Samsaf

I originally asked about this in the Lounge, but I thought I would ask over here in the U.S. forum. We have lots of Hilton points, and also have a Delta companion ticket that we could use in the 48 contiguous states. Our daughter just got married this past weekend, so we're trying to find a trip that won't cost us a lot of money.

We'll be celebrating my 50th (GASP!!) birthday. For my husband's 50th birthday in February, we went on a cruise. This coming trip will probably be the second or third week in June.

We've thought about San Francisco (combining that with a trip to Yosemite), Key West, Santa Fe, or Naples, Florida.

We'd like to use the Hilton points to their best advantage (i.e., not using them for a $100-per-night hotel but instead, a $300-per-night hotel).

We have also looked at international destinations, but so far, I can't find a good rate on the flight, and not getting a good rate is a deal-breaker.

Any ideas? Thanks so much!

MareW

Do you have elite status with Hilton? If I wanted to get the most bang for my buck in the continental U.S., I would use them in NYC on a VIP award (must be silver or above), or possibly an AXON award if you have a Hilton Amex. I've heard that there are resorts in Arizona that are also a good value, but I don't know whether that would be a good destination for mid-late June.

I almost always save my points for Europe, though.

starrs

I'm not understanding about the Hilton points. The $100/ room hotels use fewer Hilton points than the $300/room hotels. Have you tried picking some location options to see how many nights your points will buy you?

Also look for special promotions. I've stayed a week at a time in Hawaii and St. Lucia on Hilton points and sometimes they offer discounted point options for a week. (The Jalousie is not longer a Hilton, unfortunately).

starrs

http://hhonors1.hilton.com/en_US/hh/...s/freenight.do

One night can range from 7500 points to over 70,000 points, depending on the hotel (and the season at certain hotels)

MareW

If you have status with Hilton, you use a different chart for stays of 6 nights or more, which can be a big savings at higher category hotels.

Samsaf

He is gold status with Hilton, but we've nevre used VIP award before. ANd we also have Hilton Amex, so will check into that.

The reason I'm saying we want the most bang for the buck is that some hotels, even those at level 6 or 7, can be less expensive. Also, the lower rated ones, even though they cost less poimts, so seem as "worth it" for us. I didn't know about the different chart for 6 nights or more, either. Will check that out. Thanks!

Samsaf

He is gold status with Hilton, but we've nevre used VIP award before. ANd we also have Hilton Amex, so will check into that.

The reason I'm saying we want the most bang for the buck is that some hotels, even those at level 6 or 7, can be less expensive. Also, the lower rated ones, even though they cost less poimts, so seem as "worth it" for us. I didn't know about the different chart for 6 nights or more, either. Will check that out. Thanks!

starrs

There are pointstretcher hotels at 40% off for certain date. You search by the hotel brand.

starrs

I'd stay at the Hilton on the Plaza in Santa Fe, anything in San Francisco over Naples or Key West in June.

stumpworks73

Another vote for San Fran. The Hilton Union Square is a great property. Phenomenal view from the restaurant and lounge. One block from BART. Walking distance to China Town, Ferry Terminal, and Union Square shopping. Wish I could join you!

Samsaf

We're leaning toward 5 nights in San Francisco and maybe 3 nights in Monterey. Is the Union Square Hilton a preferable location to the Fisherman's Wharf Hilton?

We are also looking at Santa Fe, but the flights from Atlanta to Albuquerque are more expensive. Still looking, though.

Thanks!

starrs

Yes.

MareW

Here is the link to the VIP chart: http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/s...e_matrix.jhtml

An AXON is for 4 nights. For category 7, it is 145K points. For category 5 and 6, it's 125K points. I believe you call the Diamond desk to book an AXON, even if you aren't a Diamond. You just have to have the Hilton HHonors Amex.

Samsaf

Thanks, MareW!

stumpworks73

You want to visit Fisherman's Wharf, but not stay there. Restaurants, neighborhood and scenery are better at the Union Square.

Samsaf

Thank you!