pantanal

did you not see the hilton devaluation?? including the destruction of the VIP /amex/GLON awards that doubled??

Hotels went from 50k to 95k points a night

fenix8o0

There is no doubt the Hilton devaluation was one of the worst, I was comparing the top two tiers. 50k > 70k is 40% where as 80k > 95k is less than 20%.

Moreover, hilton points are much easier to accumulate than CC.

jpdx

One historic fact worth noting is that CC redemption rates used to be higher than today's newly announced rates, with a top category priced at 90k points (with 10% discount for multiple nights). To me, 70k CC for a top-level hotel still feels like a fairly reasonable redemption, and IMO this devaluation is nowhere near as bad as HH and SPG have been over the last few years, especially considering how easy it has been to earn CC points.

I think that holds true for all chains. You do well only if you're able to pick and choose the hotels that are a good value on points (high demand periods, oddly mis-categorized properties, etc). You get horrible value out of every program if you have 2 weeks of vacation a year and expect to use points for every hotel you stay at ... your cpp value will be a fraction of that realized by someone who travels a lot and only uses hotel points where it makes sense.

I know you've been very critical about Premium Rooms in the past, but IMO, the CC model has very little in common with HH. No doubt, there are numerous CC properties where premium rooms are 25sqm vs 22sqm, and have slippers and a bathrobe, BUT there are also many good values in the system. Truth be told, for my non-status friends and relatives I've been seeking out premium rooms at various properties. The Business rooms at the Ambassador (now gone) were lovely, and the free breakfast alone can be worth the extra points in some cities in Europe. Some hotels have large, junior suite-ish rooms, with a view, breakfast and club access, etc. In my stays last year, I would say the premium room at Ambassador, Malta, Corsica, and Istanbul were well worth the extra points. So, IMO, it's a situation of buyer beware rather than the large-scale premium room scam HH has pulled. I also haven't seen the systemic blocking of standard rooms you allege; I think Paris is now (sadly) a bad example, because CC has very, very few rooms there, and I could see the standard rooms being legitimately booked up. In most of my searches, there is very good standard room availability, and I often appreciate having the choice.

mintcilantro

It will be itneresting to see if we can reserve rooms in advance and lock the rates. (i.e. book farthest out and see if they allow you to change dates without changing the rate). Hyatt allowed that until feb 15.

trvllvr123

The London changes whilst not great do make sense, Plaza on the River and PP Riverbank were the same rate, but Plaza on the River is a much more plush hotel with bigger rooms (they're in the same building). Riverbank has gone down to 44,000 and Plaza on the River up to 70,000.

I've locked in a couple of nights at the Mayfair for 2015 - we'll see if I get charged more or not!

mintcilantro

I was really surprised that carlson allowed me to book 6 nights in may 2015. Booked 6 nights for a total of 150k points @ Radisson Blu Hotel Champs Elysees, Paris.


I have 50k each left in two different accounts. I will have to use those up to lock in nice hotels, Probably cannes.

I'm glad I stayed at plaza on the river last summer. It was an absolutely fabulous redemption @ 50k points.

Canarsie

The category changes are outlined in red for hotel properties increasing one category level; and green for hotel properties decreasing at least one category level here at The Gate.

Brendan

+1 Hobo13. I can't understand the points difference between Cat. 2 vs. 3. It would make more sense to go 9--15--20--30--40--50(--unfortunately new 70.) Also, many "Podunk CIS's" are way overrated!

Brendan

I am happy to see the ability to book suites & "premium" rooms--as long as the amount of extra points required is not excessive! Better yet, do as Marriott does by allowing upgraded rooms for either extra points or (normal points + $20 to $100 cash.)
In another thread I complained about the Radisson Blu's of Aruba & St. Martin offering points only when their very lowest room type is available. Even when they have plenty of rooms one or 2 steps better @ $48--$90 above the price of the lowest grade, NO point usage is allowed!

Jasjot Sadana

From what i read, bookings at new rates can be done after 15th march for stays after reservations done on or after 1st May

Jasjot Sadana

Very Certainly,specially with 3 hotels,2 country inn and suites hotels and 1 park inn, in Goa,I am itching to go for a family trip at 9000 points a room/night

fassy

That's why I'm so frustrated there is no CC in Europe.... the crazy NA Credit card programs ruining the game for the rest of the world in my opinion.

Superorb

I'm hoping the CC representative that posted the other thread can come here and clarify when the rates will go up for bookings this summer or just after May 1st and what the details of March 15th and May 1st actually mean. I have 6 weeks of overseas travel (mostly in EU) this summer and I want to get everything locked down ASAP. Luckily I'll get my 40k anniversary points in the next few days.

Blueskyheaven

40% increase and no improved benefit for paying Gold member !
Bad change for sure!

tomy77

I have noticed that. I booked a (standard) award a long time ago, and when i want to make a change, standard room no longer available for award.
But paid standard room still available.
In the end i just decided to redeem premium instead.

Don't they have no "black-out" policy for award? You could try pushing the rep to honor it maybe? (I doubt it would work, the rep seems to be powerless)
"Enjoy free Award Nights starting at 9,000 points with no blackout dates on standard rooms."
Carlson Policy

edit: I just realized, maybe it's true they have no black-out, but they only have limited amount of rooms for award?