Assuming a $150 rate per night, the buy back will pay for itself within about 60 nights, for most people. If your room rate average is more it will pay for itself in a shorter time and you would end up with more points than if you didn't do the buyback. Remember as well they have tightened up on Platinum challenges so there isn't an easy way back. So it depends on how many nights you plan to stay in '14/