But I'm not sure it's worth it anymore. Seems like the points per night has gone up significantly lately and the reason points are good is to get a 5th night free when traveling with points. Anyone still jumping on this? Used to be one of the best deals out there.

It looks like Hilton points are worth $.005 when booking a room right now. If I am doing my math right, even with the two for one each point is worth $.005. So basically you are buying Itchy & Scratchy Bucks.

Yea that's basically the conclusion I came to when pricing out several hotels booked using points. Such a shame. This used to be a great way to get a good 5 night vacation for a decent discount.

uujm said:

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It looks like Hilton points are worth $.005 when booking a room right now. If I am doing my math right, even with the two for one each point is worth $.005. So basically you are buying Itchy & Scratchy Bucks.

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You can get better than that staying at nicer hotels. Plus paying with points gives you the 5th night free. Just did a quick check and the resort I pulled was like $.011. They also typically do a couple sales a year if booking with points, or used to.

But, regardless, I wouldn't be buying points.

Buying points directly is very rarely beneficial unless it's a specific top off for a stay. Hilton points was how I got into the points game, but once I saw how much further Hyatt points go, i shifted that direction.

That said, embassy suites is great for when we're traveling with the family.

Can still get a good deal booking standard awards at the high-end resorts (if you can find them during high season), otherwise the redemption rates are usually ridiculous.

On a slightly related note, talking redemption value reminds me how much I miss the SPG program and its redemption rates. I used to crush some stays before Marriot ruined them. I was still mainly a hilton guy because of the locations but when i could, and it made sense, I'd seek out starwood hotels. I still can get decent value at Hilton properties like in the mountains (Vail specifically) and The Del in Coronado often.

I miss redemption values in general....

We stayed at the Conrad Maldives in an overwater bungalow that was $1,400/night + resort fees, taxes, etc. for roughly 400k points for 6 nights.