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Hilton vs Marriott....rewards programs

Posted on 1/15/16 at 3:41 pm
Posted by GoldenSombrero
Member since Sep 2010
2651 posts
Posted on 1/15/16 at 3:41 pm
Which has the best rewards program for gaining points for free nights? I travel a lot for work and have been Hilton Diamond for 4 years, but it seems like their point redemption are really high, compared to how much I travel to accumulate those points.

How does Marriott compare? I know their point values aren't equal, but wondering if they rack up quicker or go farther.

I use my points for weekend getaways or vacations, but not anything extravagant. Mostly random places in SEC states.
Posted by Paul Allen
Montauk, NY
Member since Nov 2007
75219 posts
Posted on 1/15/16 at 3:43 pm to
Both have been devalued compared to where they once stood. If I had to choose between the two, I'd go Hilton. Hampton Inn's are virtually everywhere and they're clean. Fairfield and Courtyard are hard to find, and usually pricier.
Posted by Golfer
Member since Nov 2005
75052 posts
Posted on 1/15/16 at 3:48 pm to
I'm Marriott Platinum and lifetime Silver, my only complaint is their contract with Pepsi and the new Megabonus offerings.
Posted by roadGator
Member since Feb 2009
140554 posts
Posted on 1/15/16 at 4:09 pm to
Holiday Inns (the new ones are nice) and they have better rewards IMO. They are harder to find in large metro areas where I travel though so sadly I usually stay with Hilton.

Hilton's rewards aren't very good any longer.
Posted by Cosmo
glassman's guest house
Member since Oct 2003
120304 posts
Posted on 1/15/16 at 4:10 pm to
Marriott just bought Starwood. So lots more hotels now.
Posted by Golfer
Member since Nov 2005
75052 posts
Posted on 1/15/16 at 4:13 pm to
They haven't merged yet. Don't think its happening until 2017 and I'm sure their rewards not until 2018
Posted by notiger1997
Metairie
Member since May 2009
58146 posts
Posted on 1/15/16 at 4:28 pm to
I'm a solid Hilton guy.
When I used to travel much more for businesses, I loved staying at the Embassy Suites. Damn fine big breakfast and good managers happy hour every evening with light snacks and free drinks.

Hilton is kind of lacking with their resort selection is my only complaint with them.
Posted by NewIberiaHaircut
Lafayette
Member since May 2013
11560 posts
Posted on 1/15/16 at 4:34 pm to
This will be my fourth year as a Hilton Diamond but I just signed up for IHG. Once I solidify my status for next year with Hilton then I'll start building up my IHG account.

Any word on what kind of gift, if any, they will give Diamonds this year? Last year I got 100K points.
Posted by notiger1997
Metairie
Member since May 2009
58146 posts
Posted on 1/15/16 at 4:35 pm to
quote:

Any word on what kind of gift, if any, they will give Diamonds this year? Last year I got 100K points.




Damn, I wasn't aware of that. I'm hoping to hit diamond this year.
Posted by GoldenSombrero
Member since Sep 2010
2651 posts
Posted on 1/15/16 at 4:35 pm to
I like Embassy Suites or HGI for business travel. It's just easy but still has decent amenities. Actually prefer them over a normal Hilton or Marriott.



Posted by GoldenSombrero
Member since Sep 2010
2651 posts
Posted on 1/15/16 at 4:38 pm to
quote:

Any word on what kind of gift, if any, they will give Diamonds this year? Last year I got 100K points


No I haven't seen anything but I was reviewing my statements from last year and noticed that 100K bonus that I had totally forgotten about.

In comparing the cash in values for free nights, their doesn't seem to be a huge difference. But it does seem like maybe Marriott has "nicer" lower tier hotels that cost less points. The type of place you spend 1 night if your driving somewhere on vacation. I think last year we stopped in AL or MS for 1 night and it cost my 60K points which seemed a bit excessive.
Posted by NewIberiaHaircut
Lafayette
Member since May 2013
11560 posts
Posted on 1/15/16 at 4:45 pm to
That doesn't seem right. The Roosevelt in New Orleans is usually 50K a night. I find Hilton's lower tier chains to be better than Marriott in the areas I travel. I stayed at a HGI last night in Bossier City for $85. Didn't see anything close to that from Marriott properties. The newer and refreshed Hamptons are also nice.
Posted by TheChosenOne
Member since Dec 2005
18521 posts
Posted on 1/15/16 at 4:58 pm to
quote:

This will be my fourth year as a Hilton Diamond but I just signed up for IHG. Once I solidify my status for next year with Hilton then I'll start building up my IHG account.


You may be able to talk IHG in to matching your Diamond status. Call support and tell them that you're Hilton Diamond and thinking about switching, but you're worried about losing out on the rewards you receive from Hilton while you transition. Tell them about how often you travel, etc.

I was able to do this with Hyatt a few years back.
Posted by LSU
Houston
Member since Oct 2003
8836 posts
Posted on 1/15/16 at 9:05 pm to
I'm Marriott Platinum & Hilton Diamond.

Marriott requires fewer points for redemption than a comparable Hilton property in almost every case I've seen.

I do like the fact that Hilton offers additional point redemption values for larger rooms at some hotels though.

But I prefer Marriott because I get an upgraded room at no additional charge the overwhelming majority of the time. Doesn't happen quite as much with Hilton.
Posted by Will Cover
St. Louis, MO
Member since Mar 2007
38551 posts
Posted on 1/15/16 at 9:44 pm to
quote:

Hilton vs Marriott....rewards programs


Both have devalued their loyalty rewards program. That said, I am a Hilton Diamond Member. Almost at 1M points.

This month (new year), I am switching it up between Starwood and Hilton. Starwood was recently bought out by Marriott, so there loyalty rewards program will go to shite, but not for at least another year or two.

For me, I simply like the Hilton brand of properties better.
This post was edited on 1/15/16 at 9:45 pm
Posted by fatboydave
Fat boy land
Member since Aug 2004
17979 posts
Posted on 1/16/16 at 12:15 am to
if I-10 gets widened and the Washington St exit gets fixed then well who cares
Posted by UltimaParadox
Huntsville
Member since Nov 2008
40859 posts
Posted on 1/16/16 at 9:54 am to
We prefer marriott due to lower point redemption and free room upgrade.

Pretty easy to get gold, where the decent rewards start, with the marriott rewards credit card. Plus the free night on the credit card every year wipes out the annual fee
Posted by BayouSizzle
New Orleans
Member since Jan 2016
316 posts
Posted on 1/16/16 at 10:29 am to
I am Hilton Honors Diamond right now (that is status I prefer to not have...ie, travel / away from family ain't worth it...so soon to fall to Gold). I get 2 bottles of water instead of 1. Kidding.

All to say, I think the redemption value of Marriott has been diluted more than Hilton a few years ago so I have leaned Hilton since.
Posted by NewIberiaHaircut
Lafayette
Member since May 2013
11560 posts
Posted on 1/17/16 at 5:01 pm to
quote:

But I prefer Marriott because I get an upgraded room at no additional charge the overwhelming majority of the time


Speaking of upgrades, do you ever ask to be upgraded? I generally don't but in my experience my upgrades tend to be less and less as the year goes on.
Posted by Golfer
Member since Nov 2005
75052 posts
Posted on 1/17/16 at 5:29 pm to
quote:

Speaking of upgrades, do you ever ask to be upgraded? I generally don't but in my experience my upgrades tend to be less and less as the year goes on.


I usually only ask when one would be of benefit. If I really want one I'll call or email a day or two ahead and speak to the front desk manager.
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