this entire set of comments about Hilton.
And yes, even I would gift him a lounge cert or globalist cert. I hate to see them go to waste that much
A Hyatt point is worth (in nearly all cases) much more than a Hilton point. Most sites that calculate point values say a Hyatt point is worth triple (1.5 cents per point for Hyatt versus 0.5 for Hilton). Individual results will obviously vary by property, location, date, etc. but that 3x differential is roughly accurate, IMO.
Near Washington Dulles airport, one can stay at a Hyatt Place or Hyatt House for 5K (and sometimes 3,500)...
A Hyatt point is worth (in nearly all cases) much more than a Hilton point. Most sites that calculate point values say a Hyatt point is worth triple (1.5 cents per point for Hyatt versus 0.5 for Hilton). Individual results will obviously vary by property, location, date, etc. but that 3x differential is roughly accurate, IMO.
Near Washington Dulles airport, one can stay at a Hyatt Place or Hyatt House for 5K (and sometimes 3,500) Hyatt points per night. Do a search on nearby Hilton properties, and their hotels requiring [similar cash rates and] the fewest points are asking 31K and 34K points per night. Premium properties also show a large gap/ratio between Hyatt and Hilton on points stays.
I think what you are trying to say is that if Hyatt gives you one dime for each dollar you spend on stays with them, while Hilton gives you two nickels for each dollar you spend with them, saying a dime is worth twice as much as a nickel is pointless since Hilton gave you two nickels, not one.
That one dude that ride or dies for Hilton because he's a Diamond member is gonna crash out soon.
@ yoloswag420 -- Lifetime Diamond. Please, don't mistake the two. They're totally, totally, totally different. *gets on DCS' "nice" list*
How dare you self anointed travel gurus. You can't even value hotel points.
Please take all my money. And the $15 that doesn't even cover breakfast but it's booze money. But here's more money for Hilton and United.
A few weeks ago DC was extolling the virtues of the Aspire card getting him Diamond, I recall. But if he was already "lifetime" Diamond, then that would be pointless. Something does not add up here.
If by "DC" you mean "DCS" then there is no contradiction to what I'd said a few weeks ago, which I remember. It was that I'd earned HH Diamond from the day I was approved for the Aspire card. That does not at all contradict the known fact that I earned LT Diamond about 2 years ago.
In short, it was not pointless until two years ago, then it became pointless after I became a LTD in May 2022. Everything adds up, but keep trying!