Originally Posted by
Ahbi Chang
Although I agree it's a little off topic, it is still very relevant to everyone interested in this thread. This is because, if you have enough points for a TP, you also have enough points to redeem 5 or more nights at a Category 8 property at Category 7 rates. I think people should strongly examine whether it makes sense to do a TP or to wait redeem for what could be a very lucrative hotel stay (or even book out ahead of time and request a points refund - another option)
This is my dilemma exactly, sitting on about 330k MR points, and wanting to stay in Paris for five nights in 2019 at the SPG Prince de Galles (will temporarily become a Cat 7 until 2019).
Do I redeem now for a Cat 7 travel package + 132k UA miles, not attach the certificate, and hope they either:
(a) cash it out at the points value of 210,000 points, to which I would need to add 30k points to book a five-night stay
(b) allow old certs to be used at par at the new categories, in which case I score 2 free extra nights
or just play it safe and wait for August to book the hotel for the 240k points I already have.