Originally Posted by
beltway
This last point is crucial. Paying 29K for a room is no bargain if you can have the same room for $99 a/i.
Weeknights at airports can be a solid points play in many cases. Kind of depends on the airport...but in some places those can be $200+ without an easy workaround such as an easy/cheap Priceline bid that doesn't dump you in a well-worn Ramada Inn. Whether 29k HH or what's usually a mid/low category in another program, value can be had there.
Obviously if there are $99 rooms you just book the $99 room...
I use almost all of my Marriott Megabonus and annual credit card certs at airport hotels. Category 5 gets you something clean and tolerable. Usually.