Hilton or Mariott
Apr 10, 2009 | 5:15 am
#16
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Potomac Falls, VA
Programs: AA Plat 2MM, MR Gold, Avis Pref
Posts: 41,109
I don't doubt the posters results below but I find that to be a bit of a stretch for the general redemption process regarding HI's... I had 3 nights during a prime period at the Hampton Inn Hermosa beach for 25K per night.. so paying 35K (& IMHO saying often is quite a misleading statement) is the outlier here.
im also confused on the 50% bonus. it was 30% until 3 months ago so its really only a 20% increase. HH Diamonds get a 50% bonus as well plus the my way would allow for another 50% or in essence 20 pts per dollar..that IMHO beats 15 points per dollar.. of course both have credit cards to add to this point total
I'm not sure what DL has to do with this other than that DL bonus but one does not have to choose that bonus as you can take the points instead.
Contrary to what the poster says about a CY, yes there are some for 10K if you like Fargo in December.. but the majority of them are definitely greater than 10K.. so another misleading statement in my opinion.
so to the OP, don't just use this post as a basis for your decision or you are sure to be disappointed
im also confused on the 50% bonus. it was 30% until 3 months ago so its really only a 20% increase. HH Diamonds get a 50% bonus as well plus the my way would allow for another 50% or in essence 20 pts per dollar..that IMHO beats 15 points per dollar.. of course both have credit cards to add to this point total
I'm not sure what DL has to do with this other than that DL bonus but one does not have to choose that bonus as you can take the points instead.
Contrary to what the poster says about a CY, yes there are some for 10K if you like Fargo in December.. but the majority of them are definitely greater than 10K.. so another misleading statement in my opinion.
so to the OP, don't just use this post as a basis for your decision or you are sure to be disappointed
Clearly on the Marriott board I prefer them, but as one who also did some research before banking in. Getting a 50% point bonus as a Plat means a lot more to me than the HH option. The "miles or points" doesn't appeal to me b/c the points aren't as good as a 50% bonus and I fly enough DL to earn plenty of miles on them on my own.
Also, for similar properties, Marriott points go a LOT farther. Hilton often charges 35K for a Hampton Inn. Marriott's similar property, the Courtyard, goes for 10K a night. Both programs are 10 points per dollar spent. So I can earn free nights a whole heck of a lot faster on MR than HH.
Like others have said - if you plan to primarily travel internationally on points, another program might be better. MR and HH still predominantly have higher end hotels in major intl cities only. Priority Club has the "lower end", Holiday Inn available in many intl cities saving points for nights when you don't need swank digs.
All said, I stay 10 nights at Hilton per year to keep some status, even though only silver. I stay enough nights (usually with a promo) to keep Gold at SPG, Plat with Priority and Plat with Marriott (yeah, I know, I'm never home!). So I share 'em around but tend to prefer Marriott for rewards redemption in major intl cities.
Also, for similar properties, Marriott points go a LOT farther. Hilton often charges 35K for a Hampton Inn. Marriott's similar property, the Courtyard, goes for 10K a night. Both programs are 10 points per dollar spent. So I can earn free nights a whole heck of a lot faster on MR than HH.
Like others have said - if you plan to primarily travel internationally on points, another program might be better. MR and HH still predominantly have higher end hotels in major intl cities only. Priority Club has the "lower end", Holiday Inn available in many intl cities saving points for nights when you don't need swank digs.
All said, I stay 10 nights at Hilton per year to keep some status, even though only silver. I stay enough nights (usually with a promo) to keep Gold at SPG, Plat with Priority and Plat with Marriott (yeah, I know, I'm never home!). So I share 'em around but tend to prefer Marriott for rewards redemption in major intl cities.
Apr 10, 2009 | 7:02 am
#17
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NC
Programs: Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 2,881
Mort stated: "If you make your decision based on quantity and quality of options, you'll be happier in the long run....."
I would add "based on the quantity and quality of options THAT YOU WILL USE.........."
Some programs have options that other FT'ers adore, and I could care the least about. I feel certain the reverse is also true. Picking what you will enjoy and use is far more important than solely selecting on points.
I would add "based on the quantity and quality of options THAT YOU WILL USE.........."
Some programs have options that other FT'ers adore, and I could care the least about. I feel certain the reverse is also true. Picking what you will enjoy and use is far more important than solely selecting on points.
Apr 10, 2009 | 7:11 am
#18
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: MCO
Programs: DL-DM/1MM, HILTON-DIA, .HYATT-DIA/GLOB , IHG-PLT,HERTZ 5*, NATIONAL ES
Posts: 8,700
Free golf...that's pretty sweet! Was it part of a promotion or is it part of that property's policy for Gold or Platinum guests?
The ability to qualify on stays is definitely important to some: Starwood and HHonors have it; Marriott does not.
The Marriott Rewards Visa available in the US was updated about two years ago to include 15 elite-qualifying nights instead of the previous comp Silver. This brings Gold down to 35 "real" nights and Plat down to 60. That said, I don't know how many markets have that option: I still see the "old" Marriott Visa marketed in Europe.
Yeah, consistency is a double-edged sword. On one hand, I know I can book a Marriott sight unseen and have a good idea what I'm going to get. It is very rare that I walk into a Marriott and think "Wow, this place is really hip, edgy, and full of character." (Hold your laughs...
) It's more like "OK, this Marriott feels a lot like the one in Minneapolis, the one in Tulsa, the ones in Chicago, the ones in Dallas, etc." I feel this way even when I'm walking into one of their Category 8 properties in London. I'm confident that as a Plat they won't screw up my reservation or room, but I'm not going to be inspired.
Marriott spins the Renaissance brand as their edgier brand, and there are some cool Renaissances out there. (The one in London is very good.) But there are also a bunch that look and feel like, well, Marriotts...
All of this said, my problem with Hilton in the consistency department is that they allow some rather shabby hotels to wear the mainline Hilton and Doubletree brands. I'm much less likely to book a Hilton sight unseen. I feel the need to research it more and find out if people actually like the hotel.
The ability to qualify on stays is definitely important to some: Starwood and HHonors have it; Marriott does not.
The Marriott Rewards Visa available in the US was updated about two years ago to include 15 elite-qualifying nights instead of the previous comp Silver. This brings Gold down to 35 "real" nights and Plat down to 60. That said, I don't know how many markets have that option: I still see the "old" Marriott Visa marketed in Europe.
Yeah, consistency is a double-edged sword. On one hand, I know I can book a Marriott sight unseen and have a good idea what I'm going to get. It is very rare that I walk into a Marriott and think "Wow, this place is really hip, edgy, and full of character." (Hold your laughs...
) It's more like "OK, this Marriott feels a lot like the one in Minneapolis, the one in Tulsa, the ones in Chicago, the ones in Dallas, etc." I feel this way even when I'm walking into one of their Category 8 properties in London. I'm confident that as a Plat they won't screw up my reservation or room, but I'm not going to be inspired.Marriott spins the Renaissance brand as their edgier brand, and there are some cool Renaissances out there. (The one in London is very good.) But there are also a bunch that look and feel like, well, Marriotts...
All of this said, my problem with Hilton in the consistency department is that they allow some rather shabby hotels to wear the mainline Hilton and Doubletree brands. I'm much less likely to book a Hilton sight unseen. I feel the need to research it more and find out if people actually like the hotel.
Apr 10, 2009 | 7:16 am
#19
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Potomac Falls, VA
Programs: AA Plat 2MM, MR Gold, Avis Pref
Posts: 41,109
Apr 10, 2009 | 8:57 am
#20
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 993
I have redeemed points for Marriott cat 1 or 2 hotels and been surprised how nice they are. Mind you, I am just looking for a room and nothing like a resort. But it is nice to spend like 40k to 75k and get 5 nights hotel. My feeling is Marriott points go a lot farther if one shops.
Apr 11, 2009 | 9:29 am
#21
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Roseville, CA
Programs: Lifetime Plat Marriott
Posts: 1,379
Easier to obtain/maintain status w/Hilton...
This has been a real issue for me--Marriott vs Hilton in the last two years. I'm still a die-hard Hilton, but for whatever reason, Hilton has just been less generous with allowing a true state rate (not a gov't rate--those are almost always higher).
Case in point....going to Woodland Hills next week. The Hilton (which I have always really liked--mostly because of the awesome gym and nice lounge) won't even budget to the state rate. Marriott @ Warner Center did budge...they allowed all 4 of us to get the state rate--Hilton didn't care...said "no." Same thing for the next week, this time downtown LA. Hilton Checkers--no way....no paultry state rate for you guys. Downtown LA Marriott--heck, I didn't even have to call and beg for the rate...it was right on line!
Incidentially, I will say this about Marriott. When it comes to exec lounge at a FS Marriott vs. a FS Hilton, from my limited experience (in the states anyway), Marriott kicks a**. It kind of feels like the Hilton exec lounges that we go to OUT of the states! Just spent a week at the San Mateo Marriott Airport....wow. What service. And the exec lounge? Total quality over crap quantity! And while breakfast is wasted on me (just give me some fresh fruit and yogurt)....the breakfast provided in the FS Marriott's would satisfy anyone. Everyday, they had bacon (some of the leanest bacon I'd ever seen), sausage, some sort of egg mcmuffins, lox, capers, asparagus wrapped in melon and prociutti (sp) and hard boiled eggs (yes!!!!), some of the best fresh mango I've ever tasted on the planet, danishes, cereals, etc. That said, I just grabbed a couple hard boiled eggs and fresh mango, but my point is that I haven't seen a FS Hilton have a spread like this in a very long time...and certainly, none in the states (anyone else?).
I hope I don't lose my Diamond w/Hilton this year, but I don't know if I will be able to maintain my Gold w/Marriott. Marriott doesn't play that night or stay game--like another poster pointed out, it is nights, PERIOD. So basically, don't bother with a "mattress run" to help you out toward the end of a CY. With Hilton, if you are getting close to a status, you can break up a week stay and get 2, 3 or 4 nights (whatever your energy level or need may be) out one one week's stay. Also, Marriott does not count you award nights toward your status--Hilton does.
I have read where others say they can earn points much faster w/Marriott. I don't get this. It simply does not apply to my case. As Diamond w/Hilton, I get a 50% bonus, plus another 50% bonus because I have selected "My Way." And of course, then I use my AMEX Hilton and earn that way. And for the poster that used 35k points @ a Hampton....I would just say, why? That's like a bag of apples costing $5.00, but if you pull one out and by it singlely, you pay $3.50! They may just not understand how to use points or have so many points to burn that it doesn't matter. I can't even imagine a time where I would use Marriott or Hilton points for anything other than an award so to use points for a night here or there, for me, is just a really bad way to burn points.
I don't like that when I stay at a Residence Inn, I only get 50% points because it is considered an "extended stay." The Homewood Suites is pretty much identical and they don't give you less points.
Someone already mentioned the issue with the elites not getting perks @ Marriott resort properties...Hilton doesn't do that. The only time where you are not provided the breakfast is at the Waldorf properties. Although recently, they have changed the rules as it relates to access to the executive lounge--great if you are a Diamond--not so good if you are a Gold. It used to be Gold's and Diamond's were treated pretty much first come first serve, and depending on occupancy, etc., some Gold's would get access and some Diamond's would be denied. That doesn't happen anymore. Diamond's are guaranteed access to the Exec Lounge, period. Gold's--maybe yes, maybe no, depending on availability.
Hilton status was based on a rolling tier (not a calendar year) for a few years until this last year. It was a bummer. I wouldn't even be worried about losing my Diamond w/Hilton had they stayed on the rolling tier. But now that they have reverted to a calendar year, it's a fight to the finish for me.
I really don't know what this year will hold. I have the Visa that will give me 15 nights toward my status, which Hilton does not, but I don't need that with Hilton because they allow award stays and stays and/or nights to count so I have a couple of options toward the time where I have to figure out how to maintain my status.
One of the reasons I even started to stay w/Marriott nearly two years ago was because of the same exact reason I described above--Hilton was not budging on the state rate and the Marriott properties seem to be more giving when it came to state rate. Trust me, there are times when I wouldn't mind paying a little more for a nice Hilton, but I travel in groups and if we are sharing a car, you really need to stay at the same property, and my coworkers are not going to pay any additional out of pocket expenses if they do not absolutely have to. In California, we have already taken a huge hit with a mandated two-day furlough. My spouse works for the state as well and that is $600+ net less every month, so no one I know is going to pay more just to get that Hilton!
It will be interesting to see what happens this year. I may end up downgrading to Gold with Hilton, but possibly holding on to my Gold for another year w/Marriott.
Dawn
Case in point....going to Woodland Hills next week. The Hilton (which I have always really liked--mostly because of the awesome gym and nice lounge) won't even budget to the state rate. Marriott @ Warner Center did budge...they allowed all 4 of us to get the state rate--Hilton didn't care...said "no." Same thing for the next week, this time downtown LA. Hilton Checkers--no way....no paultry state rate for you guys. Downtown LA Marriott--heck, I didn't even have to call and beg for the rate...it was right on line!
Incidentially, I will say this about Marriott. When it comes to exec lounge at a FS Marriott vs. a FS Hilton, from my limited experience (in the states anyway), Marriott kicks a**. It kind of feels like the Hilton exec lounges that we go to OUT of the states! Just spent a week at the San Mateo Marriott Airport....wow. What service. And the exec lounge? Total quality over crap quantity! And while breakfast is wasted on me (just give me some fresh fruit and yogurt)....the breakfast provided in the FS Marriott's would satisfy anyone. Everyday, they had bacon (some of the leanest bacon I'd ever seen), sausage, some sort of egg mcmuffins, lox, capers, asparagus wrapped in melon and prociutti (sp) and hard boiled eggs (yes!!!!), some of the best fresh mango I've ever tasted on the planet, danishes, cereals, etc. That said, I just grabbed a couple hard boiled eggs and fresh mango, but my point is that I haven't seen a FS Hilton have a spread like this in a very long time...and certainly, none in the states (anyone else?).
I hope I don't lose my Diamond w/Hilton this year, but I don't know if I will be able to maintain my Gold w/Marriott. Marriott doesn't play that night or stay game--like another poster pointed out, it is nights, PERIOD. So basically, don't bother with a "mattress run" to help you out toward the end of a CY. With Hilton, if you are getting close to a status, you can break up a week stay and get 2, 3 or 4 nights (whatever your energy level or need may be) out one one week's stay. Also, Marriott does not count you award nights toward your status--Hilton does.
I have read where others say they can earn points much faster w/Marriott. I don't get this. It simply does not apply to my case. As Diamond w/Hilton, I get a 50% bonus, plus another 50% bonus because I have selected "My Way." And of course, then I use my AMEX Hilton and earn that way. And for the poster that used 35k points @ a Hampton....I would just say, why? That's like a bag of apples costing $5.00, but if you pull one out and by it singlely, you pay $3.50! They may just not understand how to use points or have so many points to burn that it doesn't matter. I can't even imagine a time where I would use Marriott or Hilton points for anything other than an award so to use points for a night here or there, for me, is just a really bad way to burn points.
I don't like that when I stay at a Residence Inn, I only get 50% points because it is considered an "extended stay." The Homewood Suites is pretty much identical and they don't give you less points.
Someone already mentioned the issue with the elites not getting perks @ Marriott resort properties...Hilton doesn't do that. The only time where you are not provided the breakfast is at the Waldorf properties. Although recently, they have changed the rules as it relates to access to the executive lounge--great if you are a Diamond--not so good if you are a Gold. It used to be Gold's and Diamond's were treated pretty much first come first serve, and depending on occupancy, etc., some Gold's would get access and some Diamond's would be denied. That doesn't happen anymore. Diamond's are guaranteed access to the Exec Lounge, period. Gold's--maybe yes, maybe no, depending on availability.
Hilton status was based on a rolling tier (not a calendar year) for a few years until this last year. It was a bummer. I wouldn't even be worried about losing my Diamond w/Hilton had they stayed on the rolling tier. But now that they have reverted to a calendar year, it's a fight to the finish for me.
I really don't know what this year will hold. I have the Visa that will give me 15 nights toward my status, which Hilton does not, but I don't need that with Hilton because they allow award stays and stays and/or nights to count so I have a couple of options toward the time where I have to figure out how to maintain my status.
One of the reasons I even started to stay w/Marriott nearly two years ago was because of the same exact reason I described above--Hilton was not budging on the state rate and the Marriott properties seem to be more giving when it came to state rate. Trust me, there are times when I wouldn't mind paying a little more for a nice Hilton, but I travel in groups and if we are sharing a car, you really need to stay at the same property, and my coworkers are not going to pay any additional out of pocket expenses if they do not absolutely have to. In California, we have already taken a huge hit with a mandated two-day furlough. My spouse works for the state as well and that is $600+ net less every month, so no one I know is going to pay more just to get that Hilton!
It will be interesting to see what happens this year. I may end up downgrading to Gold with Hilton, but possibly holding on to my Gold for another year w/Marriott.
Dawn
Apr 11, 2009 | 10:34 am
#22
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
Programs: Marriott lifetime Titanium, Delta Platinum
Posts: 5,485
Just spent a week at the San Mateo Marriott Airport....wow. What service. And the exec lounge? Total quality over crap quantity! And while breakfast is wasted on me (just give me some fresh fruit and yogurt)....the breakfast provided in the FS Marriott's would satisfy anyone. Everyday, they had bacon (some of the leanest bacon I'd ever seen), sausage, some sort of egg mcmuffins, lox, capers, asparagus wrapped in melon and prociutti (sp) and hard boiled eggs (yes!!!!), some of the best fresh mango I've ever tasted on the planet, danishes, cereals, etc.
Dawn
Dawn
Apr 11, 2009 | 12:07 pm
#23
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Northern Ireland
Programs: MR Lifetime Titanium, United Silver
Posts: 625
To clarify I've never found a Hampton Inn for less than 35K a night and I've never paid mroe than 10K a night at a Courtyard - and I cash out MR way more than HH rewards. The only ones I've seen for MR lower end hotels that are higher are in Puerto Rico, Chicago, LA, NYC, etc or other high end locations (I saw a Hampton inn in Johnson city, TN for 35K - ridiculous!).
And I'm also talking plain ole points based off the basis of the program itself as Im required to use my corporate Amex so no bonus points from either credit card program. Marriott gets me farther.
For example, Let's take Waikiki Beach as both have resort properties near each other:
-For this Sunday 13Apr - 18Apr, the following shows up
-Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort - 150K
-Embaassy Suites Waikiki Beach - 240K
-Hilton Waikiki (in town not on the beach) - 240K
Similarly hotels in Dublin, Ireland for the same trip
-Shelbourne (Renaissance) - 150K (and this hotel is on tourist maps it's so swank!)
-Conrad (HH) Dublin - 240K
-Hilton Dublin - 210K
Call me crazy but I'm still confident that my MR points go WAY farther than HH points.
And I'm also talking plain ole points based off the basis of the program itself as Im required to use my corporate Amex so no bonus points from either credit card program. Marriott gets me farther.
For example, Let's take Waikiki Beach as both have resort properties near each other:
-For this Sunday 13Apr - 18Apr, the following shows up
-Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort - 150K
-Embaassy Suites Waikiki Beach - 240K
-Hilton Waikiki (in town not on the beach) - 240K
Similarly hotels in Dublin, Ireland for the same trip
-Shelbourne (Renaissance) - 150K (and this hotel is on tourist maps it's so swank!)
-Conrad (HH) Dublin - 240K
-Hilton Dublin - 210K
Call me crazy but I'm still confident that my MR points go WAY farther than HH points.
Apr 11, 2009 | 3:58 pm
#24
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Saint Paul, MN
Programs: DL Plat, HH Dia, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 327
Apr 11, 2009 | 9:26 pm
#25
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 53,012
For example, Let's take Waikiki Beach...
Of course, the real advice I give is to take the short flight onward to another island - enjoy Marriott Kauai, Ritz Kapalua, Grand Wailea, or Hilton Waikaloa Village. (But that's off-topic I guess...)
Call me crazy but I'm still confident that my MR points go WAY farther than HH points.
But for someone who isn't logging 300k+ MR points every year, they might find it a lot easier to reach the 175k HH level and get more bang for their buck out of the HH program.
Apr 12, 2009 | 9:47 am
#26
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Roseville, CA
Programs: Lifetime Plat Marriott
Posts: 1,379
240K????
To clarify I've never found a Hampton Inn for less than 35K a night and I've never paid mroe than 10K a night at a Courtyard - and I cash out MR way more than HH rewards. The only ones I've seen for MR lower end hotels that are higher are in Puerto Rico, Chicago, LA, NYC, etc or other high end locations (I saw a Hampton inn in Johnson city, TN for 35K - ridiculous!).
And I'm also talking plain ole points based off the basis of the program itself as Im required to use my corporate Amex so no bonus points from either credit card program. Marriott gets me farther.
For example, Let's take Waikiki Beach as both have resort properties near each other:
-For this Sunday 13Apr - 18Apr, the following shows up
-Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort - 150K
-Embaassy Suites Waikiki Beach - 240K
-Hilton Waikiki (in town not on the beach) - 240K
Similarly hotels in Dublin, Ireland for the same trip
-Shelbourne (Renaissance) - 150K (and this hotel is on tourist maps it's so swank!)
-Conrad (HH) Dublin - 240K
-Hilton Dublin - 210K
Call me crazy but I'm still confident that my MR points go WAY farther than HH points.
And I'm also talking plain ole points based off the basis of the program itself as Im required to use my corporate Amex so no bonus points from either credit card program. Marriott gets me farther.
For example, Let's take Waikiki Beach as both have resort properties near each other:
-For this Sunday 13Apr - 18Apr, the following shows up
-Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort - 150K
-Embaassy Suites Waikiki Beach - 240K
-Hilton Waikiki (in town not on the beach) - 240K
Similarly hotels in Dublin, Ireland for the same trip
-Shelbourne (Renaissance) - 150K (and this hotel is on tourist maps it's so swank!)
-Conrad (HH) Dublin - 240K
-Hilton Dublin - 210K
Call me crazy but I'm still confident that my MR points go WAY farther than HH points.
I don't understand the reference to 240K. Six nights at a level 6 property is 175K if you are Gold/Diamond. I would never use 240K points any more than I would spend 35K points at a Hampton for one night!
Gold is practically given away at Hilton....not exactly sure how because I've been Diamond for quite a few years (so I never pay attention), but I see the postings about it all the time.
So even on my actual certificates, I see the reference to 240K points, but if you use a GLONP for the category 6 hotel, you only spend 175K.
I sure hope our office NEVER makes us use the gov't AMEX. That would be absolutely awful. I wonder why they do that. You are the one that has to pay regardless...so why would they care?
Regardless...just trying to clarify the 240K point reference.
Dawn
Apr 12, 2009 | 12:44 pm
#27
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Northern Ireland
Programs: MR Lifetime Titanium, United Silver
Posts: 625
Well the 240K is what shows when I look at how much the properties cost on the HH website with 150K for the Marriott on the exact same beach - and for comparison I was simply bringing up places there's been a buzz about recently - Hawaii for all the honeymooners and Ireland for those who want to get married in a castle 
I'm guessing the higher your status with HH the cheaper the points?!? Wouldn't know since I only maintain silver for late checkout. But on Marriott the property costs the same no matter what. So a lower hotel (doubletree) over the Marriott Resort STILL costs more even with your higher tier "discount" and 175K vs 150K - I'll still take Marriott! I'll get a better property and 25K to blow elsewhere ^^
Also (no offense to Kansas) but stating there's a "cheap" Hampton Inn in KS isn't really winning your argument there either.
It is what it is - and that's my opinion. I look at how many points it takes to stay in various "tourist" places and MR always is "cheaper" so my points go farther when I'm the one having to pay for the hotel nights on vacation. And as others have said, it's a pretty consistent package no matter where in the world I am.
I had forgotten about the rewards packages, but those are pretty spiffy - 7 night split in FL properties for the cost of 5 nights (I think!) and same for Europe in a 3-2-2 configuration. I've unfortunately never used them so I can't remember all the details, but I do see them from time to time when I log in!
I'm guessing the higher your status with HH the cheaper the points?!? Wouldn't know since I only maintain silver for late checkout. But on Marriott the property costs the same no matter what. So a lower hotel (doubletree) over the Marriott Resort STILL costs more even with your higher tier "discount" and 175K vs 150K - I'll still take Marriott! I'll get a better property and 25K to blow elsewhere ^^
Also (no offense to Kansas) but stating there's a "cheap" Hampton Inn in KS isn't really winning your argument there either.
It is what it is - and that's my opinion. I look at how many points it takes to stay in various "tourist" places and MR always is "cheaper" so my points go farther when I'm the one having to pay for the hotel nights on vacation. And as others have said, it's a pretty consistent package no matter where in the world I am.
I had forgotten about the rewards packages, but those are pretty spiffy - 7 night split in FL properties for the cost of 5 nights (I think!) and same for Europe in a 3-2-2 configuration. I've unfortunately never used them so I can't remember all the details, but I do see them from time to time when I log in!
Last edited by MemphisQueen; Apr 12, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Jun 14, 2009 | 5:08 pm
#28
Join Date: Jul 2008
Programs: HH Silver, IHG Platinum, National Ex Elite, United MileagePlus
Posts: 98
Marriott gets me farther.
For example, Let's take Waikiki Beach as both have resort properties near each other:
-For this Sunday 13Apr - 18Apr, the following shows up
-Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort - 150K
-Embaassy Suites Waikiki Beach - 240K
-Hilton Waikiki (in town not on the beach) - 240K
Similarly hotels in Dublin, Ireland for the same trip
-Shelbourne (Renaissance) - 150K (and this hotel is on tourist maps it's so swank!)
-Conrad (HH) Dublin - 240K
-Hilton Dublin - 210K
Call me crazy but I'm still confident that my MR points go WAY farther than HH points.
For example, Let's take Waikiki Beach as both have resort properties near each other:
-For this Sunday 13Apr - 18Apr, the following shows up
-Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort - 150K
-Embaassy Suites Waikiki Beach - 240K
-Hilton Waikiki (in town not on the beach) - 240K
Similarly hotels in Dublin, Ireland for the same trip
-Shelbourne (Renaissance) - 150K (and this hotel is on tourist maps it's so swank!)
-Conrad (HH) Dublin - 240K
-Hilton Dublin - 210K
Call me crazy but I'm still confident that my MR points go WAY farther than HH points.
I know nothing about MR but;
Your profile has you as a HH silver. As such, you are eligible for VIP rewards. Another poster said Gold or Diamond but that appears to be wrong. According to the HH website, Silver is eligible also. A six night stay at a cat 6, such as Embassy Suites Waikiki or Hilton Hawaiian Village would be 175,000 Pt's. Please note that cat 5 and 4 are even less. See below for a link to that page.
http://hhonors1.hilton.com/en_US/hh/...POnly/index.do
Jun 14, 2009 | 10:16 pm
#29
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SORT OF HOMELESS
Programs: 14 years AA exp, but no more; & 1MM+, QR-PLT (ow EMD) MR-LTT, HH Gold
Posts: 8,104
OP is already Gold at HH, why not continue with it and get Diamond? With MR, you have to start from scratch (of course, get a cc would help to get started). In light of this year's "Marriott enchance program", I have switched bunch of nights to Hilton & SPG.
Jun 15, 2009 | 12:28 am
#30
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SDF
Programs: DL:360/DM/6 MMer; Bonvoy: Lifetime Titanium 10+M pts, 3100+ nights;
Posts: 1,440
If you don't earn points at a Hilton for two years, Hilton has no problem deleting all your points. (They did it to me.) That has not been Marriott's practice.