Cashing them in for hotel rooms usually represents an absolutely terrible value.

At some point in the future, you, him, or someone in the family will perhaps need to take a relatively short-notice trip. Maybe a sick relative, important job interview, etc., etc.

Keep in mind that Aeroplan has one-way rewards for 10k (short-haul), 15k (domestic - North America), 40k (europe), and there are often seats available for next-day or even same-day flying. If one is faced with the prospect of having to purchase an expensive walk-up fare, if possible, check with Aeroplan first for availability, as this represents the best possible use of points.