@mongstradamus wrote:
@red259 wrote:
@mongstradamus wrote:
@Open123 wrote:As Lurker has observed, in general, the points value hiearchy is SPG > UR > MR. Personally, I find all three useful and make an effort to accrue points in all of them.
If it's just between MR and URs, here's what I've found to be true.
1. For MR redemptions - SQ, ANA and Cathay business class redemptions offer a pretty good value, if you fly to SE Asia. Also, transferring to BA and booking AA domestic flights usually offer a pretty decent value too. For hotel redemptions, there isn't really anything compelling. With Amex, if you prefer hotel points, go with SPG.
2. For UR redemptions - UA, Hyatt and BA (for AA flights). While there has been some devaluation, transferring points to these three will still get you some pretty good value, especially if done prudently.
If it's point for point, I'd say UR points are more valuable than MR points, all things being equal. However, at 1.5 for the EDP, assuming you're going to pay the annual fee and can make the 30 swipe per month (which isn't hard, just pay your cell phone bill once per day), MRs are more valuable. The 50% bonus is hard to overcome. I'd even take the 50% bonus on MR over a single SPG point.
For me, with MRs, I'll use to transfer to wherever I'm short a few points. For example, when there's a BA or Virgin bonus, I'll transfer some MRs. Or, if I'm short some HA miles, I'll transfer some MRs. But mostly, I use them for premium cabin seats on the SE Asian routes through SQ or Cathay.
That's my take. I'd recommend going with the 50% MR bonus. Eventhough URs may be a more valuable currency, it's isn't enough to overcome the 50% MR point bonus, which is quite significant.
Good luck!
I agree for the most part SPG>UR>MR , but the thing about that is there is no bonus spend really for spg cards like there are say for INK cards or PRG/EDP. I would think its not as easy to accumulate SPG points as it is for UR and MR points.
I am still trying to figure out how to best use UR points. Short domestic trips via avios could be good use, even an quick flight to bermuda wouldn't be bad its 15k RT on economy. There was an deal with SQ an while ago flying to Maui from JFK for 35k econ or 60k for business RT. Those are some pretty good deals.
Those are some good deals. I was saving my UR points for Hyatts stays for the most part as I have a bunch of AA miles saved up, but I may use some for short hop flights as well.
The problem i find with hyatt their international presence isn't the greatest. I was looking at St Thomas or Grand Cayman Islands i don't think hyatt has any hotels in either of those places.
On an unrelated topic i am still waiting on PRG 50k offer i am thinking of doing PRG/Delta for my next two amex cards. That new delta public offer looks pretty nice. Once my PRG reaches time to pay AF i may go for either ED or EDP to use for grocery and gas spend possibly. Not 100% sure what i wanna do.
Yes Hyatt's smaller footprint is an issue.
;
@red259 wrote:
@mongstradamus wrote:
@red259 wrote:
@mongstradamus wrote:
@Open123 wrote:As Lurker has observed, in general, the points value hiearchy is SPG > UR > MR. Personally, I find all three useful and make an effort to accrue points in all of them.
If it's just between MR and URs, here's what I've found to be true.
1. For MR redemptions - SQ, ANA and Cathay business class redemptions offer a pretty good value, if you fly to SE Asia. Also, transferring to BA and booking AA domestic flights usually offer a pretty decent value too. For hotel redemptions, there isn't really anything compelling. With Amex, if you prefer hotel points, go with SPG.
2. For UR redemptions - UA, Hyatt and BA (for AA flights). While there has been some devaluation, transferring points to these three will still get you some pretty good value, especially if done prudently.
If it's point for point, I'd say UR points are more valuable than MR points, all things being equal. However, at 1.5 for the EDP, assuming you're going to pay the annual fee and can make the 30 swipe per month (which isn't hard, just pay your cell phone bill once per day), MRs are more valuable. The 50% bonus is hard to overcome. I'd even take the 50% bonus on MR over a single SPG point.
For me, with MRs, I'll use to transfer to wherever I'm short a few points. For example, when there's a BA or Virgin bonus, I'll transfer some MRs. Or, if I'm short some HA miles, I'll transfer some MRs. But mostly, I use them for premium cabin seats on the SE Asian routes through SQ or Cathay.
That's my take. I'd recommend going with the 50% MR bonus. Eventhough URs may be a more valuable currency, it's isn't enough to overcome the 50% MR point bonus, which is quite significant.
Good luck!
I agree for the most part SPG>UR>MR , but the thing about that is there is no bonus spend really for spg cards like there are say for INK cards or PRG/EDP. I would think its not as easy to accumulate SPG points as it is for UR and MR points.
I am still trying to figure out how to best use UR points. Short domestic trips via avios could be good use, even an quick flight to bermuda wouldn't be bad its 15k RT on economy. There was an deal with SQ an while ago flying to Maui from JFK for 35k econ or 60k for business RT. Those are some pretty good deals.
Those are some good deals. I was saving my UR points for Hyatts stays for the most part as I have a bunch of AA miles saved up, but I may use some for short hop flights as well.
The problem i find with hyatt their international presence isn't the greatest. I was looking at St Thomas or Grand Cayman Islands i don't think hyatt has any hotels in either of those places.
On an unrelated topic i am still waiting on PRG 50k offer i am thinking of doing PRG/Delta for my next two amex cards. That new delta public offer looks pretty nice. Once my PRG reaches time to pay AF i may go for either ED or EDP to use for grocery and gas spend possibly. Not 100% sure what i wanna do.
Yes Hyatt's smaller footprint is an issue.
That is main issue with MR and UR based cards, the choice of hotels isn't the greatest in the world . MR has hilton but hilton points are not valued the best and UR has Hyatt , but presence isn't the best. I wouldn't use UR points for marriot because the value is just horrendous. I think its actually less than 1 to 1. What do you do for hotels? I was thikning of picking up something like arrival+ or something.
@mongstradamus wrote:
@red259 wrote:
@mongstradamus wrote:
@red259 wrote:
@mongstradamus wrote:
@Open123 wrote:As Lurker has observed, in general, the points value hiearchy is SPG > UR > MR. Personally, I find all three useful and make an effort to accrue points in all of them.
If it's just between MR and URs, here's what I've found to be true.
1. For MR redemptions - SQ, ANA and Cathay business class redemptions offer a pretty good value, if you fly to SE Asia. Also, transferring to BA and booking AA domestic flights usually offer a pretty decent value too. For hotel redemptions, there isn't really anything compelling. With Amex, if you prefer hotel points, go with SPG.
2. For UR redemptions - UA, Hyatt and BA (for AA flights). While there has been some devaluation, transferring points to these three will still get you some pretty good value, especially if done prudently.
If it's point for point, I'd say UR points are more valuable than MR points, all things being equal. However, at 1.5 for the EDP, assuming you're going to pay the annual fee and can make the 30 swipe per month (which isn't hard, just pay your cell phone bill once per day), MRs are more valuable. The 50% bonus is hard to overcome. I'd even take the 50% bonus on MR over a single SPG point.
For me, with MRs, I'll use to transfer to wherever I'm short a few points. For example, when there's a BA or Virgin bonus, I'll transfer some MRs. Or, if I'm short some HA miles, I'll transfer some MRs. But mostly, I use them for premium cabin seats on the SE Asian routes through SQ or Cathay.
That's my take. I'd recommend going with the 50% MR bonus. Eventhough URs may be a more valuable currency, it's isn't enough to overcome the 50% MR point bonus, which is quite significant.
Good luck!
I agree for the most part SPG>UR>MR , but the thing about that is there is no bonus spend really for spg cards like there are say for INK cards or PRG/EDP. I would think its not as easy to accumulate SPG points as it is for UR and MR points.
I am still trying to figure out how to best use UR points. Short domestic trips via avios could be good use, even an quick flight to bermuda wouldn't be bad its 15k RT on economy. There was an deal with SQ an while ago flying to Maui from JFK for 35k econ or 60k for business RT. Those are some pretty good deals.
Those are some good deals. I was saving my UR points for Hyatts stays for the most part as I have a bunch of AA miles saved up, but I may use some for short hop flights as well.
The problem i find with hyatt their international presence isn't the greatest. I was looking at St Thomas or Grand Cayman Islands i don't think hyatt has any hotels in either of those places.
On an unrelated topic i am still waiting on PRG 50k offer i am thinking of doing PRG/Delta for my next two amex cards. That new delta public offer looks pretty nice. Once my PRG reaches time to pay AF i may go for either ED or EDP to use for grocery and gas spend possibly. Not 100% sure what i wanna do.
Yes Hyatt's smaller footprint is an issue.
That is main issue with MR and UR based cards, the choice of hotels isn't the greatest in the world . MR has hilton but hilton points are not valued the best and UR has Hyatt , but presence isn't the best. I wouldn't use UR points for marriot because the value is just horrendous. I think its actually less than 1 to 1. What do you do for hotels? I was thikning of picking up something like arrival+ or something.
For domestic travel I heard the SPG card is decent. I'm using my poijnts towards AA, but apparently doing the points with cash thing is a decent deal. actually if yuour using points then FTF isn't an issue so the points work international too.
@red259 wrote:
@mongstradamus wrote:
@red259 wrote:
@mongstradamus wrote:
@red259 wrote:
@mongstradamus wrote:
@Open123 wrote:As Lurker has observed, in general, the points value hiearchy is SPG > UR > MR. Personally, I find all three useful and make an effort to accrue points in all of them.
If it's just between MR and URs, here's what I've found to be true.
1. For MR redemptions - SQ, ANA and Cathay business class redemptions offer a pretty good value, if you fly to SE Asia. Also, transferring to BA and booking AA domestic flights usually offer a pretty decent value too. For hotel redemptions, there isn't really anything compelling. With Amex, if you prefer hotel points, go with SPG.
2. For UR redemptions - UA, Hyatt and BA (for AA flights). While there has been some devaluation, transferring points to these three will still get you some pretty good value, especially if done prudently.
If it's point for point, I'd say UR points are more valuable than MR points, all things being equal. However, at 1.5 for the EDP, assuming you're going to pay the annual fee and can make the 30 swipe per month (which isn't hard, just pay your cell phone bill once per day), MRs are more valuable. The 50% bonus is hard to overcome. I'd even take the 50% bonus on MR over a single SPG point.
For me, with MRs, I'll use to transfer to wherever I'm short a few points. For example, when there's a BA or Virgin bonus, I'll transfer some MRs. Or, if I'm short some HA miles, I'll transfer some MRs. But mostly, I use them for premium cabin seats on the SE Asian routes through SQ or Cathay.
That's my take. I'd recommend going with the 50% MR bonus. Eventhough URs may be a more valuable currency, it's isn't enough to overcome the 50% MR point bonus, which is quite significant.
Good luck!
I agree for the most part SPG>UR>MR , but the thing about that is there is no bonus spend really for spg cards like there are say for INK cards or PRG/EDP. I would think its not as easy to accumulate SPG points as it is for UR and MR points.
I am still trying to figure out how to best use UR points. Short domestic trips via avios could be good use, even an quick flight to bermuda wouldn't be bad its 15k RT on economy. There was an deal with SQ an while ago flying to Maui from JFK for 35k econ or 60k for business RT. Those are some pretty good deals.
Those are some good deals. I was saving my UR points for Hyatts stays for the most part as I have a bunch of AA miles saved up, but I may use some for short hop flights as well.
The problem i find with hyatt their international presence isn't the greatest. I was looking at St Thomas or Grand Cayman Islands i don't think hyatt has any hotels in either of those places.
On an unrelated topic i am still waiting on PRG 50k offer i am thinking of doing PRG/Delta for my next two amex cards. That new delta public offer looks pretty nice. Once my PRG reaches time to pay AF i may go for either ED or EDP to use for grocery and gas spend possibly. Not 100% sure what i wanna do.
Yes Hyatt's smaller footprint is an issue.
That is main issue with MR and UR based cards, the choice of hotels isn't the greatest in the world . MR has hilton but hilton points are not valued the best and UR has Hyatt , but presence isn't the best. I wouldn't use UR points for marriot because the value is just horrendous. I think its actually less than 1 to 1. What do you do for hotels? I was thikning of picking up something like arrival+ or something.
For domestic travel I heard the SPG card is decent. I'm using my poijnts towards AA, but apparently doing the points with cash thing is a decent deal. actually if yuour using points then FTF isn't an issue so the points work international too.
I can be patient with SPG card. i want to wait and see if i could snag a 35k offer or something like that for SPG. Just want to make sure i get best value for signup bonus , since it seems to be 1 and done with amex as far as signup bonuses go with one card.
What are you doing for cross country flights since most are 25k no matter what airline you use ? I was thinking of doing with UR virgin atlantic to virgin america since they are probably one of the best domestic airlines out there.
@mongstradamus wrote:
@red259 wrote:
@mongstradamus wrote:
@red259 wrote:
@mongstradamus wrote:
@red259 wrote:
@mongstradamus wrote:
@Open123 wrote:As Lurker has observed, in general, the points value hiearchy is SPG > UR > MR. Personally, I find all three useful and make an effort to accrue points in all of them.
If it's just between MR and URs, here's what I've found to be true.
1. For MR redemptions - SQ, ANA and Cathay business class redemptions offer a pretty good value, if you fly to SE Asia. Also, transferring to BA and booking AA domestic flights usually offer a pretty decent value too. For hotel redemptions, there isn't really anything compelling. With Amex, if you prefer hotel points, go with SPG.
2. For UR redemptions - UA, Hyatt and BA (for AA flights). While there has been some devaluation, transferring points to these three will still get you some pretty good value, especially if done prudently.
If it's point for point, I'd say UR points are more valuable than MR points, all things being equal. However, at 1.5 for the EDP, assuming you're going to pay the annual fee and can make the 30 swipe per month (which isn't hard, just pay your cell phone bill once per day), MRs are more valuable. The 50% bonus is hard to overcome. I'd even take the 50% bonus on MR over a single SPG point.
For me, with MRs, I'll use to transfer to wherever I'm short a few points. For example, when there's a BA or Virgin bonus, I'll transfer some MRs. Or, if I'm short some HA miles, I'll transfer some MRs. But mostly, I use them for premium cabin seats on the SE Asian routes through SQ or Cathay.
That's my take. I'd recommend going with the 50% MR bonus. Eventhough URs may be a more valuable currency, it's isn't enough to overcome the 50% MR point bonus, which is quite significant.
Good luck!
I agree for the most part SPG>UR>MR , but the thing about that is there is no bonus spend really for spg cards like there are say for INK cards or PRG/EDP. I would think its not as easy to accumulate SPG points as it is for UR and MR points.
I am still trying to figure out how to best use UR points. Short domestic trips via avios could be good use, even an quick flight to bermuda wouldn't be bad its 15k RT on economy. There was an deal with SQ an while ago flying to Maui from JFK for 35k econ or 60k for business RT. Those are some pretty good deals.
Those are some good deals. I was saving my UR points for Hyatts stays for the most part as I have a bunch of AA miles saved up, but I may use some for short hop flights as well.
The problem i find with hyatt their international presence isn't the greatest. I was looking at St Thomas or Grand Cayman Islands i don't think hyatt has any hotels in either of those places.
On an unrelated topic i am still waiting on PRG 50k offer i am thinking of doing PRG/Delta for my next two amex cards. That new delta public offer looks pretty nice. Once my PRG reaches time to pay AF i may go for either ED or EDP to use for grocery and gas spend possibly. Not 100% sure what i wanna do.
Yes Hyatt's smaller footprint is an issue.
That is main issue with MR and UR based cards, the choice of hotels isn't the greatest in the world . MR has hilton but hilton points are not valued the best and UR has Hyatt , but presence isn't the best. I wouldn't use UR points for marriot because the value is just horrendous. I think its actually less than 1 to 1. What do you do for hotels? I was thikning of picking up something like arrival+ or something.
For domestic travel I heard the SPG card is decent. I'm using my poijnts towards AA, but apparently doing the points with cash thing is a decent deal. actually if yuour using points then FTF isn't an issue so the points work international too.
I can be patient with SPG card. i want to wait and see if i could snag a 35k offer or something like that for SPG. Just want to make sure i get best value for signup bonus , since it seems to be 1 and done with amex as far as signup bonuses go with one card.
What are you doing for cross country flights since most are 25k no matter what airline you use ? I was thinking of doing with UR virgin atlantic to virgin america since they are probably one of the best domestic airlines out there.
Haven't looked into cross country flights recently in terms of using miles. You can get kjfk/lax flights for around $330 RT depending on day of week etc and earn miles with the airline if you use a barclays. If you use 25k UR points you would be getting less than .02 back in value. The price of flying NY to Bermuda is about the same! cash wise, so the points are a much better play there.
@red259 wrote:
@mongstradamus wrote:
@red259 wrote:
@mongstradamus wrote:
@red259 wrote:
@mongstradamus wrote:
@red259 wrote:
@mongstradamus wrote:
@Open123 wrote:As Lurker has observed, in general, the points value hiearchy is SPG > UR > MR. Personally, I find all three useful and make an effort to accrue points in all of them.
If it's just between MR and URs, here's what I've found to be true.
1. For MR redemptions - SQ, ANA and Cathay business class redemptions offer a pretty good value, if you fly to SE Asia. Also, transferring to BA and booking AA domestic flights usually offer a pretty decent value too. For hotel redemptions, there isn't really anything compelling. With Amex, if you prefer hotel points, go with SPG.
2. For UR redemptions - UA, Hyatt and BA (for AA flights). While there has been some devaluation, transferring points to these three will still get you some pretty good value, especially if done prudently.
If it's point for point, I'd say UR points are more valuable than MR points, all things being equal. However, at 1.5 for the EDP, assuming you're going to pay the annual fee and can make the 30 swipe per month (which isn't hard, just pay your cell phone bill once per day), MRs are more valuable. The 50% bonus is hard to overcome. I'd even take the 50% bonus on MR over a single SPG point.
For me, with MRs, I'll use to transfer to wherever I'm short a few points. For example, when there's a BA or Virgin bonus, I'll transfer some MRs. Or, if I'm short some HA miles, I'll transfer some MRs. But mostly, I use them for premium cabin seats on the SE Asian routes through SQ or Cathay.
That's my take. I'd recommend going with the 50% MR bonus. Eventhough URs may be a more valuable currency, it's isn't enough to overcome the 50% MR point bonus, which is quite significant.
Good luck!
I agree for the most part SPG>UR>MR , but the thing about that is there is no bonus spend really for spg cards like there are say for INK cards or PRG/EDP. I would think its not as easy to accumulate SPG points as it is for UR and MR points.
I am still trying to figure out how to best use UR points. Short domestic trips via avios could be good use, even an quick flight to bermuda wouldn't be bad its 15k RT on economy. There was an deal with SQ an while ago flying to Maui from JFK for 35k econ or 60k for business RT. Those are some pretty good deals.
Those are some good deals. I was saving my UR points for Hyatts stays for the most part as I have a bunch of AA miles saved up, but I may use some for short hop flights as well.
The problem i find with hyatt their international presence isn't the greatest. I was looking at St Thomas or Grand Cayman Islands i don't think hyatt has any hotels in either of those places.
On an unrelated topic i am still waiting on PRG 50k offer i am thinking of doing PRG/Delta for my next two amex cards. That new delta public offer looks pretty nice. Once my PRG reaches time to pay AF i may go for either ED or EDP to use for grocery and gas spend possibly. Not 100% sure what i wanna do.
Yes Hyatt's smaller footprint is an issue.
That is main issue with MR and UR based cards, the choice of hotels isn't the greatest in the world . MR has hilton but hilton points are not valued the best and UR has Hyatt , but presence isn't the best. I wouldn't use UR points for marriot because the value is just horrendous. I think its actually less than 1 to 1. What do you do for hotels? I was thikning of picking up something like arrival+ or something.
For domestic travel I heard the SPG card is decent. I'm using my poijnts towards AA, but apparently doing the points with cash thing is a decent deal. actually if yuour using points then FTF isn't an issue so the points work international too.
I can be patient with SPG card. i want to wait and see if i could snag a 35k offer or something like that for SPG. Just want to make sure i get best value for signup bonus , since it seems to be 1 and done with amex as far as signup bonuses go with one card.
What are you doing for cross country flights since most are 25k no matter what airline you use ? I was thinking of doing with UR virgin atlantic to virgin america since they are probably one of the best domestic airlines out there.
Haven't looked into cross country flights recently in terms of using miles. You can get kjfk/lax flights for around $330 RT depending on day of week etc and earn miles with the airline if you use a barclays. If you use 25k UR points you would be getting less than .02 back in value. The price of flying NY to Bermuda is about the same! cash wise, so the points are a much better play there.
Yea cross country to lax or las seems like paying "cash" may be better option. That is unfortunate.
@mongstradamus wrote:That is main issue with MR and UR based cards, the choice of hotels isn't the greatest in the world . MR has hilton but hilton points are not valued the best and UR has Hyatt , but presence isn't the best. I wouldn't use UR points for marriot because the value is just horrendous. I think its actually less than 1 to 1. What do you do for hotels? I was thikning of picking up something like arrival+ or something.
Errr glancing at the point system it seems a bit higher then less then 1 to 1.
@Closingracer99 wrote:
@mongstradamus wrote:That is main issue with MR and UR based cards, the choice of hotels isn't the greatest in the world . MR has hilton but hilton points are not valued the best and UR has Hyatt , but presence isn't the best. I wouldn't use UR points for marriot because the value is just horrendous. I think its actually less than 1 to 1. What do you do for hotels? I was thikning of picking up something like arrival+ or something.
Errr glancing at the point system it seems a bit higher then less then 1 to 1.
I think most people value it at less than one but I guess it depends how you redeem it. When I was looking at hotels in Thailand. Would only be getting .7-.8 which is worse than using to buy with points through ur portal at 1.25?
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New York Brooklyn
181 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY, US, 11217
From 15,214 Points
Avg. per night
or $190.17
Much better to buy from UR portal then transfering to a Marriott rewards account because that same room is 30,000 points but for $Cash calue is cheaper at $149 on Marriott's website