I think I speak for most Hilton Honors members when I say Hilton points have become a thorn in my side. Since I’m going on vacation in 2 weeks (I have no idea where), I’ve been browsing the Hilton website for opportunities to burn these points. A number of resorts were showing up as “unavailable” or required an obscene amount of points for a “premier” room that really wasn’t.
At one point I was checking out the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa, which was priced at 70,000 points per night.
On the rate page, I came across this:
After logging into my account (I’m a HHonors Gold member), I noticed the award rate dropped from 70,000 to 56,000 points per night.
On the other hand, when I logged into a family member’s account (who has no points or status), all award availability was blocked.
I tried this for a few other properties, including the Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa and had more or less the same experience. Award availability gets blocked for non-elites with 0 points, shows up at inflated rates when you’re not logged in, and opens up at discounted rates for those with points.
I don’t know how elite status factors into this, as I don’t have access to an account that I can test this on. If any of you have experience with this, please comment below.
Wow. What status do you have?
Gold!
That is because of the 5th night free that silver, gold and diamond members are eligible for. 70,000 x 4 nights divided by 5 is 56,000 points per night.
From Hilton’s FAQ:
“WHAT IS THE 5th NIGHT FREE BENEFIT ON REWARD STAYS Silver, Gold and Diamond elite members will receive every 5th night free on Standard Room Reward stays of five or more nights (up to four free nights on a stay of 20 consecutive nights). This is reflected in the point price by applying a per night discount that corresponds to one free night for every five nights.”
Yep – it is the 5th night free. If you knock it down to 3 nights it shows at 70K (I’m diamond).
I always assumed the discount applied at the end of the booking process. Aside from the 5th night free, availability is opened up for those with points/status.
Yep I have elite it’s true the discount is for 5 nights!