PSA: Hilton Honor Point Devaluation

[ljmiii]

For those who read the forum to learn and may not be versed in all the terminology, what are "FNCs?"

Theoretically, Hilton issues FNRs (Free Night Rewards) formerly WNRs (Weekend Night Rewards) back when they could only be used on weekends. But the FNC (Free Night Certificates) nomenclature from Marriott and other hotel chains predominates.

 

[Zenichiro]

Last year, we booked the Conrad Tulum with Hilton Honors points at 100,000 points per night, with the 5th night free, for a total of 400,000 points for 5 nights. With a cash rate of $700 per night, the stay would have cost $3,500, giving a redemption value of 0.875 cents per point, which is excellent for a property of this caliber. Additionally, we received an upgrade to an ocean view room, valued at over $800 per night, adding even more value to our stay.

We also added the Flavors of Tulum package for 2 people at $175 per person per night, totaling $1,750 for the 5-night stay. The package included unlimited dining and premium drinks at most restaurants and bars, including fine dining at Maratea, Kengai, and Ukai, along with snacks, specialty cocktails, and wines. The total cash equivalent, including the package, was $5,250, increasing the redemption value to 1.31 cents per point.

Since the package spend was charged to our room at checkout, we also earned 34x Hilton Honors points (from Diamond status and the Hilton credit card) on the $1,750, totaling approximately 65,000 Hilton Honors points, making this an even better value. This combination of points, upgrade, and dining package made the stay an exceptional deal. This was way better than their lounge access to Ceiba Club since you can’t take food and drink outside the club.

 

[jp10558]

Theoretically, Hilton issues FNRs (Free Night Rewards) formerly WNRs (Weekend Night Rewards) back when they could only be used on weekends. But the FNC (Free Night Certificates) nomenclature from Marriott and other hotel chains predominates.

I swear there's a certificate in there somewhere lol. But looking up at my last e-mail, they did get rid of that nomenclature. I probably last looked in 2008 when I first signed up, and my memory may be faulty. The nice thing is you can just call and use it just about anywhere (apparently in the very small print there's some exclusions, but TBH I haven't actually found one in real life use - of course YMMV). The stupid part however, IMHO, is having to call in to use it. No idea why.

 

[Reddart]

I swear there's a certificate in there somewhere lol. But looking up at my last e-mail, they did get rid of that nomenclature. I probably last looked in 2008 when I first signed up, and my memory may be faulty. The nice thing is you can just call and use it just about anywhere (apparently in the very small print there's some exclusions, but TBH I haven't actually found one in real life use - of course YMMV). The stupid part however, IMHO, is having to call in to use it. No idea why.

Can be used anywhere where a “standard” accommodation is available.

 

[4TimeAway]

Can be used anywhere where a “standard” accommodation is available.

You have to look online to get an idea of what dates work for a standard accommodation. It can be a generous perk, if you select a swanky place with the free night.

I think we used at a $500-$600/night place.

Time was running out and had to use it... I know... Don't cry for us!

 

[Eric B]

The SLH ones that were added to Hilton Honors were already at the higher prices. I was able to use 3 FNCs to book one as an add on to a ThirdHome reservation I had made (originally booked with points at 130K per night, but switched as the FNCs were added to my account) the Honors discounted rate per night for it is $1,859, which would make it 1.43 cents per point at the point value (1.716 cents per point for a five night stay, but I was planning on the FNCs). The accommodations are a 1,700 sq ft 2-story 2 BR with a full kitchen, 2 1/2 BA, and a private boat slip. Anyone have a boat I can borrow?