I suspect the answer as to "why" comes from the different operating style of Hampton (and, for that matter, Scandic, though I've yet to stay at one). Much of this is speculation, but that has never stopped me before.

Speculating: Traditional full service properties stand to make more revenue from food and beverage and other incidentals. Extended stay properties (i.e., Homewood Suites) increase revenue through the volume of longer stays. Hampton Inn has little opportunity for revenue enhancement (the "pantry"? not exactly a booming profit center).

As such, the hotel operators (franchisees, not the Hilton Corporation) likely insisted on a lower cost for participating in HHonors when the Promus merger went through (likewise when Hilton bought Scandic). Otherwise, they could to take their properties elsewhere (Comfort Inn, Ramada, Four Points, Days Inn, Holiday Inn Express, etc.).

Since they are only willing and able to pay so much for each HHonors guest, the result is a lower mileage credit from most airlines.

As for the airlines that give equal credit, I suppose they perceive the value of customer acquisition, satisfaction, and/or loyalty to be worth what they're getting in exchange for the "discounted" price on miles at Hamptons. Some may also feel that the overall price for all miles transferred to HHonors, Hampton and non-Hampton, is fair.

Still other airlines, I suspect, are simply perpetuating bad business habits and wonder why they can never turn a profit.

[This message has been edited by Rut Dog (edited Feb 24, 2004).]