Hilton Honors discussion

[exceladdict]

Any advice as a floor price for redeeming Hilton points? I've never used them before and have about 87k, this would take about $450 off a booking I'm looking at, or around 0.5c/P. Is this a good ratio?

 

[Cynicor]

I think there is a Hilton lurker on FT if you need further follow up/resolution still.

0.5c USD per point is a good value.
AUD closer to 0.8c

 

[Gold Member]

The points required are dynamically priced to the underlying room rate that offer a notional value of about USD 0.5 cpp as Cynicor mentioned. That said, there are some properties that offer slightly more of less value.

If you value the points based on the asking price of the room (as opposed to what you think it’s worth or the opportunity cost of staying elsewhere - the real price), then the aspirational properties like Conrad/StR in Maldives and Bora Bora etc offer some of the best value. Extra value redeeming for 5 nights (5th night free).

 

[muppet]

I think there is a Hilton lurker on FT if you need further follow up/resolution still.

0.5c USD per point is a good value.
AUD closer to 0.8c

I’d say 0.5c USD per point is fair value.

As @Gold Member states, alternative opportunities to get much better value.

I usually try to redeem above 1c USD which is achievable at higher end properties over longer stays or during peak season when room rates are high.

 

[exceladdict]

I think there is a Hilton lurker on FT if you need further follow up/resolution still.

0.5c USD per point is a good value.
AUD closer to 0.8c

The points required are dynamically priced to the underlying room rate that offer a notional value of about USD 0.5 cpp as Cynicor mentioned. That said, there are some properties that offer slightly more of less value.

If you value the points based on the asking price of the room (as opposed to what you think it’s worth or the opportunity cost of staying elsewhere - the real price), then the aspirational properties like Conrad/StR in Maldives and Bora Bora etc offer some of the best value. Extra value redeeming for 5 nights (5th night free).

I’d say 0.5c USD per point is fair value.

As @Gold Member states, alternative opportunities to get much better value.

I usually try to redeem above 1c USD which is achievable at higher end properties over longer stays or during peak season when room rates are high.

Thank you all. I won't have enough points anytime soon to make it to enough at a 5th night free so will have to decide whether to hoard longer term or take the opportunity to use them up now.

 

[Gold Member]

Thank you all. I won't have enough points anytime soon to make it to enough at a 5th night free so will have to decide whether to hoard longer term or take the opportunity to use them up now.

Something else to take into consideration is the current exchange rate and historical highs and lows. If we agree that the points are worth roughly USD 0.5cpp, and that from a medium/long term perspective the AUD/USD is low, then now might be a good time to redeem.

If the world economy hits a snag or goes into recession next year, our dollar will suffer even more which would make the points more valuable. Lots of ifs and buts in the current macro, but a bird in the hand. I’ve been redeeming far more points than usual in the past year or so for this fact alone.

 

[straitman]

Thank you all. I won't have enough points anytime soon to make it to enough at a 5th night free so will have to decide whether to hoard longer term or take the opportunity to use them up now.

Keep an eye out as Hilton often has points on sale at quite discounted rates.

 

[Cynicor]

Keep an eye out as Hilton often has points on sale at quite discounted rates.

though the rate normally takes them down to the nominal value only, of 0.5USD Cents per point

 

[straitman]

though the rate normally takes them down to the nominal value only, of 0.5USD Cents per point

Agreed however it works well on occasions.

 

[Cynicor]

Oh absolutely. Esp Tokyo, New York and Maldives and, at the other end of the spectrum, the old 5000 point per night hotels.
$25USD for a night in Bali.

 

[Captain Halliday]

Keep an eye out as Hilton often has points on sale at quite discounted rates.

The 100% bonus is active now.

160,000 for USD1,600 with an extra 160,000 thrown in.

So 320,000 HH at today’s spot rate is AUD2,457.

 

[justinbrett]

One thing that's easy to forget when redeeming points, while the rough value of a HH point is 0.5 USc, you have to also consider the value of the points you would earn if paying cash.

If you are diamond, that's 10c per US$1 spent (20 points), minus taxes. If there's a 3x promo, that's 15c/US$.

So ballpark, I'd be looking for 0.6c/point if Gold/Diamond, 0.55 if Silver or no status.

This assumes you will return to Hilton to use those points.

 

[marcojim]

Hi all,

A few newbie questions regarding an upcoming stay since it’s my first time booking a fancier room. I’m looking at booking an executive room at the Conrad Shanghai.

1. I note that the room includes access to the Executive Lounge which provides free breakfast. Is it necessary for me to book a rate that includes breakfast or is the included access to the Executive Lounge enough?
2. Are the evening refreshments in the lounge complimentary? What other inclusions are there generally for executive level rooms?

Thanks

 

[Princess Fiona]

Hi all,

A few newbie questions regarding an upcoming stay since it’s my first time booking a fancier room. I’m looking at booking an executive room at the Conrad Shanghai.

1. I note that the room includes access to the Executive Lounge which provides free breakfast. Is it necessary for me to book a rate that includes breakfast or is the included access to the Executive Lounge enough?
2. Are the evening refreshments in the lounge complimentary? What other inclusions are there generally for executive level rooms?

Thanks

If you book an Executive room then that will give you access to the lounge for Breakfast. You don’t need to book a breakfast rate.
Generally most Exec lounges are open throughout the day with breakfast, afternoon tea and evening canapés and drinks.
Everything in the lounges is complimentary.

 

[marcojim]

If you book an Executive room then that will give you access to the lounge for Breakfast. You don’t need to book a breakfast rate.
Generally most Exec lounges are open throughout the day with breakfast, afternoon tea and evening canapés and drinks.
Everything in the lounges is complimentary.

Perfect thanks so much for your help!

 

[Cynicor]

But some exec rates don’t allow breakfast in the main restaurant and some do. I much prefer main restaurant on holidays. Could be worth an email to check if this matters to you.

 

[marcojim]

Hi all,

When you purchase an “advance purchase” rate, does your card get charged immediately? Just wondering because I made a reservation this morning but haven’t been charged yet…

 

[http_x92]

Hi all,

When you purchase an “advance purchase” rate, does your card get charged immediately? Just wondering because I made a reservation this morning but haven’t been charged yet…

Some hotels do it the next day, maybe a few days after. Some do it on checkin based on my experience.

 

[marcojim]

Some hotels do it the next day, maybe a few days after. Some do it on checkin based on my experience.

Good to know. Was a bit worried because the hotel is charging in CNY and I though there might’ve been an issue with my card

 

[marcojim]

Hi all,

I made a booking a few weeks ago to stay at the Conrad in Shanghai next week (as I mentioned in the previous posts).

I purchased an Advance Purchase rate but have yet to be charged. Is this normal? I have received a booking confirmation email and all looks normal on the manage reservation page. I haven’t received any communications from the hotel asking me to pay. Does this mean I’ll be expected to pay upon check-in?

I have tried ringing the hotel and they didn’t seem to understand my query.

Thanks in advance.