Not surprisingly, I, too, fully agree with GUWonder.

I would just like to add to what others have stated before -- in a time where SPG not only lowered the category level of many properties participating in its program -- and did away, at least for this year, the split, high season/low season point cost for some of its marquee properties, Hilton has decided now, of all times, to raise them. Moreover, Marriott even has lowered the point cost of a couple of their Hawaiian properties to reflect the business realities of that market, which has tanked.

I agree with others that this is an effort to get potential liabilities off of the books for a future sale of some or all of the lines that presently consitute HHonors -- in fact, I believe that it was Hedoman that first raised this possibility. @:-)

I do not know what other chains might be shopping for a brand or line of properties, but I do know that Hyatt is going to be floating an IPO some time soon, and Marriott appears to have fairly deep pockets, as well. Now that ACCOR has a points based program, they may look to expand past Motel 6 and Red Roof Inns in this market, and IHG may have cash lying around as well.

By the way, that 4th Quarter bonus -- what was it -- 25,000 points after X number of stays? -- it looks pretty laughable right now with this point cost inflation, right?