I have been a Hilton Diamond member for many years and until this year I tried to give most of my business to that chain. When Hilton devalued its points at the beginning of this year I began to look at other alternatives.

I found I could stay in comparable properties usually for half the price I had been paying, using a combination of Hotwire or Priceline. I am self-employed so the money goes in my pocket! In the past I could rationalize paying more by telling myself it was tax deductible.

I enjoyed the perks of being a Diamond, but have noticed a steady decline in the program the past few years. Suites are virtually never available, very few properties have lounges and lately the greatest advantage (Award Room Availability) has disappeared. I am still a Diamond and my last three award room requests were met with “NO AWARD ROOMS AVAILABLE” answer. The only advantage left is a free breakfast and half the time I have to beg for the coupon. The fifty to one hundred dollar savings per night can buy a lot of brealfasts.

As for the above posters comment about losing elite benefits for Priceline stays, Hilton has already implemented this policy and I don’t miss it much. I have traveled a great deal this year and my saving already exceeds five thousand dollars. The points or breakfast just are not worth it.

One other point I would like to make! When you are an elite member of a Hotel Group you tend to expect special treatment because you give them so much of your money. Most of the time my stays as a Diamond were disappointing because very little acknowledgement was given. On a Priceline or Hotwire stay I expect no special treatment so my expectations are always met or exceeded.