I am a member of the Starwood Preferred Guest program, yet I have never redeemed my points for a single reward. Conversely, my BFF, who is a member of Hilton HHonors scores free stuff all the time. She would undoubtedly tell you that it is well worth it to join a hotel rewards program. Me; not so much.
So why is my pal such a fan of Hilton HHonors?
For starters, the rewards are amazing. In addition to free hotel stays, you can redeem points for:
*Tickets to Disneyland
*Car rentals
*Cruise certificates
*Gift cards to Starbucks
*Jewelry from Tiffany & Co.
*Electronics
*Broadway show tickets
And that’s just some of the most popular items you can get for being a loyal guest of Hilton hotels.
Another bonus comes via the program’s Double Dipping feature where you can earn hotel points and airline miles for the same stay. Or you can opt to earn bonus points instead of miles and receive 15 points per eligible dollar spent. Also, the program doesn’t discriminate, which means you earn the same number of points per dollar spent regardless of whether you stay at a Hampton Inn or a Waldorf Astoria, though redeeming points at different properties is another story: A free night at a Hampton Inn will cost you 7,500 points, while a free night at a Waldorf will set you back between 50,000 and 80,000 points. On the bright side, no room is off-limits, as long as it is available, you can use your points to sleep in it for free.
For those interested in joining, there are no membership fees. However, you will have to pay $25 for every 10,000 points you transfer to another members account.
Finally, Hilton HHonors members (regardless of seniority) receive access to special reservation lines, priority check-in, late checkout, express checkout, and a free weekday newspaper.
Related Articles:
Protecting Yourself from Dirty Hotel Rooms
Hotel Happenings: Dirty Rooms and the Dreaded Wake Up Call
The Hotel Wake Up Call-Not So Dreaded Anymore
Travel Tips–Hotel’s Unwanted Guests