Using points to pay for accommodation

[wendlle]

What are your feelings about using points for things other than flights or upgrades?
I am thinking of using points to pay for accommodation while I'm in the USA.
I don't want to use my points for the flights as I'd rather pay for them and get more points and I also need the status to remain at Gold (should hit Gold again in May)
I'm looking at going to the USA with my Family in November but money is tight. I have around 320,000 points so don't mind using some but are they a good use of points?

 

[Scr77]

Usually a very poor use of points. I wouldn’t do it, but if the cost saving is the difference between going or staying home, then it may help with the descission.

 

[knagelli]

I'm looking at going to the USA with my Family in November but money is tight. I have around 320,000 points so don't mind using some but are they a good use of points?

When you the value redemption of points , i.e cents per point , it will be clear that points are best used for tickets/redemption. Having said , it is again based on personal choice and circumstances to use the best option suited.

If you are thinking about maintaining gold/ attaining credits using points , you can look at points plus pay option where you can use the points to book flights and get the credits/points applicable on fare class.

 

[traceyy]

i recently paid using points for my trip to usa at the end of the day i had plenty of points left over after all was said and done so used points and it worked out well for me, keep in mind as the prices fluctuate points to purchase did also so keep an eye out for a deal

 

[Dr Ralph]

What are your feelings about using points for things other than flights or upgrades?
I am thinking of using points to pay for accommodation while I'm in the USA.
I don't want to use my points for the flights as I'd rather pay for them and get more points and I also need the status to remain at Gold (should hit Gold again in May)
I'm looking at going to the USA with my Family in November but money is tight. I have around 320,000 points so don't mind using some but are they a good use of points?

Using airline points for accommodation is generally very poor value. That said I make the following suggestions/comments:

1) If the points would otherwise be lost, then go for it.

2) Have you seen this thread:

Hotel Promotions - Marriott - buy points with a bonus or discount

Semi frequent opportunity to buy some Marriott points with a bonus appears to have just started. Current 50% offer ends March 25. "Hurry - get a 50% bonus when you buy 2,000+ Marriott Bonvoy points, now through March 25. Plus, you can double your limit. The annual maximum for purchased points...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

It details by very recent experience buying and using Marriott points. Some extraordinary benefits for me with US accommodation.

 

[Walter_Plinge]

I use points for domestic accommodation. Granted, it may not be the best use of points but it suits me. Overseas I generally use B&Bs and pensions, so points are out of the question.

 

[wendlle]

Using airline points for accommodation is generally very poor value. That said I make the following suggestions/comments:

1) If the points would otherwise be lost, then go for it.

2) Have you seen this thread:

Hotel Promotions - Marriott - buy points with a bonus or discount

Semi frequent opportunity to buy some Marriott points with a bonus appears to have just started. Current 50% offer ends March 25. "Hurry - get a 50% bonus when you buy 2,000+ Marriott Bonvoy points, now through March 25. Plus, you can double your limit. The annual maximum for purchased points...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

It details by very recent experience buying and using Marriott points. Some extraordinary benefits for me with US accommodation.

I just did the math and this would have been perfect for me, but for my stay I would need 315,000 points and you can only buy a maximum of 100,000 so that rules it out.