<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by eastwest:
I think I would split it down the middle. Having the opportunity to stay in some extraordinary properties on someone else's money is not to be passed up!
If you could "work this angle," I would stay in chain hotels during the early part of the year (to build up points and status) and then stay in some of the more unique properties later on.
Why not get some of the best of both worlds?</font>
My approach exactly!
I am treating my family (12 total) to free first class flights and rooms in Hawaii this Spring. In no way could I have afforded to gift this way if I had not collected points/miles.
IF there are truly (heads and shoulders above) extraordinary properties I would stay there.
My most recent example was staying at the Horned Dorsett in Rincon, Puerto Rico. Just divine!!!!