Originally Posted by
iahphx
Yeah, Hotel Hustle isn't perfect. I don't care that much if he doesn't show pricing -- I can doublecheck that. The bigger problem is when his hotel list isn't real time current. I guess it's more a labor of love than a business (does he get click-through cashback -- and how would that work on an award stay?). That said, I still think it's the best place to start. There are obviously other ways to do this, too, however.
He shows Cash Prices, just not award level - this to me is a major shortcoming. Without knowing how much is the points needed, what is the point to show prices? No pun intended.
My guess is he had a bigger "dream" in mind but quickly found out it took a lot more than he could give, in order to make the site worthwhile thus he could start monetize it. Note - when you click the Cash price, it brings you to the hotel booking site. So I am sure there is some incentives to be had. Unfortunately the site is not very useful for its initial intended purposes. Hence as of now it is a half-baked project and seems to die on the vine. Not everyone could monetize their internet efforts. It took years before AwardNexus and KVS finally gain traction for example.
And no, it is NOT the best place to start. At least I find it cumbersome. The Tripadvisor method works much better for me.
I have 2 10K properties booked when their cash prices are $75 and $100 respectively so it is very good value. On top of that, we would need them anyway as the properties are within 200 meters from the arrival halls, and on one flight we arrive at 10:30pm... I for one, am very grateful there is a 10K Hampton (the advance purchase is $75, flexible is $91). The redemption here actually has outsized value and actually meet our needs despite it is a lowly Hampton Inn! But it is brand new property though.
Oh, I found them on TripAdvisor and they ranked quite high on the list. Before searching TripAdvisor I never thought about Hilton family would have properties in those locations!