I was in the Hilton Honors as well As Starwoood programs from 1996 to 2005. All good programs. Then in 2006 I decided to try Hotwire for all my Hotel travel. Saved the company $22K this year which came back to me in a bonus, which is worth far more money in my pocket than the Hotel Programs are. Cash has no blackout dates. No I do not work for Hotwire but when I can stay at the same I was staying for $69 to $89 versus the $129 to $199 I would have paid just so I earn points it does not make business sense to be part of these hotel programs, its to expensive.