When to Use a Free Night
 

My apologies if I missed a post speaking to this issue......anyone have any thoughts on when to use a free cert versus when to use points? Is there a point line at which a free cert is the better deal?

How much do you value your points?

Invariablly it will come down to what you decide is best for your situation.

LOL, thanks, I suspected as much. I had hoped, though, a comparison of its mean value was floating around at FT.

My situation is a relatively minor point transaction, however, I like to get everything I can out of my HH stays. I have 2 nights at 25k per night coming up in February. I have 6 certs and 550k points (and will likely tack on another 100k by end of January). My instinct was to use points to book it (which I did). On second thought: A) the certs do expire somewhat quickly B) in that "expire" time I probably have only a 65% chance of a vacation at a pricier location......so, generally, using the certs first seems the safe play.

I would use certs even thought you are not getting best bang for buck from them. Reasons:
1) As you state, they expire
2) I find the more points you have the more valuable they become as you can get longer stays for less points e.g. VIP rewards etc
3) You can always convert points to something else e.g. miles or gifts, certs can only be used for stays.

Personally I value the certs at at least 50K. I usually use them in Cat 7 hotels- if not for DH and I then to give as gifts to relatives