Hilton HHonors - Hotel Programs & Different Redemption Levels?

Why don't hotel loyalty programs offer the ability to redeem for executive level or suite accommodations for more points, similar to how you can redeem more airline miles for FC or Business Class?

I mean, if you scrimp and save points for a special trip, and you can only redeem for a "standard" room, you might be in a very nice hotel, but with a sweeping view of.... the parking lot.

This has been discussed in some other threads, so you might want to also check there for answers/reasons.

This is just the way the Hilton program is. It is what it is, you know what the deal is when you sign up. Starwood and I think Hyatt allow you to redeem for suites.

Marriott also allows you to redeem additional points to get an upgraded room or suite. For the person traveling without status, it's a nice benefit to have.

It's also great to be able to get a suite when the program does not allow the upgrade for its elites. A friend loves the suites at the Paris Hyatt Vendome, so happily "pays' 2x the point level of a normal room.

I wish that Hilton would offer the ability to spend more points to be able to confirm executive floor rooms and/or suites.

As previous posters have pointed out its just a matter of the program approach.

I'm always a big fan of offering more ways for people to use the points that they have earned (irregardless of whether the majority thinks its a "good" value for those points).

I'm also a big fan of Hilton rewarding those that actually stay at their hotels......as opposed to those getting points from credit cards.

In this case I think that the two conflict. As a diamond member I have received upgrades on many award stays when I've gone on vacation. And it has been very appreciated on my part. If Hilton introduced a new "tier" of award stays I could see some properties telling me at checkin......you didn't spend the extra points so we can't upgrade you, blah, blah, blah....not the way to start my holiday!!

So even though it goes against my first point, I'm actually not in favor of Hilton introducing this type of award, even though other programs offer it......As long as they enforce the Hilton Honors program standards and I know what I'm receiving as a diamond member.

Overall I think Hilton has the fewest suites on average versus the other big chains. That makes it a little harder. I also think they have a higher % of top tier versus at least Marriott. I have some colleagues that are Marriott Plat Premier and they are rarely given a suite normally a corner room or exec floor is the best they can get.