Every year we have an annual gathering in the Houston area that offers "conference rates" at various hotels. I always make a point to choose Hilton-affiliated properties, both for the benefits and the points.

This year's conference was in Galveston, and the Hilton was one of several properties offering conference rates. However for the first time, a conference rate was supposedly non-qualifying, as no points were posted. I was sure it was a mistake, but an email verified that this is supposedly non-qualifying.

I understand the thing with wholesale packages, blind bidding, etc., but for a posted rate for a major conference to be non-qualifying for points - I am sort of speechless.

I'm hoping someone will tell me that it is probably a glitch, and maybe give me a good place to turn for resolution.l

If Hilton is starting to pull stunts like this, it may be time to change programs before attending my next event like this. Thanks for any thoughts from more experienced travelers! ^

It would depend on the rate that was negotiated. If your group negotiated a rate that was not able to earn points, your beef should be with your group and not Hilton. It probably fell into the group rate category. Whenever there is a discount rate, you need to check to see if it's able to earn points or not to avoid any surprises.

Specifically excluded from the definition of "stay" are the following types of ineligible stays: wholesale/tour operator packages; contracted crew rates; travel agency discount rates; Team Member Travel rates, Hilton Family Travel Rates; stays secured utilizing Hilton Grand Vacations Club and Hilton Club timeshare programs, Hilton Grand Vacations marketing packages with a sales presentation requirement; complimentary or barter rooms; Reward Stays (as defined herein); NET Group rates; Series Group or IT Group rates; contracted Entertainment or Encore rates; third party websites bookings (irrespective of rate paid); and "opaque" channel bookings where the brand may or may not be known at the time of purchase.

The terms of the contract with the conference will determine if points/stay credit are allowed or not. Often the contract may include certain hotel services (breakout rooms, food, beverages) based upon attendees paying a higher rate. This can reduce or eliminate conference registration fees.

Check with the conference organizers to see if this is the case. If it isn't and the hotel insists it is, maybe a different property is in order for future business. Knowing ahead may help you determine if you should book the conference rate (although they may do a name match) or even stay at the same property.

Hilton also offers Event Planner options to earn points, and you can also attempt negotiating with the property sales staff.

You can often book conference rate on hilton.com with the appropriate codes. I have found that booking on hilton.com always gives points.

Thanks - worth checking out!

Just an update - doing an inquiry via the form on the web page resulted in an explanation that the "zero points/credit" was correct. Following up with an email achieved a one-time satisfactory resolution.

I will watch my assumptions big time from here on out...

R

Any rate bookable on the hilton website is eligible for points and stay credit. If you had to book via a TA or a special booking center, then these are usually considered group rates and non-eligible.

Interesting followup to the followup. I have already booked my 2013 stay for this same conference at the property in Downtown Houston, and asked the telephone agent if this rate earned points, and she said it did. I went ahead and forwarded a copy of the reservation to the hhonors email address to ask them to confirm that as well. I received a response today with the following:

The booking will be eligible for HHonors earnings. Conference rates that are paid by the member are eligible for earnings. The exception would be bookings that are paid with a Master Bill. The other booking was noted incorrectly as an ineligible stay rate but it should have posted as eligible without your follow up. I apologize for the inconvenience.

So if you are having similar issues with receiving credit for a stay, you might ask more than once. Just sayin'l...