I'd agree with TrojanHorse on this one. If its early in the year and I'm still concerned about keeping my top tier status for the following year I'd definately go for the points (i.e.: I go to Charlotte quite often & work 'uptown'--yet to keep my Starwood Plt status, I'll stay at the 'less than desirable Four Points', rather than one of the closer higher quality hotels). But later in the year--as in last week, I went for the Marriott City Center Club floor (where I'm not even silver--but have points to add on to). Which basically means I'll go for points/stays before really deluxe accomocations.