Originally Posted by
eefor jfp
For me the most disappointing aspect of the new program is not the fixed rate of 1/2 a cent per HH point (more or less) for standard rooms but the fixed rate for premium rooms of much less than that (I'm averaging 1/3 of a cent per point or a little more). So if standard rooms are no longer a good value, what does that say about better rooms at all these properties.
And even that is counter-intuitive. Premium rooms should be available at a BETTER rate than standard rooms, since it would incentivize us (me) to pay the extra points. As it is, I usually get some sort of upgrade for free (though it's a crap shoot, I admit), but given the relative values, I will always risk the upgrade going forward rather than paying much more (in points per dollar or dollars per point) to secure it. What were/are they thinking?!?
It was always more of a marketing thing than a real thing. It allowed Hilton to say that they have award available almost all the time (albeit in prices that no one will ever pay).
I will also bet that reimbursement structure to the hotel for none standard room requires more expenditure on Hilton side (and therefore more points).
They were never been good values, unless the rates were relatively low and you manged to get one in less or slightly more than the normal rates. Now standard rooms in those cases should theoretically cost less as well.