Hilton Jacks Up Redemption Rates on Award Stays

The new award chart was released today for stays after January 15, 2010. Bookings made before that date will be at the old rates. but if you change the stay after Jan 15th, you'll pay more.

Here is the new award chart

And here is the new Frequently Asked Questions Page

The new levels assigned each hotel will be published in December of 2009 but be assured we did not win here. some of these increases equal a 25% devaluation of your Hilton Honors points. I have calculated their value at .7 cents each. It looks like time to reevaluate that number.

This is sad news for me as I have been working the US Mint for AA miles and now have more than enough for our flights to Europe for next spring. The balance of my AA miles were going to be converted into Hilton Honors points. I know this is not the most efficient means of using the AA miles, but my main goal was the lifetime AA Platinum status which I will get. I just hate to take the hit on hotel redemption's now.

Now it takes hauling an extra box of coins for a free nights stay at a Hilton. A category 5 hotel now takes, 35,000 Hilton Honors points or 17,500 AA miles. That equates to about 6 boxes per night when you consider the SPG bonus on 20K redemption's.

I can't believe what I just wrote? Hotel costs are no longer in $$$ but now in the number of US Mint coin boxes I need to haul.

Sick, Sick Sick. but Frugal as Well.

Speaking of Hilton

I got an email from a Hilton Diamond. He said he found a free night in his account. When he called the Diamond desk. they said it was because of the recent point change and a show of appreciation for his business.

Check your email and SPAM