United is simple and reliable.
Delta requires a few steps, but is also reliable.
If you open an Aspire now, you can receive an airline reimbursement in 2022, and again in early 2023. There is no net cost to hold the card for the first 12 months, and that's the best way to learn if it is useful for you.
Originally Posted by
Eujeanie
You must stay at a resort (on their resort list) to utilize the resort fee reimbursement (fudging nothwithstanding). Do you go to an actual resort every year? We do, but $250 is merely the tip of the iceberg of what we end up spending out of pocket (unless you have one nearby that you go to for just one night).
I have found the airline credit extremely difficult to use on Alaska, I might switch to Southwest next year (fudging nothwithstanding).
I use the free night every year, and get considerable value from that.
Priority Pass is great since we don't have status/passes for any other airport lounges. But it was waaaay better when certain restaurants were included.
Plus the Diamond status which translates to more points earned on each stay, and the very high multiples on many categories, I think it is well worth it, and we are also purely leisure travelers.
Originally Posted by
Super Mario
Tough to say if it's worth it or not. A lot of people hate to admit that they hold cards on the principle of huge financial returns, but don't actually pull the value they thought they would. However, some people will pay for an experience they feel is a more premium one.
Honestly, if you travel with Hilton somewhat regularly, it's rarely a terrible value. However, even though it isn't hard to exceed $450 in value, it causes some people to spend more than they would. I'd say my starting point for the Aspire is the resort credit. Besides the obvious $250 amount, I think that's the point if you are bought in enough to pull in significant value. I know the free night has its allure because it could easily exceed a $450 room, but it may not always work as intended either. Diamond F&B credit is a good addition, no matter how many people scream and cry that it isn't steak and eggs in new york.
Some people are better off not staying loyal, and/or looking for the best hotel for the price.
I find myself in the middle - happy to stick to a brand that's available and worth it. I don't spend more than 2k a year on hotels, though, right now. however I could use the $250 credit at a resort near me easily for a nice staycation.
Originally Posted by
notquiteaff
In short, yes. I am a leisure traveler - when I had an employer who paid for the occasional business trip, I had to use my corporate card anyway. For international travel it is really nice to have Diamond status since properties abroad usually still offer substantial benefits to elites (breakfast, lounge, maybe room upgrades). The free night and airline credit are easy to use. There are a lot of resorts, so it shouldn’t be too hard to use the resort credit naturally, but there are also ways to fudge it. I have not used a Conrad/WA credit because it has been many years since I had the opportunity to stay at one. Just no opportunity - I don’t travel with a credit in mind. One day I am sure it will happen, but even without it the card is profitable for me.
Would be good to know more about your travel style. International or domestic? Resorts or roadside Hampton Inn?
Welcome to Flyertalk!
Hello! I'd say a mix of both. A few domestic trips a year, something international every 2-3 years. 5-10 nights a year typically. Maybe one of those trips is a Hampton inn, another two are probably a resort/embassy suites type place. Never travel for work, we make an OK income, nothing like most of the users on here. So I want to make sure what we do gets us some travel back - I think I am between the Aspire and the venture one X.