Hilton HHonors - 50% Bonus on Base Points instead of Points and Airline Miles

New offer on hilton hhonors site-50% bonus on base points instead of airline miles for March-May.
https://www.hiltonhhonors.com/50percentbonus/

THANKS!!

Not as good as last years double base points from 6/1/02-12/31/02 but still great. Made an extra 150,000 points last year with the deal.

marc

I don't know. This doesn't sound too good.

I still want my 500 FFmiles. Assuming that 1000 base points per stay + 50% = 1500 base points. I can transfer 500 miles to 1000 points (when I get it up to say 5000 miles for 10000 points). That would still be more points the original way.

Nope, not signing up for that one. I'll still DOUBLE DIP. Unless, I'm going to stay at a Hampton the last week in May. ^_^

[This message has been edited by SHADO (edited 02-28-2003).]

Do the bonus point count as base points?

My usual stay is 3 nights at $150 per night. Add telephone charges and an occassional meal and we are talking about 4600-4700 base points per stay. 50% would be around 2300 points. For me, that is better than 500 miles. I agree that each of us have to determine whether this is a good deal based on our own circumstances.

marc

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by fromYXU:
Do the bonus point count as base points?</font>Methinks the answer to thy query is in the query itself.
base points = base points
bonus points = bonus points

For Hampton/Scandic this seems even better -- surprised they haven't restricted those!

points scrounger, why?

marc

Hampton/Scandic only give 100 miles per stay, compared with 500 at all the other properties.

(Those numbers vary slightly among a few airlines. http://www.hilton.com/en/hhonors/points/miles.jhtml)



[This message has been edited by Rut Dog (edited 02-28-2003).]

Thanks for the post.

At least you don't have to be "targeted" for such offers like you have to for Delta.

of course, i remember now.

thanks,
marc

And hey -- look like you can turn the bonus on and off to match your travel plans: <font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Members can change their earning style preference during the offer period, however, once a change has been made, the new earning style will be applied to future stays during the offer period only. No changes can be made for past stays.</font>

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by pdhenry:
And hey -- look like you can turn the bonus on and off to match your travel plans</font>
That's quite cool, pd. Where is this text from?

(BTW, other thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/006925.html) on this, includes full text of e-mail.)


[This message has been edited by Rut Dog (edited 03-01-2003).]

It's nice of Hilton to offer us the choice. I often have problems with airlines not crediting me miles, and have to keep a watchful eye.

Nevertheless, for those of us who usually have only one-night stays [or who alternate stays between different hotels to attain Diamond], the miles are a better deal.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Rut Dog:
That's quite cool, pd]. Where is this text from?
</font>

Click on the invitation on the HHonors home page. You then need to sign in; then you're taken to a page where you select whether to receive the 50% points bonus or continue to earn Points & Miles. The Terms & Conditions fine print below the selection contains the text I quoted.

Since I have a couple stays coming up for a week or more I'm signed up for the 50% bonus. But for one or two-night stays it's probably better to get the miles (unless it's a Hampton).

PDH

Since I only have two Hampton's and a PRICEY (over $125/night) two day stay in the promotion period, this deal looks right for me.

Since I have only one Hampton stay in the promotion period, I went for the 50% bonus. I've stayed at some Hiltons since it started, but my account just shows regular - no 50% bonus. Do they add the points at the end of the promotion or as they occur?

------------------
Sharon

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by SkiAdcock:
Since I have only one Hampton stay in the promotion period, I went for the 50% bonus. I've stayed at some Hiltons since it started, but my account just shows regular - no 50% bonus. Do they add the points at the end of the promotion or as they occur?

</font>


The 50% bonus points posted with my regular posting of stays and points. I have enjoyed this promotion and have switched back and forth depending on length of stays.

So should I call/write now or wait 'til the end of the promotion? I signed up for it the day it came out & showing just regular, no 50% bonus.

Edited to add: I'm blind. The bonus is there. Cheers.

------------------
Sharon

[This message has been edited by SkiAdcock (edited 04-17-2003).]

After reading all of your comments, I decided during my stay of 5 days at the Chicago Double Tree Downtown to take the bonus of points for that stay, not the miles. I spoke with the person at the front desk, and she said it was taken care of.

I have been watching my account, and today when everything posted, I received miles, not points. I called the HiltonHHonors number, and was told it was too late, as it can't be put toward past stays.

Anyone have any suggestions?? I had no way of knowing that the person at the front desk I spoke with didn't know what she was talking about, and hadn't gotten it taken care of. I had to wait until the points/miles posted, but now that they have, I am being told it is too late!

Any ideas would be appreciated.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Marq:
THANKS!!

Not as good as last years double base points from 6/1/02-12/31/02 but still great. Made an extra 150,000 points last year with the deal.

marc</font>

Check this out for double base miles this summer!

www.hiltonhhonors.com/visa2x (http://www.hiltonhhonors.com/visa2x)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by JenniferNAz:
....I had no way of knowing that the person at the front desk I spoke with didn't know what she was talking about, and hadn't gotten it taken care of....</font>
You had the time to read FlyerTalk, but NOT to sign up for the offer online???

Next time, DO IT YOURSELF!


Kathy

I was actually reading the Flyer Talk between seeing clients and doing homework, as I am a full-time student as well as working full time. I did not realize you could sign up online, or I would have.

So, does anyone have any other suggestions at this point, besides what I could/should have done?

You might want to try calling HHonors again and explaining that you thought you had signed up for this promotion but your points aren't appearing. If you get a rep who is in a sympathetic mood, they will probably take care of it for you.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by KathyWdrf:
Originally posted by JenniferNAz:
....I had no way of knowing that the person at the front desk I spoke with didn't know what she was talking about, and hadn't gotten it taken care of....</font>
You had the time to read FlyerTalk, but NOT to sign up for the offer online???

Next time, DO IT YOURSELF!


Kathy



Kathy, I don't think she realized she had to sign up for it. As an Honors newbie, this was her first time. I remember my first time, the person behind the desk was so sweet and gentle.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PaulGQ:
....I remember my first time, the person behind the desk was so sweet and gentle.</font>
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif


Kathy

Can anyone please clarify this :

I have a booked Hilton stay from 27MAY - 02JUN , will this 50% bonus apply to total bill or only the days before 01JUN ?? or maybe even not apply ??

I can not change the booking to use the visa double points offer from 01JUN because hotel is sold out.

Thanks for any help ..



[This message has been edited by The-Longhauler (edited 05-19-2003).]

The Visa promo only applies to stays *booked* after June 1, so it won't apply at all.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by xyzzy:
The Visa promo only applies to stays *booked* after June 1, so it won't apply at all.</font>

I guess, that if the hotel was bookable , I could have book it 01JUN for same night..or ?

But for a booking 27MAY - 02JUN how will this be handled with the check out date out of the 50 % promo range ??

Thanks for any help ..

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by JenniferNAz:
I was actually reading the Flyer Talk between seeing clients and doing homework, as I am a full-time student as well as working full time. I did not realize you could sign up online, or I would have.

So, does anyone have any other suggestions at this point, besides what I could/should have done?</font>


Jennifer,

Have you tried calling the hotel? There is a possibility the person you spoke to, made notes on your file regarding your request. If this is the case they could easily call HHonors and make the change from miles to points for your stay.

It was pretty obvious to me with the link posted in bold that you had to register online... I believe that this was posted on a couple of threads. If someone was reading FT, they weren't reading it very carefully.

This is one of those live and learn things. Yeah call the hotel and honors desk again, but this may be a situation where they can not make the adjustment due to the ability of the member to go back and forth online to sign up, sign off for the promo based on staying patterns.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PaulGQ:
Kathy, I don't think she realized she had to sign up for it. As an Honors newbie, this was her first time. I remember my first time, the person behind the desk was so sweet and gentle.</font>

I don't want this to expire.
Despite ALON/GLON devaluation, this has been a lucrative proposition compared against airline miles per stay.
Is anyone with me?

Just an update, since a few have now commented.

I was given some points by a person I spoke with at hhonors, due to the fact I was told at the front desk it was all set.

Then, I had also signed up for the double points in Chicago at that time. Hilton was not very friendly at all, and I think they thought I was just trying to scam them out of points. I ended up calling the contact at the hotel I stayed at, the same one who gave me the upgraded room for the week and who was very nice and helpful about a few other things, and right away he said that the front desk person had not changed something they were supposed to in the computer, and that he would send in and have the extra points credited.

I have learned that at least sometimes it is best to find someone at the hotel who will be friendly and helpful!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by BumpMe!:
I don't want this to expire.
Despite ALON/GLON devaluation, this has been a lucrative proposition compared against airline miles per stay.
Is anyone with me?</font>

Yes, this is a great promotion. I will miss it.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by fromYXU:
Do the bonus point count as base points?</font>

From my stay last week:
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
Base Points 13,303
50% Bonus on Base Pt 6,651
Diamond VIP - 2003 6,651

Total points for this stay 26,605
</font>

And to answer your question - 19,954 BASE POINTS added to the current year total

Of course, YMMV (though it shouldn't)

GMF

Can someone please help answer this: how long it took for the hotel points to post? I have a stay this weekend and would like to know if I'll have enough points to book the ALON award before June!

I'd say you have about a 50% chance of the points posting by 5/30. Good luck.

Going with the 50% bonus was the right thing to do if you were staying on award stays, since your incidentals would receive the bonus, and you wouldn't get any airline miles anyway.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PokerHammy:
[B]Can someone please help answer this: how long it took for the hotel points to post?</font>

My stays usually post within 2 - 5 days, although one property I frequent usually takes almost two weeks. I had a stay post befor i returned home once so far this year - caught the redeye home and the stay was posted when I checked that afternoon.

Of course, I did have one stay last year take almost 5 weeks to post. this is definitely the exception.

GMF

I'm sticking with the miles. Have a few airline accounts where the miles expire without any activity in three years. I'd hate to loose substantial # of miles, so, having car or hotel miles deposited periodically keeps the clock running on the airline accounts. Then when I need an emergency trip, I can use miles for an otherwise outrageously ticket.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by suzieq:
I'm sticking with the miles...</font>

Promotion expires in 9 days. Any suggestions anywhere that this choice will remain?

Got this email today. Dont know if its targetted or not:

Good news! We would once again like to offer you the opportunity to
extend your choice of a 50% bonus on your Base points instead of
Points & Miles(R) for your HHonors stays, between now and December 31, 2003.

This means you'll continue to earn your regular HHonors Base points
for your qualifying stays, plus a 50% bonus on all of those Base
points, instead of earning airline miles.

To continue to take advantage of this offer, you'll need to
let us know that you'd like to - so please visit

http://www.hiltonhhonors.com/50percentbonus

enter your HHonors account
number and PIN or your username and password, and select
"earn 50% bonus on Base points"!

My first of the new promo posted immediately after completeing my stay last week at the Waldorf. 5 nights @$1050 = 10,500 base points. 5250 Diamond points, 5250 50% base points.

I received an email from Hilton today asking if I would prefer to have a 50% bonus on base points rather than "points and miles" during 2004.

I think this is a great idea and I would like to pass my thanks on to the Hilton Hhonors staff for offering this possibility on a "whole year" basis. In the past, this 50% point bonus thing was only available for 3 or 4 months at a time.

Only thing I am not sure of - I am a 'Diamond' member, so I think I already get a 50% bonus on points anyway - will I get another 50% on top of that now?

For those who would like to sign up for this deal, go to this URL:
www.hiltonhhonors.com/50percentbonus (http://www.hiltonhhonors.com/50percentbonus)

It appears you can change your preference as much as you want throughout the year, in case you change your mind later. However, I cannot imagine why anyone would want airline points when you can get 50% more hotel points.

I got the same email, although I think I'm going to opt for Points and Miles –.call me greedy, but I like the miles as well.

Regarding the 50% Bonus, my understanding is that you'd earn Base Points + 50% Bonus (of Base) + 50% Diamond Bonus (also of Base).

I'm a mere Gold, so for me, if I wasn't so greedy wanting Points and Miles, it would be Base Points + 50% Bonus + 25% Gold Bonus.

I think this is right, but there may be a wiser Hhonors guru out there who may have a better/clearer understanding.

It does say somewhere on the site that you can change back and forth during the year. If staying at a Hampton (100 miles), the 50% bonus is probably always a better deal. At a DT or Hilton (500 miles), the decision isn't to clear and the miles might be better. Of course it always depends on where you need the points or miles most if you're planning on some award travel soon.

thank you for the link Max Power

I did the 50% points instead miles already in late 2003, but didn't receive this offer for 2004 so far.

I just registered using your link, as I often (majority) stay at a Hampton Inn or a Hilton Garden Inn (both offering also free Internet fast-cable access) the nights before and after flights.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Rudi:
I ... didn't receive this offer for 2004 so far.</font>The offer's not targeted, it appears at the main HHonors web page before you sign in, right below the "Best Rates" guarantee.

Pdhenry:

Actually, it was also targeted...or at least I received it via email. I may not have taken the time to discover it as quickly as I had, had I not received the email with the handy dandy link. So, some of us were "targeted" via email with the offer. Who knows why. But you are correct--anyone can elect is on the hhonors.com.

I went ahead and chose it...as I Diamond, I already get the 50%, so another %50 is a real bonus for me. As for flight credit, I am only giving up .5 credit for Southwest, per stay. So, I'd rather have the points.

Dawn

Regarding the offer - based upon my "back of the envelope analysis" (BOTEA) and my personal situation, here is my decision.

As a Diamond I am already receiving the 50% bonus. I currently have over 2 million Hilton Points, so I am taking 500 miles per stay on Amtrak. (Estimated stays for 2004 is approx. 60 or 30,000 Amtrak miles). I will then convert these to airline miles and maybe take a trip to enjoy my Hilton points.

Thanks for the opportunity to comment.

It is not targeted, it's on the HHonors site. May have emailed some folks to get them to go to site. But even a regular visitor to the site like me got the mail and I had already changed my option, go figure. You'll earn 50% on top of any other elite bonus and base points. I flip flop for more miles on 1 night Hampton stays and more points on longer Hilton stays. I, too, am glad to see this deal. As a side note, Northwest Mile a Rama has hotels stays as a bonus so by opting for points you actually lose out on bonus miles from NW. IMO take the miles while that promo is going on and switch to points later. BTW, spend those 2 million points before their useless, I wouldn't pay a nickel for a room, use the points, you still get stay credit and points, so what are you holding that many for?

I do not like this promo and Hilton does it again and again because it costs them less. They don't have to pay for the FFMiles and use their own points at no value.

It works for some customers, especially multiple nights and Hampton Inn. But the one nighters, it stinks. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

My 2cents worth - I get boo-ko miles flying BIS. My hotel stays are less each year. I"m willing to forgo 500 miles to get bonus points, as I usually underwrite personal holidays w/ free hotel rooms. Works for me; won't for others.

------------------
Sharon

I love this promo. I figure that lastyear between Diamond, Visa promos, this promo and some occasional tripe points promos at hotels I stayed in, I netted an average of 30 points per $ for the entire year.

For thos of us who stay mostly in high ticket places and have millions of FF airline miles banked, this is a good deal. Last year I figure this promo netted me appx. 90,000 HH points. In old terms that was about a Glon or an ALON. It would have netted me maybe 20,000 FF points. Do the comparisons!

I held off on committing to this promo for upcoming travel to see if any partner mileage promos would crop up that would be more advantageous to me. NW flyers should compare:

http://www.nwa.com/offers/maximizer/



[This message has been edited by tartetatin2 (edited Jan 15, 2004).]

I guess a lot depends on how long you stay each time you check in.

I only made 5 stays at Hiltons last year - but those 5 stays added up to 201 nights. So, the additional Hilton points generated would be much more attractive than 2,500 points on a frequent flier program with some bankrupt (or soon to be bankrupt) airline.

Since I spread out my Hh Stays among Hyatt, SPG and Marriott, I usually will take the 2X points if I have a multiple night stay at Hilton, otherwise if its a one nighter.. I'll take the miles except for HI (on HI's like someone above posted, 2X points seem to be a better deal even on one nighters)

Most of my hotel stays are multiple-night stays. If instead they were one-nighters, I might stick with the miles. Room rate is also a factor of course.

And I've drained my HHonors account to where I have just under 150,000 points (not quite enough for a GLON2), but I have plenty of miles on UA and AA.

I used this 50% promo in 2003 when it was offered and the extra points are of course IN ADDITION TO the Diamond bonus. In other words, 20 points per dollar of the rate before taxes. (And using my HHonors Amex adds another 5 points per dollar of the total bill.) For me, the extra 5 points/dollar on base rate have been more valuable than a mere 500 airline miles per stay.


Kathy

[This message has been edited by KathyWdrf (edited Jan 16, 2004).]

I concur, take the points. Especially when you have over a million miles! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I like one night stays at Hampton/Reno Hilton type places with dirt cheap rates (less than $50 per night ideally). For multiple nights on my dime, I try to change between two hotels every night. I fly WN so I take WN credits as my double dip since they are worth about 782 miles if valued at 25k miles.

So for a $50/night stay, I get:

1125 HH points(500 HH points/125 HH Gold bonus/500 VISA BONUS Promo)
0.5 WN credit in lieu of 250 HH points

For folios with a lot of money, I will temporarily change to 50% bonus. Sometimes this causes the oddball Hampton stay to get a tiny 50% bonus depending on the timing.

If you're staying somewhere with only the 100 mile bonus, take the 50% hhonors bonus.

If you're staying anywhere with the 500 mile bonus for a stay, take the miles if:

1) the rate is less than $200 and
2) you are only there for one night

otherwise, take the 50% hhonors points.

500 miles = 1000 hhonors points
1000 hhonors 50% bonus points = $200 rate (50% of 10 points/dollar)