Hilton HHonors - Be Our Guest and Be My Guest Certificates: The Definitive Thread

I was just told by Customer Service that they would send me a Be our Guest Certificate, and I couldn't find any information using the search engine. Anyone know exactly how these are used, what catagory hotel, blackout dates, type of room, etc???

Thanks

What brand was your problem at?Mine was at ES and the cert was good for one nights stay at any ES with in a year.

It was a Hilton Hotel, so maybe it will be limited to that. Did you have any trouble redeeming the cert?

After an awful stay at the Hilton NY i got one of these(The WWF royal rumble was in town and the wrestlers were stating in the hotel, and about 50 people where camped out overnight in the lobby. It was aweful.) But any way. Here is what it says.

VALUE: 1 Standard Room
Recipient: ADAM XXXX( MY NAME)
EXPIRATION DATE: 4/30/05(which wsa one year from date issued)
Redeem this certificate for one night of complimentary lodging(Room and tax only) at any participating Hilton Hotel in the United States.

On the back the restrictions.
Not Valid at:
The Drake
The Waldorf=Astoria
The Marquette
Atlantic city Hilton
Flamingo
Bally's
Las Vegas hilton
Hilton Internatial Hotels(Outside the US)
Hilton Grand Vaction Hotelts

Enjoy

It was a Hilton Hotel, so maybe it will be limited to that. Did you have any trouble redeeming the cert?


You won"t have any problem,just book the room online and give them the cert at check-in.They send the folio with the cert to hilton for payment.My guess is that the hotel causing the problem will then be billed for your stay.

Does anyone know if I will get the points for the rate booked when paying with a Hilton be our guest cert from a bad stay?Or should I take the miles?

Since you presumably received bad stay's earned points and miles, if they are part of your rewards choice, I doubt you'd get more points at the new hotel from the cert than you'd earn for money spent and on your room charges, and would get the stay credited, of course. We'll see what others say, I've not used one of the "whoops! we messed up, here!" certs.

Hi bbbb,

I've used both a "Be My Guest" Cert and a letter for a free night from an individual hotel. Both stays that generated the "Service Recovery" in the industry lingo of course were paid, posted and counted toward HHonors status.

The BMG cert was for a specific brand (of my choice - Doubletree in this case). I just made a reservation online at DT.com and I of course noted in the comment box I was planning on using it to pay for the room/tax...incidentals earned HHonors points and I got credit for the stay.

The letter from a bad Hilton experience (It was so horrible I told them to take the Hilton name off the building) was used at the same property that generated my letter...after they assured me renovations were complete ;) ...that was their excuse for most of the chaos on the first visit. I again booked online at Hilton.com, and noted I had a letter from Mr. XYZ, Dir of Housekeeping again for a free room/tax. Again, no problem, it counted as another stay and I got my HHonors points for meal/incidental charges.

BTW, I earn points only, so as a Diamond I get 50% for Diam and another 50% for the point option I chose = Double HHonors points...but I would assume you would get whatever air miles you would be entitled to on a regular stay (in this case, it might be wise to switch to FIXED miles if they are really important to you). That would guarantee you the 500 or 100 miles depending upon your Hilton brand.

Does anyone know if I will get the points for the rate booked when paying with a Hilton be our guest cert from a bad stay?Or should I take the miles?

I got all the points from this stay for the rate I booked.

I got a Hilton Be my guest Cert that basiclly says good for one free night stay. Got this as a freebie from Hilton customer service.

So this has no instructions on how to use. Do I just book at any hilton (Except list on back of Cert) and when it comes time for checkin or bill pay turn it in?

Can I book a sweet one night at a good property and use it?

Can I book a sweet one night at a good property and use it?

Yes, Just book a "Standard Room" I used hilton.com. And off you go. I used it at for a special rate, that came with goodies, and the hotel was fine with it. Book whatever you want then i'd call and get them to confirm you can use it for that. Perhaps the Romance package? Double HH points? See what they sa.

How did you get this cert?

How did you get this cert?

Chain of events at the NY hilton

Event one. Reserve non-smoking room, asked if smoking room would be ok. I said i guess and went to the room.

Event two. Went to said smoking room, found man smoking IN room. Went back to desk, informed desk room was TOO smokey.(if you know what i mean)

Event three. Provided access to Exec lounge for free breakfast to compensate for my troublmes. But arrived at lounge and told to get out, i refused, was charged $16.

Event four. As checking out had the $14 taken off my account plus a random snack bar item i didn't take.

Event five. All thru the stay fighting thru crows of Gauckers(sic) who had growded the lobby as the WWF was staying in hotel.

Event six. Talked to HHonors, they apoligized sent a nice Be my Guest Certificate. Used at hilton Other than Hilton NY.

I got a Hilton Be my guest Cert that basiclly says good for one free night stay. Got this as a freebie from Hilton customer service.

So this has no instructions on how to use. Do I just book at any hilton (Except list on back of Cert) and when it comes time for checkin or bill pay turn it in?

Can I book a sweet one night at a good property and use it?

WE also recieved one, when I used it I was told to book on Hilton.com make a normal reservation and when you get to the hotel give them the certificate.
Look on the back there is a list of properties where it cannot be used.

You receive stay credit and points for the rate. However the bill you receive will show confidential rate , and you have to ask for a bill if you have no other charges as they do not give you one.

I was told not to call the hotel ahead of time, as most are not familar with the certificate and confuse them with other awards. The hotel will probably tell you you do not get points but you do. It is treated as a paid stay.

In response to the person wh asked how did you get one? WE contacted Guest Assistance about a terrible experience we had, the hotel never responded and as a result Guest Assistance issued us a Be My Guest Certificate. I would have preferred to have not experienced the TERRIBLE stay, but the certificate helped us feel Hilton cared.

How did you get this cert?

Hilton Rockside Rd in Cleveland royaly screwed up and the manager basiclly told me tough Sh*t, so wrote customer service and was offered this as a SORRY. ^

I know there is another thread on the subject, but I cannot call it up because search is not working properly at the moment.

For those using a "Be My Guest" certificate recently:

1. When did you first notify the hotel that you were using the certificate (at time of reservation, at time of check-in, or at time of check-out)?

2. Did you receive both night and point credit when you used the certificate (points for the value of the room and not just for incidentals)?

3. If I am named on the certificate, is it possible to give it to someone else in my traveling party to use (in case, the answer to #2 above is "points are not earned for the use of the certificate")?

It was suggested to me by guest assistance that I book my room on line normally and then when I check in give them The Be My Guest Certificate. The reason for this is that otherwise they think it is an award night which it is not. So that is what I did and it worked fine.

I chose a double points rate for Hilton Times Square and I got all the points for the stay just like I had paid the rate I booked, including the double points.

The be my guest certificate is not transferable, you are the one that has to use it.

Enjoy it and try to maximize its value.

Strange it was explained to me by HH that using these certs earned no stay credit,points or miles!

Strange it was explained to me by HH that using these certs earned no stay credit,points or miles!

I called Hilton Diamond line last week to book Saturday night at the Hilton PSP using the Be My Guest because the revenue rate was more than $300/night. The lady told that she booked the hotel using the cert but I would be charged the prevailing non refundable rate that would be credited at the time of check in.

At the check in they weren't aware of this arrangement but it did not take too long for them to sort it out.

When checking in the folio later on the website it had the following info "hidden" on the second page:

04/xx/06 xxxxxxx GUEST ROOM EXEMPT $295.00
04/xx/06 xxxxxxx OCCUPANCY TAX $39.97
04/xx/06 xxxxxxx DIRECT BILL-HILTON GUEST ASSISTANCE DEPT. ($334.97)

My stay posted as qualifying with all points and double dips.

Strange it was explained to me by HH that using these certs earned no stay credit,points or miles!


I got points and stay credit when I used one. I just booked a room online and gave them the cert when I checked in.

I called Hilton Diamond line last week to book Saturday night at the Hilton PSP using the Be My Guest because the revenue rate was more than $300/night. The lady told that she booked the hotel using the cert but I would be charged the prevailing non refundable rate that would be credited at the time of check in.

At the check in they weren't aware of this arrangement but it did not take too long for them to sort it out.

When checking in the folio later on the website it had the following info "hidden" on the second page:

04/xx/06 xxxxxxx GUEST ROOM EXEMPT $295.00
04/xx/06 xxxxxxx OCCUPANCY TAX $39.97
04/xx/06 xxxxxxx DIRECT BILL-HILTON GUEST ASSISTANCE DEPT. ($334.97)

My stay posted as qualifying with all points and double dips.


^ ^ ^ Thanks for the heads up.That info came from two individuals at the Diamond Desk :rolleyes:
Despite a number of training issues recently.I am a pro Hilton guy ^
And that exceptional agent Cynthia on FT just earned them many thousands of dollars more of my revenue this year.

i know this was already covered, but i had a few more questions

i have a doubletree be my guest certificate after horible stay resulting in physical pain!, but anyway my question is would i be able to use this at any hilton hotel, or only a doubletree.

question two,
i know its for a standard room, but if i'm staying at a Doubletree suites hotel then i'm guessing it works for the standard suite correct?

question three
would i be able to book a Special Standard room that includes goodies, ie romance, dbl points, etc. and if so, what is the maximium value of this certificate? $300?



i'm going to stay at the Doubletree times square, i so deserve more after this incident, but 99% of the time i am happy with the stay. So i'm going to atleast milk this certificate for all it's worth.

also will i get credit for this stay? i'm gold now and only need a handful more to become diamond

-thanks
Mike

Question 1 - What does is say on the cert? I "think" they are usually only good at the chain you had the problem with....I have only gotten one and it was with Hampton Inn and my cert specifically stated it had to be used at Hampton Inn.

Question 2 - Whatever a standard room is at that property....so if it is an all suite property then a standard room would be a suite.

Question 3 - No, that would not be a standard room/booking so you can get the honeymoon plan, only standard room.

I got points and stay credit for my stay that included the cert but I was told by the Diamond Desk that I would not get points for the night the cert covered but I did.

Received one of these recently. How do these work? Do you need to call reservations to book using one of these certs or can you book a room on-line, show-up at the hotel, and just hand them the certificate? I have not seen any "standard" rates when looking on-line, although I see many properties that have "Best Available Rate". Do those qualify?

Received one of these recently. How do these work? Do you need to call reservations to book using one of these certs or can you book a room on-line, show-up at the hotel, and just hand them the certificate? I have not seen any "standard" rates when looking on-line, although I see many properties that have "Best Available Rate". Do those qualify?

Use them just like cash. Book your reservation as usual and present the card at check in. The card really doesn't have anything to do with rate, but rather room type. See the other posts in this thread regarding what is considered "standard".

I also need to make a slight correction in mcgahat's response (sorry mcghat), you can actually use a Be My Guest card on a romance package so long as the room offered as a part of the package is a Standard one for the hotel that you are using it for. Otherwise, mcgahat was right on the money.

I would not advise even mentioning that you are going to use the card when booking a reservation. Reservation Agents frequently confuse them with Gift Certificates issued by hotels. GC's issued by hotels are usually only for specific hotel and can not be used at other hotels within that brand. They also have a clause based on limited availability. Be My Guest cards can be used for any hotel within the brand that they are printed for. The exceptions (at least for the time being) are the former Hilton International hotels. No Be My Guest cards exist for those hotels.

For questions about Be My Guest cards, call Guest Assistance (800-HILTONS and ask to be transferred).

I will be redeeming a "be my guest" certificate I received as compensation for something that happened on a stay last year.

The coupon (looks like a check) says valid for room and tax on one standard room domestically with a few properties on the back not allowed to be used (Waldorf=Astoria, etc.)


I was told just to book a room at a hotel and pay with this certificate. However, the room I booked was under the diamond force, as it was sold out otherwise. Of course, the room I booked was a standard one (no exec floor or anything like that).

Has anyone encountered problems using these certfiiates for one, and also on type of rate used (such as a special promotion, or the diamond force that I booked under).


Thanks in advance everybody!

These are just like cash at any rate they are billed dollar for dollar back to Hilton.

Anyone have any experience redeeming a certificate with a different name on them? I'd like to give my certs to my sister which has now has a different last name as me since she is married.

These are just like cash at any rate they are billed dollar for dollar back to Hilton.

Yep, and even better is that it is my "understanding" that it gets billed back to the offending hotel.

Yep, and even better is that it is my "understanding" that it gets billed back to the offending hotel.

That would be even better, wouldn't it! :D :D ^ ^

Yep, and even better is that it is my "understanding" that it gets billed back to the offending hotel.

haha. Use it on Superbowl weekend then!

Believe me I'm getting my money's worth on this. A diamond force on a holiday weekend costs a lot, believe me.

The BMG certificates I have all have a hotel brand on them. Is it at all possible to use a BMG certificate from one brand at another brand? I have no real desire to return to the hotel that I ended up getting them from. There aren't hotels from the brand in question near where I'll be traveling soon.

Is it at all possible to use a BMG certificate from one brand at another brand?


Nope. sorry!

I had read in other searches that the BMG certificate was like presenting cash as it looks like a check and that you would get point credit for such a stay. I just used one and the hotel deducted the entire room rate off as a free stay and my bill only had parking on it. Any advice?

I had read in other searches that the BMG certificate was like presenting cash as it looks like a check and that you would get point credit for such a stay. I just used one and the hotel deducted the entire room rate off as a free stay and my bill only had parking on it. Any advice?

Nothing you can do at this point. Maybe that hotel had a different way of processing them.

Nothing you can do at this point. Maybe that hotel had a different way of processing them.

This hotel did it wrong. They basicly adjusted off your room & tax revenue when they should have billed Hilton and been reimbursed.

I mentioned this to the supervisor at check-out. I then asked for his card and on the back of it, asked him to detail his promise to adjust for points for room rate...My account initially showed the incidentals, so I emailed him and a few days later the points show correctly on my online folio. Thanks.

I had read in other searches that the BMG certificate was like presenting cash as it looks like a check and that you would get point credit for such a stay. I just used one and the hotel deducted the entire room rate off as a free stay and my bill only had parking on it. Any advice?

Its quite possible that the hotel didnt "adjust" the rate but instead moved it to a direct bill folio to be billed out. In any case, they didnt do anything wrong. You received a free stay and shouldnt be entitled to points. Thats like double dipping on the compensation.

Its quite possible that the hotel didnt "adjust" the rate but instead moved it to a direct bill folio to be billed out. In any case, they didnt do anything wrong. You received a free stay and shouldnt be entitled to points. Thats like double dipping on the compensation.

When I have my room and tax direct billed on a separate folio, I still get points for the room and tax paid.

In previous threads, it's been mentioned that you can use these certificates with packages/special rates (Romance Package or double miles, etc.).

How does it work? I've found a rate at the Beverly Hilton next week that includes one spa session and breakfast, but the rate is about $90 higher than the unrestricted rate. Will the rate be covered, or will I owe the difference between the two? And when should I let the hotel know I'm using the certificate?

Thanks!

So I have read so far that you make a standard reservation, then present the card at check-in just like cash. Are there blackout date restrictions? I would like to use one for my Hampton Inn stay in Clarksville, IN for the KY Derby next year. Will I have issues?

Suggest making a copy of the certificate before turning it over to the hotel at check-in. In using my certificate, I made a reservation on-line for a "standard" room and checked in with someone who had never seen one of these before and had no clue what to do. A manager cleared things up. One week after my stay, 30K HHonors points were deducted from my account. Turns out the hotel lost the certificate and thought my stay was an award stay. Diamond Desk eventually straightened this out, but it took about two weeks and a few phone calls.

:confused: The back of the certificate states specifically that "The Waldorf=Astoria in NY" doesn't participate, as well as Hilton Grand vacation hotels. It doesn't say anything about the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa in Hawaii. Anyone know if the certificate works there too?

:confused: The back of the certificate states specifically that "The Waldorf=Astoria in NY" doesn't participate, as well as Hilton Grand vacation hotels. It doesn't say anything about the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa in Hawaii. Anyone know if the certificate works there too?

Because it is not a Hilton technically but a Waldorf Collection property I would say no.
But don't take my word as the final answer either.
I challenged it too when I saw that confusing disclaimer on the back.
If I understand the customer service folks who went back and forth on the issue it has to be a particpating actual Hilton branded property not a hotel represented by Hilton or partnership brand.
In my case I wanted to use it at the Conrad which ended up a no go
You have to get an experienced trained agent at Hilton to get the right answer.
And that can be very challenging these days to say the least.

Because it is not a Hilton technically but a Waldorf Collection property I would say no.
But don't take my word as the final answer either.
I challenged it too when I saw that confusing disclaimer on the back.
If I understand the customer service folks who went back and forth on the issue it has to be a particpating actual Hilton branded property not a hotel represented by Hilton or partnership brand.
In my case I wanted to use it at the Conrad which ended up a no go
You have to get an experienced trained agent at Hilton to get the right answer.
And that can be very challenging these days to say the least.

I used mine fine at a Conrad(Called property prior). A matter of fact they must have flagged the reservation because I had never had a better stay with Hilton (I was given three BMG in total for my HELLACIOUS experience at another property). Upgraded to one of the most beautiful rooms I have ever seen in a city property. They apologized for my TERRIBLE experience at another property and said they wanted to make it right for our continued loyalty to Hilton.

I used mine fine at a Conrad(Called property prior). A matter of fact they must have flagged the reservation because I had never had a better stay with Hilton (I was given three BMG in total for my HELLACIOUS experience at another property). Upgraded to one of the most beautiful rooms I have ever seen in a city property. They apologized for my TERRIBLE experience at another property and said they wanted to make it right for our continued loyalty to Hilton.

Thanks for the heads up
I have a few words for the Hilton Customer service folks if that is the case.
However I will remain polite
Their training and knowledge are generally horrendous.

So if I understand correctly you used a Hilton Be My Guest Certificate at a Conrad
Just want to make certain on that.I do thank you for that information

My advice to the above poster then changes ignore the Hilton contact center and call the front office manager or reservations manager at the hotel directly and see if they will accept it

Thanks for the heads up
I have a few words for the Hilton Customer service folks if that is the case.
However I will remain polite
Their training and knowledge are generally horrendous.

So if I understand correctly you used a Hilton Be My Guest Certificate at a Conrad
Just want to make certain on that.I do thank you for that information

My advice to the above poster then changes ignore the Hilton contact center and call the front office manager or reservations manager at the hotel directly and see if they will accept it

That is correct. The DD will tell you no. But call the property directly. The Conrad I went to said yes. Don't expect a yes. My key was telling my story of what happened that got me the cert in the first place.

I might not be able to use my cert before it expires. Is it worth trying to call HH and extend it by another 2 months? Does any of you have experience in doing so?

any info will be appreciated, thanks

I might not be able to use my cert before it expires. Is it worth trying to call HH and extend it by another 2 months? Does any of you have experience in doing so?

any info will be appreciated, thanks

HHonors has nothing to do with the Be My Guest card. Guest Assistance issues, monitors, and reimburses the hotels for their use. Call GA and ask for an extension. The rule [I]used[I] to be that they would extend a card once but after that one time, you are out of luck. Also, I noticed that somebody else said you could use a Hilton card at a Conrad. That is NOT correct. There's no such thing as a Conrad Be My Guest card (yet). The only way to get a different brand's card honored at a different brand than what it was issued for is to have prior ok from someone up the ladder in Guest Assistance (a Supervisor or Manager would probably be the one to give that approval). I wouldn't show up at a Conrad just assuming they would accept it without calling GA first. Allow them some time (at least a couple of days to come to a decision). An agreement has to be made between GA & the hotel to accept the card and for the hotel to be reimbursed for it. With that said, there IS somewhat of an exception: Using a "higher" brand's card at a "lower" brand i.e. using a Hilton card at a Hampton. Usually, there is no problem with a Hampton accepting an Embassy, Homewood, Hilton, or Doubletree card. Reason being is that those cards cost more.

BMG's are good for Standard rooms only and cover room and room taxes only. Be prepared to pay the difference in rate between a Standard and Upgraded room if you request one.

I read on another thread that it is OK to book a 'Package' rate with the Be My Guest certificates, so long as it is a 'Standard' room. The property has various different packages such as a Kids Package that includes a dinner voucher and tickets to a local attraction. I can't imagine this being allowed, but before I write it off, I wanted to see your experiences. The room would be 'standard'. What do you think?

The BMG certificates I have all have a hotel brand on them. Is it at all possible to use a BMG certificate from one brand at another brand?

I used Hilton Brand BMG certificates at the Embassy Suites in Waikiki this past Memorial Day weekend without any problem....

I'm new here and tried finding this via search but didnt find anything. Hilton Family of Hotels is my first choice for hotel and am usually pretty happy with them except for a lousy stay I had the Hilton Niagara Falls. I tried addressing the problems with the GM but go no response. Called Guest Assistance who tried getting a response from the hotel but got nothing. So Guest Assistance issued me a Be Our Guest certificate. How does this certificate work? Is it capacity controlled? What hotels is it good at? Thanks.

If you have a "Hilton" certificate (as compared with (say) a Conrad, Hampton, HGI, etc. brand certificate) then it is good for any USA Hilton, subject to any restrictions printed on the certificate.

Just make your reservation for a standard room at the most expensive USA Hilton that takes your fancy (New York, Hawaii); stay; and when you pay your bill just present the certificate as payment for the room and taxes. You just pay for meals, drinks, etc.

One great benefit is that you will very likely get points and stay credit.

There are several threads on these certificates with more information.

Enjoy.

So, as long as we book a standard room, we do not have to ask about the availability at the time of reservation, correct?
Then it's great!!

So, as long as we book a standard room, we do not have to ask about the availability at the time of reservation, correct?
Then it's great!!

Please clarify what you mean by "we do not have to ask about the availability".

The standard room must be available in order for you to book it. Or am I misunderstanding you?

I just used one this weekend on a very expensive 4 day stay, presented the coupon and they took off one days charge no questions asked.

...(I was given three BMG in total for my HELLACIOUS experience at another property). Upgraded to one of the most beautiful rooms I have ever seen in a city property. They apologized for my TERRIBLE experience at another property and said they wanted to make it right for our continued loyalty to Hilton.

Just wondering; I had an awful experience at a Homewood Suites; arrived late night after calling ahead saying that I had a leg injury, and could I please get a room that wasn't too far from the lobby. They put me in the farthest room, and refused assistance getting upstairs with my suitcase after asking them nicely; saying, 'this hotel does not have bell staff'. This is with an empty lobby and three employees standing behind the front desk, doing nothing.

The room was not that clean; hair in the bathtub, a layer of dust over the refrigerator that was making a loud buzzing sound. Got no sleep that night; called the front desk and they wouldn't change my room. Called the Diamond Desk, who walked me (bleary-eyed) to a nearby Hilton Garden Inn.

Requested a call from the Homewood manager, but he never called me. When I finally got through to him after repeated calling, he told me briskly that my stay had already been refunded, and that there was nothing that he could do. I explained that, as a business traveller, a refund was only helping the multinational conglomerate that I work for, and that they wouldn't notice or care. He shrugged and said that a refund was all that he was allowed to do.

I pressed the matter and said that some points would make me feel better because then I could take the family somewhere... but he refused. I opened a Guest Assistance case but nobody from Corporate has called me back after two days. Nobody in this chain of bureaucracy has let me know that anything like a 'Be My Guest' certificate even exists, which leads me to believe that Hilton are downsizing. They are certainly downsizing on VIP benefits; this year no upgrades, no nothing really. In my two experiences with Homewood Suites, not even a lousy bottle of water or a cookie. Loyalty is no longer a value to Hiltons, it seems, based on my experience this week.

Please, anybody with knowledge of the BMG certificates, let me know if they are gone along with the economy, or how can one get one, who one can call.

I used one this week.

As I expected, I had to explain the cert to the front desk clerk.

And, as I also expected, my bill slipped under my door showed full rate and no cert applied.

Fortunately, a) the night clerk had stapled the cert to my folio, and b) I had a xerox copy to show the morning clerk. He fixed the bill, but he told me the problem was that I did online check in and when you do that the card that you have there trumps anything you do at check-in re other financial arrangements, BO/MG certs, or gift certificates.

I charged a soda and phone call to the room so I could generated a folio and stay-credit. It will be interesting to see, though, whether I am entitled with these to the points that would have been awarded on the full cost. I'll take that up with the Diamond Desk. I know that with gift certificates, you do, and that they are simply treated like cash against the bill's total.

Much appreciated to the recent OP for resurrecting this thread! I have 2 of these BMG certs from a sub-par stay at the HHV last year, and didn't even think to do a tried-and-true FT search on the topic. :td: to me, lol.

In any event, yes they do definitely still award them, as I received my 2 certs last October. I'm trying to plan the best use for them since they're only good on US properties - and I live within an hour of NYC, so those properties are out.

Unfortunately, my higher-up contact at HHonors confirmed that stays using these certs are treated as rewards stays (thus no points/miles) rather than as stays paid for with gift certificates. :(

Unfortunately, my higher-up contact at HHonors confirmed that stays using these certs are treated as rewards stays (thus no points/miles) rather than as stays paid for with gift certificates. :(

Greetings,

Wow 19,000 plus posts on FT I am impressed ^
I would agree with the folks at HHonors that the official rule is no points or miles on Be My Guest Certificates.
While I have no recent experience to validate my shared theory I have heard from many dozens of their customers over the years through my private global network as well as other reliable sources who claim they have in fact earned points and miles for their stays on Be My Guest Certificates.

If by accident this should happen to you I hope you will do the right thing and ask them to remove them from your account ;)

Cheers

All right, now I can report my experience with the "be my guest" cert experience. Got one after a really crappy stay at salt lake city Hilton city center (said to be a 4*, but hell no).

Having seen the discussion in this thread that the cert could be used for packages as long as the room included is a standard room, I went ahead reserve a "whale watch package" at Monterey Embassy Suites, with a total price of $430ish. Room included is a standard 2-room suite, and I also expect to pay the difference if it did not work as the price difference for the whale watch tix were about half of the price I had to pay if buying them seperately.

Arrived at 8:30pm two days later, and the front desk guy was inexperienced about this cert and had to talk with his manager before checking us in. I had to ask for the whale watch tix before he gave us the keycards. This process took another 10min or so, and brought the manager over. Manager explained that the cert would take care of the room + tax, but since it's a corporate certificate, while this whale watch package was a specific local package only available at his hotel, he could not let me get the free tix. I acted cool about it and paid the differnce of $40 ish, (do not know how he did the maths, I was expecting to pay $60ish for the price differnce between this package and a standard room). Anyways, out of pocket money is $40ish, and we got a partial ocean view suites, complimentary breakfast was good as well. Two bottles of water waiting in the room as a reception gift. Did I say the whale watch trip was totally worth it? It was awesome!!! We had 3 humple back whales surrounding the boat for 45 mins! You can almost touch the whale, and yes it was that close. Also checked the hhonors, got the stay credit and 4000ish points from the rack price of $400 ish, also some embassy suites bonus pts and the bonus from my amex cards. Got total points about 9k for this single stay.

The conclusion would be using the cert of package deal is YMMV, but generally speaking if you just want to get a room with it, should be very straigtforward.