Thinking of jumping onto Hilton
Jun 6, 2019, 1:12 pm
#16
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: DAY
Programs: Rapid Rewards, Skymiles, Hilton HHonors, SPG/Marriott Rewards
Posts: 4,941
Looking not just at the past quarter, there is almost always a Hilton promotion going on. There are many times where Marriott has nothing, including right now if I am not mistaken.
Jun 7, 2019, 6:08 am
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2019
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Amex Plat, National Elite
Posts: 115
Jun 7, 2019, 6:10 am
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2019
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Amex Plat, National Elite
Posts: 115
Also correct, While I am relatively new to Hilton, I have realized that Marriott promotion is on and off. I do intend to hit every single Marriott promotion though.
Jun 7, 2019, 9:17 am
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: RSW
Programs: Delta - Silver; UA - Silver; HHonors - Diamond; IHG - Spire Ambassador; Marriott Bonvoy - Titanium
Posts: 14,185
Also, Hilton gives credit for points stays, both full points and cash co-pay, as eligible for promotion credit.
Jun 8, 2019, 6:45 am
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2019
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Amex Plat, National Elite
Posts: 115
Jun 8, 2019, 12:35 pm
#22
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Atlanta Metro
Programs: DL , AC, BA, Hhonors Diamond, IH Platinum, Bonvoy Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,351
The only thing that really matters is the proportions of the amount of spend relative to redemption. You didn't have to do much to earn those 100K Thai Baht. You have to do a LOT to get 100K USD. Same thing with these affinity programs. Hilton redemptions may cost more points, but their points are easier to get in large quantities. So, how much spend does it take to earn the number of points needed for a redemption at comparable properties? Maybe Hilton demands 80K for a Hilton property, and Marriott only 60K for a comparable Marriott property--but if you paid to stay at both (let's pretend they have identical rates), you might well earn many more points at the Hilton. So you're getting (for the sake of argument) 1 million Thai Baht for your stay at Hilton, but only $100 USD for your stay at Marriott.
So, how you earn them is not only relevant--it's also critical. The artificially monetized value of each point is the thing that is actually irrelevant.
Jun 10, 2019, 12:44 pm
#23
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
I'm also Titanium and Diamond.
Pros for Hilton: Points and stays post far more reliably. Good footprint (similar to Marriott's in fact) in that you can find hotels in secondary and tertiary cities if that's something you need.
Cons for Hilton: Upgrades for Diamonds are incredibly rare. Late checkout benefit is nonexistent. No choice benefits like Marriott Platinum and Titanium.
Diamond is pretty easy to keep so I'm able to maintain both but if you're coming from Marriott with the exception of the Hilton IT being better, prepare for disappointment.
Pros for Hilton: Points and stays post far more reliably. Good footprint (similar to Marriott's in fact) in that you can find hotels in secondary and tertiary cities if that's something you need.
Cons for Hilton: Upgrades for Diamonds are incredibly rare. Late checkout benefit is nonexistent. No choice benefits like Marriott Platinum and Titanium.
Diamond is pretty easy to keep so I'm able to maintain both but if you're coming from Marriott with the exception of the Hilton IT being better, prepare for disappointment.
Jun 12, 2019, 3:52 am
#24
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: bne
Programs: Velocity Gold, AIRNZ Elite, Qantas Silver ,Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,319
I'm also Titanium and Diamond.
Pros for Hilton: Points and stays post far more reliably. Good footprint (similar to Marriott's in fact) in that you can find hotels in secondary and tertiary cities if that's something you need.
Cons for Hilton: Upgrades for Diamonds are incredibly rare. Late checkout benefit is nonexistent. No choice benefits like Marriott Platinum and Titanium.
Diamond is pretty easy to keep so I'm able to maintain both but if you're coming from Marriott with the exception of the Hilton IT being better, prepare for disappointment.
Pros for Hilton: Points and stays post far more reliably. Good footprint (similar to Marriott's in fact) in that you can find hotels in secondary and tertiary cities if that's something you need.
Cons for Hilton: Upgrades for Diamonds are incredibly rare. Late checkout benefit is nonexistent. No choice benefits like Marriott Platinum and Titanium.
Diamond is pretty easy to keep so I'm able to maintain both but if you're coming from Marriott with the exception of the Hilton IT being better, prepare for disappointment.
In Asia almost every stay is upgraded and 3pm checkout approved
Jun 14, 2019, 8:29 am
#25
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Jun 14, 2019, 9:25 am
#26
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: United Arab Emirates & Arizona, USA
Programs: UA MM/1P, EK Au, QR, TK, Marriott Life Ti, Hilton Dia, IC Dia, Hyatt Glob, Accor Pt, Shangri-La
Posts: 4,521
Not a great analogy because the OP is comparing points earned per dollar spent, so there is a nominal basis of comparison between the two programs.
I haven't analyzed it extensively, but I have been lifetime top-tier (now Titanium) on Marriott for years and Hilton Diamond off and on, including currently, and find Marriott points significantly more valuable.
I haven't analyzed it extensively, but I have been lifetime top-tier (now Titanium) on Marriott for years and Hilton Diamond off and on, including currently, and find Marriott points significantly more valuable.
Last edited by mecabq; Jun 14, 2019 at 11:07 am
Jun 14, 2019, 9:29 am
#27
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Boston
Programs: Marriott Platinum, Jet Blue, UAL, IH G Platinum Ambassador, Hilton Gold
Posts: 36
I recently joined Hilton Honors and got the AE Ascend card mainly because I wanted to stay at the Conrad in Fort Lauderdale. Had a great stay and more than made up for the $95 fee for the credit card. So I thought I’d try the new Homewood Suites in Providence. The corner room looked good and was about $10 more expensive than the basic room. The basic room was 50000 points - but the upgraded room was 111,000 points. This doesn’t make sense at all and has caused me to rethink this whole program. I ended up booking the Renaissance which I know from past experience is very nice.