It is super easy. I earned one Friday after my CC nights posted. Had a stay Sunday night on pts at a HP, and the 2K extra points posted with my 1 night credit on Monday. I got the second 2K award Monday after my stay that ended Sunday posted, and will have a HP stay Wednesday this week for work where I will get the 2K points. I will always have a few HP/HH nights over the next few months, so my concern about picking up the points naturally is zero. And I don't mind spending 3500-5000 pts for a place to sleep and a night credit towards status (and the next reward).

I don't like to stay at HPs and HHs much either, though my experiences with the limited budget properties of the other major brands have been pretty consistently worse by comparison. So, if I want/need a cheap stay, I do prefer HH/HP.