Kazman makes a number of good points about Hilton. Perhaps the best one is in regard to award stays. With Starwood moving to no capacity controls/blackout dates and Marriott having a very limited number of blackouts, Hilton's blackout date situation (not even considering capacity controls) is really intolerable. (Sorry, but I can't speak to Hyatt) If you have never had occasion to view the HHonors list of blackout dates, I suggest you spend a few minutes on the Hilton web site where they are organized by month. I don't believe I am exaggerating when I say that Hilton has more blackout dates at its properties in ONE month than Marriott has all year!

The other day I tried to book an award stay at the Anchorage Hilton for a trip next May-June. I was told by the HHonors rep. that the Anchorage Hilton had no rooms allocated for April, May, or June next year! They apparently have done allocations as the rep told me they had award rooms available in July. The blackout list for this year (1999) shows that hotel blacked-out about 4 days every week in May and June. Obviously a lot of convention business at that time, but still, no allocation? My guess is that Anchorage doesn't even want to allocate since Diamonds can now override the blackout dates. Better for them to wait to the last minute when most people, including Diamonds, have already made their plans.

Oh, by the way, I booked my award stays at the Sheraton Anchorage instead.