When comparing C&P to straight points, I compare the cash portion of the C&P to the extra points and decide if that's a good value. That's a fixed amount, so it can be precalculated for all categories. (My conclusion here is that C&P is always better unless you're really short on cash.)
When comparing to cash, I take the real point value (point cost + points missed) and compare that to the cash discount. For me, these values are different depending on whether the booking is in the U.S. where I use my SPG Amex, or elsewhere where I use a cash-back card.
Originally Posted by
sbm12
If that $100 stay would also earn you 200 points then the numbers are $60 for 2800 points or $40 for 7200 points. Not enough of a difference to matter.
Except that it earns 300 or 400 for elites, or more if there's a promo. I have an Excel expression that gives me the exact answer I want, and it definitely does make a difference.