I think this is FANTASTIC!!! ^ ^ ^

I have very few hotel points, but I have more United miles than you can shake a stick at. United is really smart in doing this because I am much more likely to take a trip now. I'm much more likely to take a trip (and pay for airfare and get miles) since the cost of lodging usually way outstrips the airfare. Also, the ability to have a completely free vacation sounds great! And the cost of a mileage run where one has to spend at least one night has also gone down--in fact, now perhaps I'll make a mini-vacation out of it.

I love the fact that only 1Ks can do this (for now)--it gives me an incentive to maintain my status.

For those who complain that the "cost" is too high, are there more efficient alternatives to convert United miles into free car rentals and hotel stays?