I consider myself pretty knowledgeable about frequent flyer programs, but I’ve never really paid attention to the hotels’ frequency programs. I’ve always just opted for the miles. A couple questions:

1. Are the elite levels really worth anything? The benefits of airline elite levels seem more tangible to me: bonus miles, first class upgrades, things you know that you’re receiving. But at a hotel, how do really know that you’re getting a “superior” room unless you stay frequently at that same property?

2. When you redeem points for a free night, do you have the option of spending more points for a better room, or do you run the risk of getting stuck in some hole in the basement? I like the security of being able to redeem miles for a first class plane ticket. Do any hotel programs allow you to use miles for a stay in a presidential suite, for example?

Thanks for any comments.

In my opinion the FS programs are "nearly" every bit as valuable as FF programs- just not as popular! And FS complications are generally taht hotels have location which is quite important to me and they DONT match each others fares/rates!

I'd go fot the top level Elite FS levels vigourously!

FD - I use the hotel programs for hotel stays (free nights). Out about 200 nights a year. I stayed 2 night in Kauai for normal points - excellent hotels on the beach.

I have most experience with Sheraton (Starwood) and Radisson (Gold Points), so will state my opinion on them.

For regular stays, not many points are credited. But LOTS of big bonus programs (i.e. 3 "stays" gets you 1 night free at Radisson and Sheraton gives you 1,000 bonus points for each Web Reserv.- up to 10). The programs are always changing, but can add up quickly if you use them. But watch it - many are based on "stays", not "nights". If you are willing to switch back and forth, can get 5 stays in 1 week (5 nights).

As to rewards. In Sheraton, if a Gold member, you get upgrades about 80% of time. Usually better room and on Club level with refreshments, etc. If Platinum, supposedly better rooms (if the hotel has same) and a token gift - but not that much better than Gold. Also Bonus points. I have read some have been comped to Starwood Gold/Platinum, but not sure what is possible now. I don't think Radisson Gold Points has an elite level.

I prefer Starwood as no blackout dates for rewards, much faster point posting, upgrades most of the time, and elite level for frequent "sleepers".

See the HOTEL threads for more info. Although you can earn miles, I think the free
hotel nights are worth more. And anyway, you have plenty of miles!!

Good point you're making in your second question, Flying Dutchman. I would also like the option of spending more miles for an upgraded room on a free stay, depending on the city and property.

As for your first question, are elite levels worth anything? Yes, I think so. In my limited experience, once you've joined a frequent stayer program you're more likely to be treated like an elite every now and again, if not comped to first- or mid-level status. It's an all around winning situation whether your hotel stays are planned or unexpected (misconnects, 11th-hour mileage runs, cancelled flights, etc.)

By way of example, I'm was comped to Silver about a year ago after only two stays at Hiltons. I spent just 16 nights in hotels last year, mostly for leisure travel, but by virture of simply belonging to HHonors with measley Silver status, I ended up in upgraded rooms without even asking. Now I ask, and I often get.

I also signed up for Starwood last May and after two Sheraton stays was just recently comped to Gold without even asking for it. I will certainly take it for a few test spins this year.

Definitely check out the hotel forums here on FT. They're chock full o' good info.

[This message has been edited by essxjay (edited 03-25-2000).]

Hyatt allow awards for suites and for Regency Club for points

Thanks for your comments!

I would vote for Hilton now that changes are taking place as far as getting points for weekend rates. Their pooling of airline points, double dipping, etc really puts them at the top. AND, if you fly UAL much, you can also get UAL miles as a bonus. Read up. Hilton is very good about upgrades, even on an award. You should have seen all of us vying for upgrades at Waikiki at the PIP. Almost everyone was not only on an award, but a Point Stretcher. Plus, if you are married, you can pool points for an award in an account called the Mutual Fund. My 17 yr old daughter has 122,000 points in Hilton and no hotel credit at all!!! All bonuses and airline points.

I am at the Gold level for Holiday Inn. (20 nights per year) The only additional benefit I see with them is a dedicated reservation line and an extra 1000 airline miles for every 5 nights.

Hilton is my choice. They let you triple dip on points and treat those with status real nice. I am always upgraded to the club floor and have had suites a number of times. We were using points for a free stay in Milan, Italy and were upgraded to the penthouse suite during a free stay. We could of had dinner for 10 in the DR.
It's always been my favorite program and it's getting even better.

We recently had an interesting discussion in the Marriott forum about their 200,000 point award. With this award you get 7 nights in a Marriott hotel or resort anywhere in the world, air travel for two to that location (as long as one of the Marriott partner airlines goes there), and 7 days of full-size Hertz rental. Sydney here I come!