Having decided to cross the floor from Marriott to Hilton, I’m wondering about the breakfast benefit for gold (before anyone jumps and tells me to get the Aspire or whatever card for diamond status, note I’m Canadian): specifically, do I always need to trade my welcome amenity points (eg 1000 or 500 points) for free breakfast at all the Hilton properties (including all brands)? Any exceptions in terms of brand or region?

Generally speaking, 1000 Hilton points are with about $5 to me so breakfast is always a better option if I can only pick one between points and breakfast. However at some Marriott hotels, especially in Asia, they give breakfast for free even when lounge isn’t available, while still giving me the 1000 welcome amenity points.

On the Hilton mobile app I have sent all my references to choose breakfast over welcome points but wondering if that’s wise