Although I have traveled a lot for business the last 10 years or so, this year I have painfully (and obviously) realized I'm not getting what I should personally out of all of my business travel. Although I have also shifted from 1) an ex who would rather not be stuck in a room, or on a trip, with just me; to my GF of a couple years who LOVES to travel with me, regardless of work or pleasure. We try to mix them as often as we can. And 2) a family business who expects me to spend as little as possible on any nights stay; to me running my own show and bringing overhead and costs down by several % each. I can stay and pay what I want to.

So, in the last year I have graduated from coupon shopping, to points, redemptions, and free stays. I started with Wyndham, since Super 8's and Days Inn's were my mainstays, I'm gold with them, for what that's worth. I've got them pretty much figured out and have enjoyed a few nights on the beach during prime time, a last minute stay, and some steeply discounted rooms on game day weekends, 57,000 points burnt for $1,300ish value so far this year. Not bad.

I am one night away from Gold with Hilton, which I will do after Sept 1st for a first night bonus.

I just signed up with IHG tonight to take advantage of the Accelerate promo, knowing that for 4 nights, I could get 2 free. First off, I WILL maximize these. Key West or Palazzo/Venetian for sure. I stay for business 3-5 days a month, and for pleasure 10-15 days a year. What I'm debating is rather 1) I should have her sign up for IHG and book rooms under her when we travel together +she has an October trip planned to see family that will include a hotel stay or two, and each of us do a +5,000 point rate to get to gold along the way. 2)book roughly 6-7 nights under me at the +5,000 rate (ranging in additional cost from $10-$25 where I travel) to get to platinum for myself, and maybe being able to squeeze her in there with her 4 nights. or 3) go all out for myself for Spire, booking the +5,000 rates for roughly a dozen nights through the end of the year to get there. (hotels I would stay at run around 90-120/night base rate). Or maybe 4) make sure I stay no where else for the rest of the year (besides the 1 Hilton night I still need) and get my Spire, + her new member 4 stays for 2 nights....

Based on where I would most likely redeem points, I'm going to say I value them at around $.007 each btw. which is more than some people would say. And a "free room anywhere" at at least $300.