Although I would not have taken advantage of a $0 rate at Hilton prior to the publication of Jane's article, her report has proved to be most enlightening.

Apparently Hilton has decided to treat these "prices" as true room rates and therefore, if I ever happen to see such a rate at a Hilton family hotel I will now book it because of their business practice.

Arguments about the presence or a lack of consideration are now beyond the point, as Hilton has manifestly "advertised" that these rates are valid. As such, they are now bound by that business practice and better had hope that their filter really works. I, for one, now have no compunction about booking such a rate and expecting Hilton to honor it.

I have to admit that we have all those List people to thank for this, even though I personally think that Hilton is quite foolish with respect to that business decsion.

However, I still think that the individual who booked 300 rooms (at various properties?) is a bit much, and I would be careful that Hilton does not revoke their HHonors membership over their ultimatum.