Making "Cents" Out of Points for Budget Travelers

Posts by Ken

Marriott is Starting a New Budget Brand in Europe

Mar5th
2013 Leave a Comment Written by Ken

Are you saving up for a big trip to Europe and worried about finding an affordable hotel? Here comes Marriott to the rescue. In order to get into the budget hotel space in Europe, Marriott has introduced it’s new brand, Moxy Hotels. This new brand of hotels will be in the 3-star range. It may not be luxury, but after looking at the photo gallery, this isn’t going to be some average, run of the mill hotel either. The design and decor are very modern so it may not appeal to everyone. However, the price is very appealing.

Rooms at Moxy Hotels will be in the 60 to 85 Euros range. In a Euros to Dollar conversion, that comes out to approximately $80 to $110.

The first Moxy Hotel will launch in 2014 in Milan, Italy. Over the 10 years, Marriott plans to add 150 franchised Moxy Hotels. They hope to launch hotels in Germany, United Kingdom,  Denmark, and Norway, to name a few.

Here is a list of some of the amenities you can look forward to:

  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
  • USB port wall sockets (great for not worrying about how you’ll charge your portable electronics)
  • Upscale bath amenities (this is always hit or miss)
  • Large public spaces for continental breakfast and (what sounds like) happy hour
  • Public computer stations
  • A 24/7 market for snacks and beverages

One thing to note about the continental breakfast is that there is no mention of cost. Normally continental breakfast is included at no additional cost but play it safe here and don’t assume anything for now.

I’m pretty intrigued about this new brand. I don’t know when I’ll ever get to Europe but whenever that day comes, I’ll certainly consider Moxy Hotels due to the price point and amenities. In case you were wondering, Moxy Hotels will be eligible to earn and burn points within the Marriott Rewards program.

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Hilton HHonors American Express Bonus Categories Are Changing

Feb22nd
2013 Leave a Comment Written by Ken

The Hilton HHonors program has been pretty busy lately. Not only is their reward chart experiencing an overhaul, but the no-fee Hilton HHonors AMEX is also going through some changes. At the moment, you earn 6 points per dollar on purchases at Hilton family hotels, gas stations, supermarkets, and cable and wireless bills. You earn 3 points per dollar on all other purchases.

Beginning in May, with your new statement, you’ll now have this points earning structure:

  • 7 Hilton HHonors points per dollar spent at Hilton and Hilton family hotels
  • 5 points per dollar spent at restaurants, gas stations, and supermarkets
  • 3 points per dollar on all other purchases

So cable and wireless categories have been removed, and the restaurant category has been added. And while you will be able to earn an extra point per dollar at Hilton family hotels, the points for spending on bonus categories has been reduced. It’s a bummer to see the cable/wireless category get kicked to the curb. There aren’t too many other credit cards out there with that category and if you live in the United States, you’re familiar with how expensive these services cost on a monthly basis.

The addition of the restaurant category doesn’t sit too well with me. It’s just another category that can be found on a number of other credit cards with better earnings. Why wouldn’t you want to keep your credit card different from the competition and give card holders a reason to use your card?

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Hilton HHonors Points Devaluation Coming Soon

Feb21st
2013 Leave a Comment Written by Ken

The big news this week is the Hilton HHonors points devaluation. In case you missed the festivities, or didn’t get the email from Hilton HHonors, here is a quick breakdown of what you missed:

  • Starting March 28, 2013, Hilton HHonors will add THREE categories to its award chart, making the highest category a Category 10.
  • Seasonal award pricing will also be introduced, meaning the redemption rate can fluctuate based on whether or not you’re traveling in a peak or off-peak season.
  • Silver, Gold and Diamond members who reserve a standard room award stay of five or more nights will get the fifth night free.

Your first question is probably, “What’s the damage?” Here’s the answer:

HHonors Award ChartYes, you’re reading that right. After March 28, it will now cost you 95,000 points for one free night in a Category 10 hotel. Keep in mind that’s just for a standard night. With Premium Room Rewards, it’s going to cost you even more. Have a look at this chart to see how your favorite properties are being hit by these changes.

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First Hyatt Promotion of 2013 – More Possibilities

Feb19th
2013 Leave a Comment Written by Ken

Hyatt Gold Passport recently announced their first promotion of 2013. Beginning March 1, 2013 and ending May 31, 2013, you’ll earn 3,000 Gold Passport bonus points after every 3 eligible nights. The maximum number of bonus points you can earn is 45,000. Register for this promo by April 30, 2013.

Hyatt Visa credit card holders will also earn 20 percent more bonus points after staying 3 eligible nights. This equates to an additional 600 points, raising the earnings cap to 54,000 points. You only have to have the credit card. No need to pay for your stay with it.

This promotion doesn’t really break from Hyatt’s recent promotion criteria, at least in terms of the breakdown of points. The only difference is that you only need 3 eligible nights to get the bonus. The recent promos have always required 5 nights so this is a welcome change.

Hyatt Gold Passport, Hyatt VISA

The Realities of Traveling With Points and Miles

Feb13th
2013 Leave a Comment Written by Ken

I just read an article where the author explained how he was able to take a “free” vacation to Japan by using points and miles. This is the ultimate goal that points/miles hoarders are working towards. I’ve read a few of these articles over the last few months, especially as this activity becomes more popular. The majority of the articles make it sound really easy. In reality, this game isn’t for everyone and really should be approached with caution. What I write next is not meant to criticize the author in anyway. He simply shared his experience and I’ll use his article as a reference to explain some of the details that aren’t always mentioned.

First let’s talk about signing up for new credit cards. Probably the most frequently asked question is about how a new credit card will impact someone’s credit score. It’s a given that you will incur some type of hit to your credit score when you apply for new credit. But what about after you get the credit card? Here are a few other insights and things to be aware of before jumping into the credit card game:

  • It helps to have excellent credit AND pay your credit card in full each month.  If you have a high credit score, you have the ability to absorb the hit from a few credit card applications. With a low credit score, banks won’t be willing to extend any credit to you so not only will you be denied, you’ll also take the hit to your credit score. To get the most out of rewards credit cards, users should pay off their balances in full each month to avoid paying interest charges. If you carry a balance, the interest you accrue will negate the value of your points/miles and you would be putting yourself further in debt.

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Guides

Hyatt Regency Orange County Review

Feb12th
2013 1 Comment Written by Ken

I spent a few days in Las Vegas and another few days in Southern California for a Disneyland trip late last year. For the Disneyland portion of the trip, I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Orange County, which is conveniently located near Disneyland.

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I arrived at the hotel a little after 9pm. I pulled up to the valet area and I was instantly greeted by one of the valet drivers. He welcomed me to the hotel and proceeded to explain my options for parking. It was either $15 a day for self parking or $21 a day for valet. I chose self parking and asked if I could leave the car while I went to check in. It wasn’t a problem and I headed inside.

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Southwest Rapid Rewards Double Points Promotion

Feb11th
2013 Leave a Comment Written by Ken

Between February 4, 2013 and May 15, 2013 you can earn double Southwest Rapid Rewards points on nationwide flights, and double tier qualifying points on flights in and out of Milwaukee.

For you fellow budget travelers who primarily purchase Wanna Get Away (WGA) Fares, this means you’ll earn six RR points instead of the normal three points per dollar. You’ll earn 12 points per dollar on Business Select Fares and 10 points per dollar on Anytime Fares. Bonus points will NOT count toward A-List, A-List Preferred or Companion Pass qualification.

The details of the Milwaukee promotion are slightly different. On your flights in and out of Milwaukee, you’ll earn the same amount of points on the different types of fares, but the double points will only count towards A-List or A-List Preferred. The bonus points will NOT count towards the Companion Pass.

For both offers, you’ll need to register and fly by May 15. The promotion is valid on new reservations only. Happy travels!

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