Hilton HHonors - Best properties to maximize value with Hhonors points before devaluation kicks in

With the huge devaluation taking effect mid January, what is the FlyerTalk communities thoughts on the best way to maximize value out of ~ 450,000 points.

My brother and I each have about that many points and are thinking of booking an international trip to maximize their value next summer. Obviously we'd have to book before mid-January to get the current point rates.

We're pretty open to Europe, Australia, Oceania (if we can find decent flights), Asia, etc., pretty much any major destination we can get to with the Star Alliance FF points we also have (FF tix almost anywhere out of Toronto are possible to find with a bit of patience).

Thus with 450k points to play with, and the world at your fingertips, where would you go to maximize the value you get out of those points.

What properties will yield the best value per point? I'd assume Conrad's, just don't know which ones!

I should add we're both Diamond, thus if necessary could Diamond force an award stay.

I'm hoping to get some good discussion on this as I'm sure there are others considering utilizing their points in a similar fashion.

Conrad Tokyo
Conrad Hong Kong
Conrad Maldives
Conrad Singapore
Bora Bora Nui
Hilton Moorea

Somewhere you want to go. SD1K makes some good suggestions- but the fact is your points won't expire next year like a college student's meal plan credits- and you don't need to be a glutton to use them or lose them in 2009. Carrying over is fine- particularly if you think you would be able to use them in a Diamond Force situation next year- likely saving big $.

Somewhere you want to go.

Indeed.

A forum search of 'best <noun>' will work fine from the thousands of posts. Suggestions:

beach
pool
bar
skiing

As for best properties, pick the high Cats that are in places of interest, in the high season if your schedule permits it, and try property-specific threads.

Conrad Tokyo
Conrad Hong Kong
Conrad Maldives
Conrad Singapore
Bora Bora Nui
Hilton Moorea


Best points value ever is Conrad maldives. I booked 9 nights for 265,000 points. The non prepaid rate is over $1,000 a night. Add to his the free diamonds benefits they give you and I don't think you can beat that.

Best points value ever is Conrad maldives. I booked 9 nights for 265,000 points. The non prepaid rate is over $1,000 a night. Add to his the free diamonds benefits they give you and I don't think you can beat that.
What major international airports would be closest to use for the major longhaul overseas flight out of Toronto? I've searched the ANA tool, and there are no flights connecting out of Toronto to MLE directly. I'd have to look at a nearby major airport that would have reasonably cheap options to fly into MLE after the longhaul international flight.

Somewhere you want to go. SD1K makes some good suggestions- but the fact is your points won't expire next year like a college student's meal plan credits- and you don't need to be a glutton to use them or lose them in 2009. Carrying over is fine- particularly if you think you would be able to use them in a Diamond Force situation next year- likely saving big $.
Of course I don't HAVE to spend them, but with a 20-25% devaluation coming, it only makes sense to take advantage of using as many as possible and maximizing their value. That's the point of this.

Are there any standout properties in Ireland, Scotland, or England? We'd love to explore all 3 over a couple weeks.

I would add Hilton Seychelles to the list.

Every standard room is massive, with sitting area, over-the-top bathroom, huge balcony and view of the ocean.

Only challenge is getting there--see threads about the property for details.

Also think that Hilton Buenos Aires is amazing.

Finally, closer to home, the Hilton Cabo is my favorite North America property.

Are there any standout properties in Ireland, Scotland, or England? We'd love to explore all 3 over a couple weeks.

I've stayed at Hilton properties all over the UK and regret that I have not found a single good one. The standard of properties here is, quite simply, a world apart from what you get in Europe or the US. The only one that has come remotely close is Manchester Deansgate - and only for the hotel itself, not for the staff or service - and it's hardly the sort of city I would recommend to a tourist!

How about Hilton Whistler?

What major international airports would be closest to use for the major longhaul overseas flight out of Toronto? I've searched the ANA tool, and there are no flights connecting out of Toronto to MLE directly. I'd have to look at a nearby major airport that would have reasonably cheap options to fly into MLE after the longhaul international flight.

The main *A route is via SIN on SQ. OS also fly direct from VIE once a week.
For OW, BA fly direct from LGW. Other options involve using one of the middle eastern or Indian airlines and routing through their hubs