I have been keeping an eye on the opening date for the new W-A on the Palm in Dubai, as it seems like a good way of burning my huge pile of Amex MR points (via a HH transfer).

The hotel is still to start taking bookings. However, in the last week or so, when you look at the booking page on Hilton.com (with 'Use HH points' ticked) you get the message:

'Hotel does not participate in HHonors Rewards'

Is this correct? I know that SPG has a few properties, ironically also in Dubai amongst other places, that opt out of SPG membership. It is not something I have come across with Hilton before though.

If it does exist, does this also mean no HH benefits if you stay at such a property? Or do you just not earn / burn there? I honestly don't see the point in using the W-A branding if the hotel opts out of HH entirely.