For me, this is a real mixed bag. I use points for travel packages, but I also use them for short stays (1-2 nights) at lower end properties with high room rates. The travel packages have lost some value, but they are still a good deal, especially since they allow me to diversify my miles and get F and C tickets outside of * alliance.

As some have mentioned, the real test will come in terms of award availability at peak times. Some properties are excluded from this new policy, and I think some of them are overrated (the properties in HI and the JW in Santa Monica) as award options already. I consider these three properties to be poor choices for award redemptions, but a lot of people must redeem at these places or they would not have gotten on the exclusion list.

The only real benefit from this change would be if I could get a week at a category 6 or 7 property in Boston under the new rules when rooms are going for $599+. If that is possible, then I would consider the extra points worthwhile to get the room at peak time. Otherwise, this change will be a minus.