Hotel cards...

[Anonymous]

Anyone have a preference and reasons for them?  I've looked closely at AMEX Hilton Honors vs. Marriott, and while Hilton seemingly offers better incentives for use of their card with 5% and 3% categories on regular spend, their redemptions don't seem to go that far.  Marriott's redemptions are pretty impressive at first glance.  Any insight on these two cards?  Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

Hi! I am an Hhonors member, and I have the Citi Hhonors card. I also used to work for Hilton properies. Here is an old thread from March that will help and I explained how Hhonors points is used. I hope this help you.

http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/Citi-Hilton-75k-Signup-Bonus/td-p/4520358

I never stayed in Marriott properies before so this is just my opinion and I am sure there are others who can give their two cents to help you

[Closingracer99]

Between Hilton Cards  the Amex one is better flat out... same benefits but better point earning with a min of 3x points compared to 2X with the Citi one. The only advantage the citi one has is that it is a Visa.

As far as hotels goes I typically stay in Hilton brand ones or IHG. Have stayed in Marriott ones and like them but the price is out of my budget typically wherever I go. Both cards are good with the AF version of Hilton is $75 and you get Gold status with offers some good perks. The Marriott cards $85 AF easily gets paid off with the free room voucher so theres that.

[Anonymous]

I'm kind of looking at the AMEX SPG card because you can transfer it's points to airlines, which is really more what I am after as I don't typically stay in chain hotels when traveling.

[Creditplz]

I would go with the Marriott or SPG because I typically stay in them. Again whatever suits your needs.

[wasCB14]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Anyone have a preference and reasons for them?  I've looked closely at AMEX Hilton Honors vs. Marriott, and while Hilton seemingly offers better incentives for use of their card with 5% and 3% categories on regular spend, their redemptions don't seem to go that far.  Marriott's redemptions are pretty impressive at first glance.  Any insight on these two cards?  Thanks in advance!

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In 2015 I paid $145 for a 70k Hilton property, and I think $202 for a 45k Marriott property (taxes included). I might go for a signup bonus, but I'm not rushing to make either an everyday card based on those kinds of redemptions. Mostly I stay at IHG properties, and earn points unconventionally, rather than through everyday spend on the Chase MC.

Be aware, though, that the Priority Pass Select on the Amex HHonors Surpass (the AF one) isn't as good as what's on the Amex Platinum...which, in turn, isn't as good as what Prestige offers.

[Closingracer99]

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@wasCB14 wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

Anyone have a preference and reasons for them?  I've looked closely at AMEX Hilton Honors vs. Marriott, and while Hilton seemingly offers better incentives for use of their card with 5% and 3% categories on regular spend, their redemptions don't seem to go that far.  Marriott's redemptions are pretty impressive at first glance.  Any insight on these two cards?  Thanks in advance!

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In 2015 I paid $145 for a 70k Hilton property, and I think $202 for a 45k Marriott property (taxes included). I might go for a signup bonus, but I'm not rushing to make either an everyday card based on those kinds of redemptions. Mostly I stay at IHG properties, and earn points unconventionally, rather than through everyday spend on the Chase MC.

Be aware, though, that the Priority Pass Select on the Amex HHonors Surpass (the AF one) isn't as good as what's on the Amex Platinum...which, in turn, isn't as good as what Prestige offers.

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Well duh? The AF on the AF Hilton Amex is $75 and the Amex plat and Citi Presitge is $450.....

[wasCB14]

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@Closingracer99 wrote:

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@wasCB14 wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

Anyone have a preference and reasons for them?  I've looked closely at AMEX Hilton Honors vs. Marriott, and while Hilton seemingly offers better incentives for use of their card with 5% and 3% categories on regular spend, their redemptions don't seem to go that far.  Marriott's redemptions are pretty impressive at first glance.  Any insight on these two cards?  Thanks in advance!

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In 2015 I paid $145 for a 70k Hilton property, and I think $202 for a 45k Marriott property (taxes included). I might go for a signup bonus, but I'm not rushing to make either an everyday card based on those kinds of redemptions. Mostly I stay at IHG properties, and earn points unconventionally, rather than through everyday spend on the Chase MC.

Be aware, though, that the Priority Pass Select on the Amex HHonors Surpass (the AF one) isn't as good as what's on the Amex Platinum...which, in turn, isn't as good as what Prestige offers.

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Well duh? The AF on the AF Hilton Amex is $75 and the Amex plat and Citi Presitge is $450.....

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I'm not commenting on annual fees vs. card value. I'm saying it can be confusing when three different cards all offer something called "Priority Pass Select", but all three have different lounge access fee schedules in the fine print.

[Anonymous]

<raises hand> I'm a big Marriott fan here.  I have the Chase MRP card and it has served me well.  I have several free nights I have not used but as one would expect they are for category 5 and lower hotels, and those tend to not be so convenient for the places we travel.  With regards to Marriott I have always found them exceptionally accomodating whether you are at the Ritz, one of the boutiques, or the Fairfield Inn. 

I have zero doubts people say the same thing for Hilton properties so to me it's just which one do you want to get hitched with and stay in that family.

[UncleB]

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@Anonymous wrote:

I'm kind of looking at the AMEX SPG card because you can transfer it's points to airlines, which is really more what I am after as I don't typically stay in chain hotels when traveling.

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I don't typically stay in chain hotels either, that's why I prefer cards that give 3% cash back for travel (including hotels).

I personally use the Sam's Club MasterCard, but the new Citi Costco Visa and the Bank of America AAA Visa also have 3% travel rewards that would include hotels.