Reply To: Help me plan my US trip please [was Hilton or Marriott – best for US stays?]

[davefl]

Mid/low end in the US vary wildly depending on location but the suite and breakfast inclusive Hlton brands vary from $140 to $270 typically, Marriot appeat to be charging a premium of $20-40 more for theirs. This is based on my experience of around 80 nights spread over 4 trips in the last 2 years.

IHG – The “sweet spot” can be their HIX Inn and Suites sub brand, where you can get a full suite with kitchen for typically $10-20 less than a Hampton/Homewood. Candlewood suites tend to have a poor reputation, Staybridge suites are slightly better but any new property appears to be built of paper, and you can hear every word from rooms on all sides, above and below.

I’ve seen Hamptons and HIX properties over the $600 mark in cities but then the points per night is $60-80k for a Hilton brand and 50k up for IHG these days. Long gone are the 5k and 10k/night special offers

Hilton’s 5 for 4 nights on points if you have Gold is a clear winner if you’re spending a few nights in one area.

IHG’s points and cash always gives a better return on a £/point basis over a pure points purchase.

ALWAYS ALWAYS read the reviews of an indivual property, location is key and watch out for $40-$60 night parking charges and vote with your feet. Cheaper to get a property a little further away and user Uber/Lyft (Lyft tends to be cheaper)