2013 Changes to HH Reward Stays, new cat., more pts needed
#721
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
Programs: Delta DM & MM, Hilton DM, Marriott gold, Hyatt Globalist, Alaska 75K, Wyndham Diamond,
Posts: 15,399
This is the camp I'm in too. It seems pretty clear that if you call right now you are going to get one of two answers -- that AXON is going away or that something new is coming in the next week or few days. What good is it going to do for people to keep calling and post "I got answer A" or "I got answer B"?
Same with the citi certs question. Mommypoints runs an affiliate link for the card and so she has doubtlessly has contacts materially different from Hilton line supervisors. Unless and until told otherwise, I'm going with her post. Her contacts, presumably, are citi not hilton contacts. It's their product, so I'm thinking they would know. They also have the most incentive to get hilton to play ball, since they've been selling the card with the promise of free nights and if people who earned a free night with $10k spend before the changes were announced are limited in where they can book, citi is going to have a serious problem on its hands.
But ultimately, we'll know when we'll know. It's not going to change my behavior one way or the other. In the next month, I'm going to book every AXON I theoretically might need. If something almost as good comes along, I'll see what's what when it does.
Same with the citi certs question. Mommypoints runs an affiliate link for the card and so she has doubtlessly has contacts materially different from Hilton line supervisors. Unless and until told otherwise, I'm going with her post. Her contacts, presumably, are citi not hilton contacts. It's their product, so I'm thinking they would know. They also have the most incentive to get hilton to play ball, since they've been selling the card with the promise of free nights and if people who earned a free night with $10k spend before the changes were announced are limited in where they can book, citi is going to have a serious problem on its hands.
But ultimately, we'll know when we'll know. It's not going to change my behavior one way or the other. In the next month, I'm going to book every AXON I theoretically might need. If something almost as good comes along, I'll see what's what when it does.
Seems like no one at the diamond desk knows anymore about what is going on than anyone here since we all get different answers.
I am REALLY surprised that the devaluation didn't get leaked by any websites before the email from Hilton came out.
#722
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Norway, Maine
Programs: United Silver and HH Diamond
Posts: 1,474
I think the entire discussion related to the AXON award and the Amex card should be made a separate thread. It only involves holders of the credit card. It is entirely separate from the creation of new categories and and the changing of hotel categories for various hotels.
#723
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: UK
Programs: BA S, VS S, SQ G, HH D, IHG D/A, Marriott G, Radisson G, Hertz PC
Posts: 3,945
I think the entire discussion related to the AXON award and the Amex card should be made a separate thread. It only involves holders of the credit card. It is entirely separate from the creation of new categories and and the changing of hotel categories for various hotels.
#724
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Northern California
Programs: Inf Elite CO, lifetime AA Platinum
Posts: 1,937
Aghhh. I just checked the Doubletree New York Times Square for later this year. Going up from 50,000 pts/night to 95,000 pts/night. I was working on moving my Amex points to HHonors (through an airline program to maximize the exchange). Not any more.
#725
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 13
Called Diamond desk last week and the rep said she had not heard from anyone regarding the devaluation and that it was going to be a good change for diamond members. Ha! I am not that amused. I went ahead and booked AXON awards for Christmas for the Conrad Maldives, Hilton Seychelles and Hilton Mauritius. All were at 37.5k a night...a great deal. At 95k/night I am not sure. FYI - Looks like availability at those resorts are now limited over the holidays.
#726
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,722
What's really stupid is that they have alienated their active revenue source to fix a problem -- credit card churners and VR abusers -- that could be easily fixed by limiting the number of times one obtains bonus points one receives when filing a credit card application for the AMEX/Citi HHonors product, and do as the Chase Marriott does and limit the bonus points to a one time thing.
Instead, those who actually stay in their hotels are bearing the brunt of this devaluation equally with those who caused it in the first place.
Instead, those who actually stay in their hotels are bearing the brunt of this devaluation equally with those who caused it in the first place.
Unfortunately not all of us are able to book as far as out 2014; either because our travel dates are not set or we're short of points to book the AXON right now. I agree with the PP that the number of visitors will drop after next month.
However that will only mean less people redeeming points, may even increase the number of people paying cash, so I'm not sure that the properties will care.
However that will only mean less people redeeming points, may even increase the number of people paying cash, so I'm not sure that the properties will care.
Hilton is in the business to make money, I would like to believe that some extensive research went in to this decision.
First and foremost, they may have determined that Diamonds and Golds value bennies like free WiFi, breakfasts, upgrades (particularly for award, leisure stays) more than stays at exotic resorts for below market redemptions..
First and foremost, they may have determined that Diamonds and Golds value bennies like free WiFi, breakfasts, upgrades (particularly for award, leisure stays) more than stays at exotic resorts for below market redemptions..
As for elites I don't think you can say one size fits all. Personally I find most of the perks to be useless. However I really do value the ability to book free rooms at expensive properties that I would not otherwise be able to afford, particularly during peak periods and last minute flexibility. That's top priority to me, and it is being massively devalued at Marriott, Hilton and Priority Club (and to some extent at SPG due to C+P changes). So I will be looking at Hyatt, and will be opening a Hyatt Chase account as well.
#727
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 11,593
Called Diamond desk last week and the rep said she had not heard from anyone regarding the devaluation and that it was going to be a good change for diamond members. Ha! I am not that amused. I went ahead and booked AXON awards for Christmas for the Conrad Maldives, Hilton Seychelles and Hilton Mauritius. All were at 37.5k a night...a great deal. At 95k/night I am not sure. FYI - Looks like availability at those resorts are now limited over the holidays.
#728
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: HHonors
Posts: 2
The change really isnt that much at most places. As the cost of doing business rises, so does the cost of the "free" amenities and the point programs. What is not known to many is the hotels are required to pay Hilton for each member that stays at the hotel. They are charged for each member they sign up for the program. If there are AAA or AARP discounts given there is an additional fee the hotel must pay. There are fees and taxes for being able to run a credit card. The cost of cleaning supplies, linens, fixtures, furniture, food orders, wages, etc have increased. Its business 101, when the cost of running the business rises, the charge for the service must rise to stay profitable. Each award stay or Points and Pay stay ends up costing the hotel rather than them making any money on it. I am just thankful there is an award program at all so I get a little back for what I spend with them each year.
#729
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: NC
Programs: IHG PC - Plat, HHonors - Gold, Marriott - Plat
Posts: 329
I emailed HH concerning the Citi certs just wondering what type of response I would get. The reply was interesting in that she told me the limits on the certificate as stated and the timing of the category changes, but what was interesting was her response that what categories the certificate is good for is a Citi decision, not a HH decision. I guess I incorrectly assumed that HH decided at what level the certificates would good for. Here is some of the email response:
"I sincerely apologize for any confusion. The promotional certificates can be applied for any category 1-7 hotels and the Waldorf Collection for one night. The certificate is NOT accepted at Hilton Grand Vacation hotels, All-Inclusive hotels, the Embassy Suites Kingston Plantation Condos or at the Hilton Royale Palms. Unfortunately, we haven't been informed from Visa if they are going to make any changes on the categories. "
"I sincerely apologize for any confusion. The promotional certificates can be applied for any category 1-7 hotels and the Waldorf Collection for one night. The certificate is NOT accepted at Hilton Grand Vacation hotels, All-Inclusive hotels, the Embassy Suites Kingston Plantation Condos or at the Hilton Royale Palms. Unfortunately, we haven't been informed from Visa if they are going to make any changes on the categories. "
#730
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,720
Don't you just love this coordination between HHonors and their credit card vendor?
More importantly, don't you just love the proactive communication between HHonors and its membership on matters pertaining to their continued membership in the program?
Thanks, NCGator, for pointing out yet another miserable way HHonors has failed us -- of course, we still don't have any official word from a HHonors rep what is to be come of the Citi certs as well as the AXON certs, and yet, there was an official rep from HHonors who sometimes posts in this forum.
More importantly, don't you just love the proactive communication between HHonors and its membership on matters pertaining to their continued membership in the program?
Thanks, NCGator, for pointing out yet another miserable way HHonors has failed us -- of course, we still don't have any official word from a HHonors rep what is to be come of the Citi certs as well as the AXON certs, and yet, there was an official rep from HHonors who sometimes posts in this forum.
#731
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: PHX
Posts: 4,787
I emailed HH concerning the Citi certs just wondering what type of response I would get. The reply was interesting in that she told me the limits on the certificate as stated and the timing of the category changes, but what was interesting was her response that what categories the certificate is good for is a Citi decision, not a HH decision. I guess I incorrectly assumed that HH decided at what level the certificates would good for. Here is some of the email response:
"I sincerely apologize for any confusion. The promotional certificates can be applied for any category 1-7 hotels and the Waldorf Collection for one night. The certificate is NOT accepted at Hilton Grand Vacation hotels, All-Inclusive hotels, the Embassy Suites Kingston Plantation Condos or at the Hilton Royale Palms. Unfortunately, we haven't been informed from Visa if they are going to make any changes on the categories. "
"I sincerely apologize for any confusion. The promotional certificates can be applied for any category 1-7 hotels and the Waldorf Collection for one night. The certificate is NOT accepted at Hilton Grand Vacation hotels, All-Inclusive hotels, the Embassy Suites Kingston Plantation Condos or at the Hilton Royale Palms. Unfortunately, we haven't been informed from Visa if they are going to make any changes on the categories. "
#732
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Nashville, TN - BNA
Programs: Hilton Gold, WN RR
Posts: 1,818
I strongly feel they should have rewarded loyal Hilton patrons with some sort of equitable adjustment on accrued points.
My example: -- if you earn interest on a bank account and the interest rate goes from 3% to 1%, they don't go back and retro actively take all the intest you earned at 3% back.
My example: -- if you earn interest on a bank account and the interest rate goes from 3% to 1%, they don't go back and retro actively take all the intest you earned at 3% back.
The premium room devaluation hit at the end of the year after I had hoarded points all *that* year. Just starting to feel like Charlie Brown with a football - as soon as I get close to an award, the goalpost gets moved.
Also had a super bad experience at a very expensive Waldorf in Key West...just getting tired of Hilton's indifference generally. Will cut back on my Surpass spend (if not cancel the card entirely)... probably will move at least a few stays to Priceline.
#733
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: From ORK, live LCY
Programs: BA Silver, EI Silver, HH Gold, BW Gold, ABP, Seigneur des Horaires des Mucci
Posts: 14,217
I think the entire discussion related to the AXON award and the Amex card should be made a separate thread. It only involves holders of the credit card. It is entirely separate from the creation of new categories and and the changing of hotel categories for various hotels.
You still have another month and a day to book at 50,000 points per night (or whatever other special rate you may be entitled to).
#734
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Notts UK
Programs: HH Diamond BA Blue
Posts: 185
Yes please. There are plenty of members who do not have and cannot get either of the credit cards and the signal/noise ratio isn't very good for them.
+1 ^
+1 ^
#735
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,905
And Hilton has now done it twice - in 2 years.