I think that is an excellent solution. I have no problem with hotels' loyalty programs being discussed in this forum as it is one of the factors which some members use in deciding where to stay. Indeed, for a few members it might be the only factor.

However, for an increasing number of us the devaluation of loyalty programs has encouraged us to place more emphasis on other factors -- including location, price, room quality, etc.

I am HHonors Gold -- but only because I am too lazy to cancel my Surpass card. In the past year, I have made trips to five different European countries, each for a week. In only one of these cases did I stay at a Hilton property. I chose it because it offered smoking rooms, had a good location, was an excellent hotel, and because while it is quite expensive in dollar terms it was offering award stays at very low rates and I had enough points to cover it.

Give me what I want and I will stay there -- be it a hotel or any other type of lodging. If I can get HHonors points, that is just icing on the cake but the 3 Cs (Cost, Comfort, and Convenience) will always be the main things I am looking at.