Add Economy Flight To Business Class Award, Use Fewer Alaska Miles

Thrifty Traveler: "Most business class fares between the U.S. and Europe now clock in at 55,000 miles each way – or more flying to and from the West Coast. But if you add a connection in economy in the States or on the other side of the pond, you can cut the final price as low as 45,000 miles each way."

AutoCamp X Hilton Partnership Announced

Monkey Miles: "Hilton just announced that they’re partnering with AutoCamp ( ummmm who? ) with the ability to earn and burn points at AutoCamp sites starting with their property in Cape Cod."

"It looks like, from what I can ascertain, is it focuses on the segment of traveler that love the outdoors, but don’t necessarily want to completely rough it, so they provide campsites with a large, communal clubhouses, where you can individually rent out cabins, tents, and luxury AirStreams that surround it."

Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur Expected To Open Late 2024

One Mile At A Time: "The Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is currently expected to open in late 2024, though isn’t yet accepting reservations. The hotel will be located in Kuala Lumpur’s new Merdeka 118 building, which isn’t only the tallest skyscraper in the city, but the tallest building in all of Asia-Pacific."

Points Wire Note:

Traditionally, luxury properties in Kuala Lumpur have some great rates. I'll be curious to see how the Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur compares. It certainly has the potential to be a great Hyatt Privé option for cash stays!

Hyatt Expanding Footprint in Latin American And Caribbean

Market Watch: "Hyatt Hotels plans to open more than 30 new hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America through 2027 as it seeks to grow its presence in holiday destinations across the region."

"With openings planned in the beach town of Miches, Dominican Republic, and on the island of St. Lucia, the company said Friday it's tapping into strong travel demand across all customer segments"

Could IHG One Rewards Changes Lead To A Devaluation?

View From The Wing: "IHG’s One Rewards loyalty program isn’t nearly as profitable as Hilton’s and Marriott’s. They’re working to change that."

"However IHG has negotiated changes to it’s “System Fund” that allow it to keep part of the revenue from points sales while owners will pay less into the program."

"At the end of the day, hotels spending less on the program and IHG taking more money out of the program, probably shouldn’t be encouraging from a member perspective."

Park Hyatt London Expected To Open Late 2024

One Mile At A Time: "The opening of this property has been delayed considerably. The current projection is that the hotel will open in late 2024, though I imagine that has the potential to slip further. While the hotel isn’t yet bookable, we do know it will be a Category 7 World of Hyatt property, meaning that a free night redemption will cost 25,000 to 35,000 points per night."

Is Using Finnair Avios At Nordic Hotels Worth It?

Frequent Miler: "This opportunity is certainly one to be described as “niche”. The short story is that Finnair has a few hotel brand partners that offer the opportunity to get outsized value for Avios by purchasing a voucher (think like a free night certificate) for a fixed amount of cash and fixed number of Avios that can then be used on a night when a participating hotel is offering redemption."

Points Wire Note:

At a value of 2 cents per point, this can be a surprisingly good use of Avios if you need a hotel stay and don't feel like paying cash. Of course, you might find that you can get more value out of your Avios by booking business and first class flights.

Bilt Rewards Adds Hilton Honors As Transfer Partner

Disclosure: I serve on an advisory board for Bilt and may earn a commission if you use the links below.

Bilt Rewards has just added Hilton Honors as a new transfer partner which means they currently have 18 partners. However, they're splitting with American Airlines in June so they'll be at 17 next month.

While I don't see much value in Hilton as a transfer partner, I do like that Bilt continues to pursue additional airline and hotel transfer partners. At this point, they have all 4 major hotel transfer partners that people in the points community consider. I'll be curious to see if the pursue Choice, Wyndham, Accor, or Leading Hotels of the World going forward.

Those who have earned Bilt Silver, Gold, or Platinum status can transfer points in increments of 1,000 points starting with 1,000 points. If you have the entry level Bilt Blue status, you need to transfer at least 2,000 points.

All Bilt members can receive 1,000 bonus Hilton points if they transfer to Hilton Honors by June 8, 2024. This doesn't move the needle for me, but it's a nice bonus if you need to top off your Hilton account to book an award stay.

Learn about the Bilt Card

Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Cacique Is Now Bookable

One Mile At A Time: "The Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Cacique is now accepting reservations for stays as of February 1, 2025. The property will feature 190 accommodations plus 41 residences. It will be located in Guanacaste, on a peninsula with unobstructed ocean views, just a short drive from Liberia International Airport (LIR)."

"The good news is that you’re able to redeem Hilton Honors points at the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica. Rates start at 120,000 Hilton Honors points per night (compared to 95,000 points when bookings first opened), and elite members get a fifth night free, lowering the average cost to 96,000 points per night. It goes without saying that redeeming points is a phenomenal value."

Points Wire Note:

If you're booking a cash rate, make sure you book with Hilton Impresario benefits which include daily breakfast for 2, a $100 property credit, room upgrade (if available), double Hilton points, etc.

Request A Hilton Impresario Booking

Unlock Extra Hyatt Award Space With Suite Upgrades

Travel on Points: "A fact that I am not sure everyone realizes, that they unlock extra award space. That is because all that matters in order to be able to use them is that a standard suite is available for sale for a cash stay."

Points Wire Note:

If you have Globalist status, this is a great bonus perk to keep in your back pocket!