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@FICOdawg wrote:
@Realist wrote:It's not hard guys. Just because you can't, doesn't mean others can't. It just goes to show you that some people aren't ready, and quite frankly, I don't think I've been known to be dishonest on these forums. It does make me question why even attempt to help anyone here - when they outright show some hostility back. I'd like to think I put quite a bit of time into my posts, posting much information for other peoples benefit. I don't even have to waste that time. But, I am not going to hand hold either.
You can acquire two nights for 95,000 points per night at peak times per year, and two more rooms using the free certs. Each room is approximately valued at $750-$780 per night, plus you toss on fees and tax. $3500. This location is driveable within the US. There are many locations just like it all across the US. Obviously it's not Hawaii or Maldives, or any other exotic location you can't drive to. The flight alone would make the trip null, and wipe out the valuation entirely.
I LIVED in a Marriott branded property in Asia for 4 straight years. I'm pretty sure I've figure out how hotel programs function by now.
Of course you can take low season point values or use a cert but there is no mysterious secret code to this.
You first have to earn the points to use them. That's the kicker. In my case I travel a lot and pay attention to deals like a bonus every 2 nights stay so I make the effort to change hotels to maximize the points. It really adds up over a year and worth effort.
Hey @FICOdawg thanks for the input, missed your reply as others chimed in. I can appreciate anyones input without having to stand in opposition. Clearly you have unique experiences others don't. Some lean more Hilton, some Marriot, some Wyndham, Sonesta, Choice, Hyatt, and some - all of the above. I think I don't hold a Hyatt or Choice account - yet. Different experiences are going to warrant different responses. Every response should be considered.
Have you figured out the valuation and strategies that differ from Hilton and Marriot? I'll ask one simple question, it's important. Are you allowed to hold two of the same Marriot cards simultainously? The short answer is yes. The correct answer is not to employ much of a strategic opportunity.
This question, is why I won't disclose certain information. I'm speaking plainly, not directed at you.
Do people feel they are entitled to run up at 99% of the race, to sit in on the last 1%, and gain all the glory and benefits the entire race provides? Yeah I don't play that game either.
@Realist wrote:No more hand holding on this. There is a reason why I'm not providing certain information. That information excels well beyond just understanding this stuff. I mentioned about complex strategies. You guys aren't even ready for this, so I'm not disclosing any of that. That's the stuff I keep close to my chest.
Three or four people in this thread knew with absolute authority, that this wasn't possible, and yet, I've shown it clearly is. Most people don't understand, which is why most people don't enjoy these kinds of opportunities. Start with the basics, grow and learn with time. You don't get to run to the finish line and expect to simply know. That's not a plan, nor is it progression. You skip over the entire part called growth and learning.
Someone else can chime in if they want, because I know someone may have come across this image at some point in time on their Hilton searches. It's a heck of a place to stay. Very enjoyable. The timeframe was late July, peak timeframe. Take your pick, east coast, west coast, or down south, these opportunities are all over. There's a few a drive away from you.
You cannot use free night certificates for suites, strictly prohibited, they are only for standard rooms. Plus, no condos because timeshare resorts are restricted.
So that stay will cost you 380,000 points and that's a .007 redemption rate, smart guy.....How much do you have to spend to get the extra 195,000 points or what does the standard rooms cost in dollars and points to use the certificates?
Yes, getting two cards in a row for the sub can work but you are one and done because you will need to spend $30,000 for an extra night with the Aspire card or only get one night for spending $15,000 on the Surpass card and for standard rooms.
Hilton really doesn't offer a value proposition after using the subs. Also, who wants to stay in a standard room for 4 days 😁
I know, everyone is watching.
Anyone want to point out his obvious flaw? He just typed it himself and missed it completely. The image of the room, points to the obvious flaw as well. Obviously.
By the way, I just stayed here one month ago, within this very same room. Spent 380,000 points, fifth night was free. Used a free night cert to extend it one more day.
Like I said, you folks aren't ready. Not even close. But please, continue to tell us how much you know as certain. Maybe this time you are certainly certain, just like you were certain last time you just knew it wasn't possible.
I think that's about it for me, no need to continue beating a dead horse any longer. What I've observed here in this engagement, is that there are individuals that are not ready to understand or achieve this level of travel reward, and it feels like there's a sense of entitlement towards certain information. This stuff isn't even all that difficult, it's just basic stuff. Mostly entry level knowledge. Gosh forbid I were to offer any advance strategies. I'd be inundated by all kinds of certainly certain people telling me "you can't do that, thats not possible". I'll just close by saying, go figure it out yourselves, as its one of the most rewarding ways to learn on this subject. You will be rewarded according to your own accumulated level of understanding and knowledge - or there lack of. Go put in the time and work to understand. I feel a certain kind of way about how this topic has manifested, and what the original mention was for everyones benefit. The words gift horse and it's associated phrase comes to mind. I learned something too, and that is I may choose to be a bit more reserved with what information I share in the future. This one has put a bad taste in my mouth.
@Realist wrote:I'll just close by saying, go figure it out yourselves
And there it is.





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FICO® 8: 844 (Eq) · 838 (Ex) · 812 (TU)
Clean | Thick | Mature | New Revolver
@Realist wrote:Anyone want to point out his obvious flaw? He just typed it himself and missed it completely. The image of the room, points to the obvious flaw as well. Obviously.
By the way, I just stayed here one month ago, within this very same room. Spent 380,000 points, fifth night was free. Used a free night cert to extend it one more day.
Like I said, you folks aren't ready. Not even close. But please, continue to tell us how much you know as certain. Maybe this time you are certainly certain, just like you were certain last time you just knew it wasn't possible.
I think that's about it for me, no need to continue beating a dead horse any longer. What I've observed here in this engagement, is that there are individuals that are not ready to understand or achieve this level of travel reward, and it feels like there's a sense of entitlement towards certain information. This stuff isn't even all that difficult, it's just basic stuff. Mostly entry level knowledge. Gosh forbid I were to offer any advance strategies. I'd be inundated by all kinds of certainly certain people telling me "you can't do that, thats not possible". I'll just close by saying, go figure it out yourselves, as its one of the most rewarding ways to learn on this subject. You will be rewarded according to your own accumulated level of understanding and knowledge - or there lack of. I feel a certain kind of way about how this topic has manifested, and what the original mention was for everyones benefit. The words gift horse and it's associated phrase comes to mind. I learned something too, and that is I may choose to be a bit more reserved with what information I share in the future. This one has put a bad taste in my mouth.
No flaw, I know and everyone knows the 5th night is free.....You must be an Engineer or in that field.....
@Realist wrote:
By the way, I just stayed here one month ago, within this very same room. Spent 380,000 points, fifth night was free. Used a free night cert to extend it one more day.
So how much did you spend to accumulate 380,000 or 180,000 additional points if you didn't or did burn your sub points and also, were you moved to a standard room for the sixth night? If you were moved to a standard room how much was it?
If everyone gets a fifth night free you cannot include that in your 380,000 point redemption value. In addition, your $150 AF needs to factor into your free night certificate assuming the surpass card, $725 - $150 = $575 / $15,000 spend is 3.8% on that spend not very good in my opinion and that's if you stayed in the suite.
You have many holes in your theory of valuation, you just think a free certificate doesn't cost anything after burning your sub certificates.
Right, no flaws on your end.
@redpat wrote:So how much did you spend to accumulate 380,000 or 180,000 additional points if you didn't or did burn your sub points and also, were you moved to a standard room for the sixth night? If you were moved to a standard room how much was it?
I suspect that moving rooms every day or so (essentially making multiple bookings) may be part of his strategy. No big deal if that's true, but I don't get why he isn't willing to share. Perhaps he even moves to different hotel properties mid trip. Also, I'm guessing he may use free certs for Friday & Saturday nights and points for Mondays and Tuesdays. Those days of the week tend to be cheaper at a lot of hotels. But, again, why won't he share his strategies?





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FICO® 8: 844 (Eq) · 838 (Ex) · 812 (TU)
Clean | Thick | Mature | New Revolver
@Realist wrote:Anyone want to point out his obvious flaw? He just typed it himself and missed it completely. The image of the room, points to the obvious flaw as well. Obviously.
By the way, I just stayed here one month ago, within this very same room. Spent 380,000 points, fifth night was free. Used a free night cert to extend it one more day.
Like I said, you folks aren't ready. Not even close. But please, continue to tell us how much you know as certain. Maybe this time you are certainly certain, just like you were certain last time you just knew it wasn't possible.
I think that's about it for me, no need to continue beating a dead horse any longer. What I've observed here in this engagement, is that there are individuals that are not ready to understand or achieve this level of travel reward, and it feels like there's a sense of entitlement towards certain information. This stuff isn't even all that difficult, it's just basic stuff. Mostly entry level knowledge. Gosh forbid I were to offer any advance strategies. I'd be inundated by all kinds of certainly certain people telling me "you can't do that, thats not possible". I'll just close by saying, go figure it out yourselves, as its one of the most rewarding ways to learn on this subject. You will be rewarded according to your own accumulated level of understanding and knowledge - or there lack of. Go put in the time and work to understand. I feel a certain kind of way about how this topic has manifested, and what the original mention was for everyones benefit. The words gift horse and it's associated phrase comes to mind. I learned something too, and that is I may choose to be a bit more reserved with what information I share in the future. This one has put a bad taste in my mouth.
All the double speak but ya still gotta spend to get the points.
I stay in hotels a lot so for now I just put all my credit card spend on my United card for flight. I'm sitting fat with Marriott points (and some Hilton as well). I've got about 5 years left before I leave the rat race.
My issue is I've been in so many nice hotels and destinations I'd rather be home and take the boat out for the weekend. Not one single hotel can impress me anymore. I've been in over 100 countries. Kinda sick of travel actually.
I'm a lifetime titanium which is a status you can't even attain you only got it during the spg/Marriott merger and you had to be lifetime during that year and they gave us LT titanium. I had earned Marriott lifetime the hard way prior to the merger. Needless to say I'm probably not the one to challenge on hotel knowledge if I need to know something I have industry contacts as I'm a #1 guest at a hotel with pretty high lifetime spend.
I have so many hotel points if I want to plan a vacation I just book it. I may trim a night or two for the 5th free night or to grab a bonus but hotel points the least of my worries.
lastly, I'm a Marriott vacations owner and paid cash for the annual points so other than the annual maintenance I have 14 nights a year to go on vacation. I had the money at the time to buy but wish I'd not as I've lost the travel bug. Usually just end up at a beach resort somewhere and just chill now.
@Varsity_Lu wrote:
@redpat wrote:So how much did you spend to accumulate 380,000 or 180,000 additional points if you didn't or did burn your sub points and also, were you moved to a standard room for the sixth night? If you were moved to a standard room how much was it?
I suspect that moving rooms every day or so (essentially making multiple bookings) may be part of his strategy. No big deal if that's true, but I don't get why he isn't willing to share. Perhaps he even moves to different hotel properties mid trip. Also, I'm guessing he may use free certs for Friday & Saturday nights and points for Mondays and Tuesdays. Those days of the week tend to be cheaper at a lot of hotels. But, again, why won't he share his strategies?
There is no secret sauce on what he is doing. I have been on the hamster wheel with Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt and all of the chains really sucks now and have been deeply been going through devaluation. The best hotel redemption ever was with Marriott 7 night and air included packages for some unbelievable redemption and that is long gone.
He is simply combining the subs for two nights and 70k and 130k in points for $5,000 in spend. You are basically one in done after burning those subs. If you stay on the hamster wheel then you have to factor in the cost of getting 380,000 points and the cost of the free night less your annual fee. Hilton is by far the worst value per dollar spend and you cannot use your certificates for suites or timeshare condos. Most redemption are now .003 - .005 cents now but you may find some .007 which he did.
There is a lot of smoke and mirrors on his valuations and he doesn't say much he spends to get the additional points or get the 380,000 total.
So the real question is did he spend $20k, $30k or more to get 380,000 points = 14.5%, 9.67% or less after $30k spend. If you are Diamond you would have to spend about $13.6k to get 380,000 points for 21.3% of spend. Cost for the stay is $725 x 4 = $2,900 total.
I'm now independent and on my business hotel stays if I spend the same $13.6k which are reimbursed by clients I can get $3,940 for stays (including condos)s, cruises or $6,268 for flights = 28.9% or 46% on spend. It really doesn't matter to me since it's business spend. I like that I can use my miles for more than just stays and I'm not tied down to one chain.
My bad, Ocean City is all suites like Nashville Hilton. Okay missed the standard room thing but still used 380,000 points regardless with the 5th night and burning a certificate.
@redpat wrote:
@Varsity_Lu wrote:
@redpat wrote:So how much did you spend to accumulate 380,000 or 180,000 additional points if you didn't or did burn your sub points and also, were you moved to a standard room for the sixth night? If you were moved to a standard room how much was it?
I suspect that moving rooms every day or so (essentially making multiple bookings) may be part of his strategy. No big deal if that's true, but I don't get why he isn't willing to share. Perhaps he even moves to different hotel properties mid trip. Also, I'm guessing he may use free certs for Friday & Saturday nights and points for Mondays and Tuesdays. Those days of the week tend to be cheaper at a lot of hotels. But, again, why won't he share his strategies?
There is no secret sauce on what he is doing. I have been on the hamster wheel with Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt and all of the chains really sucks now and have been deeply been going through devaluation. The best hotel redemption ever was with Marriott 7 night and air included packages for some unbelievable redemption and that is long gone.
He is simply combining the subs for two nights and 70k and 130k in points for $5,000 in spend. You are basically one in done after burning those subs. If you stay on the hamster wheel then you have to factor in the cost of getting 380,000 points and the cost of the free night less your annual fee. Hilton is by far the worst value per dollar spend and you cannot use your certificates for suites or timeshare condos. Most redemption are now .003 - .005 cents now but you may find some .007 which he did.
There is a lot of smoke and mirrors on his valuations and he doesn't say much he spends to get the additional points or get the 380,000 total.
So the real question is did he spend $20k, $30k or more to get 380,000 points = 14.5%, 9.67% or less after $30k spend. If you are Diamond you would have to spend about $13.6k to get 380,000 points for 21.3% of spend. Cost for the stay is $725 x 4 = $2,900 total.
I'm now independent and on my business hotel stays if I spend the same $13.6k which are reimbursed by clients I can get $3,940 for stays (including condos)s, cruises or $6,268 for flights = 28.9% or 46% on spend. It really doesn't matter to me since it's business spend. I like that I can use my miles for more than just stays and I'm not tied down to one chain.
My bad, Ocean City is all suites like Nashville Hilton. Okay missed the standard room thing but still used 380,000 points regardless with the 5th night and burning a certificate.
Yup on all accounts. The cryptic messaging and vague defensiveness doesn't really make sense. I still don't understand the gatekeeping aspect but it's coming across more like humble bragging that fell flat.