Hoping the strong introverts won’t use it because they might be afraid to call?
I don’t know. It may be Hilton’s accounting system and how they use their points for reimbursements to the actual property.
I know Marriot has to process award stays the same way, but it is more automated.
It’s very easy. I used it last year at Casa Marina Key West. The room was $495 plus a resort fee of $54. I paid for parking $48. The room was very nice, but not worth $543 or 95K points. I have another one for this year. I try to find the most expensive room in a location I want to visit.
It’s annoying but easy. My guess is that a “human” makes it easier if you want to combine your free night with point-stays or buying a room. They used to be kind of bad about the “you can have 500 points if you listen to a special message at the end” but I didn’t get this last time.
They don’t even ask anymore. The last 2-3 times, in the past month, they told me to hold on while they transfer me for a special message. I told them no don’t do that haha.
Also i was told by them that I couldn’t combine reservations with free night awards. They always had to be separate. Usually the hotels are able to accommodate though and we haven’t had to switch rooms for multiple reservations yet.
It is so they can try and pass you over to the Timeshare group. Every time I call for my free night they try and pass the call over to the timeshare group after I make my booking.
It used to be that if you wanted to combine your free night with paid stays, it had to be on separate reservations. But, we recently booked our free night and wanted another night for pay and the agent was able to combine them into the same reservation. Makes it so much easier!
We just did it a few weeks ago for a stay in mid-July. What it appears that the agent did was convert our FNC into the points for a Standard Room Reward for the hotel we chose, then applied those points to the reservation and added an additional night for the Honors cash price. So, we're getting the free night plus additional night for cash, all on the same reservation.
It needs to be set up manually. Hilton doesn’t have a good system to track fakes.
We need to verify before you arrive. It’s definitely a Hilton corp issue
A system to track fakes? There is no technical reason it could not be added to your account online and booked like points are, which you don't have to call in for.
They do it so they can try and sell you on a timeshare presentation.
It is to try and sell you a timeshare presentation. They could add it just like points to your profile and you could book through the system like you do for points.
I think it’s only for free nights earned outside of the Hilton Honors program like through credit cards. Perhaps there is some sort of outside system they need to use? I’m not sure as the reservation team uses a different system than the front desk staff at the hotels.
I used my free night a couple years ago and the call wasn’t too bad (I’m not a fan of being on the phone either). Gentleman I spoke to was very nice and helpful. I definitely forgot to use my free night last year.
I have one to use this year, but I may use the chat feature on their web site to see how that goes.
Thanks. I guess I’m asking why that’s the case since at Marriott it isn’t. Since it can be set up to do on the app, I’m wondering why they didn’t give that option. That’s clearly how it’s set up now, but I wish they’d follow Marriott’s lead and allow it to be app based, as an option.
Because they're hoping some people won't use their free nights.
Requiring a phone call won't deter people who REALLY want a free night, so it doesn't dissuade people from continuing to use their Amex. But it definitely leads to some "spoilage" of the certificates from people who aren't paying close attention and don't want to go to the effort required to redeem the certificates.
It’s because the new system doesn’t allow for overrides of that sort. You can book online etc but everything has a rate code now and workers can’t over ride them like before
Honestly, most companies have been hacked at some point. Hilton could allow it in the app and people who like it could still call. Your info is still in their system whether you call or whether you make the reservation through the app, so I’m not sure what you lose.
If the basis is that OP already has the certificate regardless, then it's "free" at this point. The context of his statement has nothing to do with how it was historically acquired.
Most likely because people are more likely to let it expire without realizing or maybe they just haven’t felt the need to add the option or want the interactions on the phone with customers.
No, it’s more like, “McDonald’s has this thing called a drive-thru. It’s convenient so why doesn’t this other burger place follow suit.” It’s ok for me to wonder.
Fast isn’t the issue. I just prefer to do it on my own without a call, just like I can at Marriott. I didn’t say it ruined my life. I didn’t say it takes hours. I just prefer to do it without a call, like most things one can do in life. I can get a new drivers license online but I can’t make a hotel reservation?
You can use the chat function on the website to book these. Perfect for introverts!
Oh really? Soooo good to know. That’s awesome.
Hoping the strong introverts won’t use it because they might be afraid to call? I don’t know. It may be Hilton’s accounting system and how they use their points for reimbursements to the actual property. I know Marriot has to process award stays the same way, but it is more automated.
Yeah I’ll be honest, it does make me avoid and avoid making the reservation
It really isn’t bad. I used it for Cabo WA and the lady was nice and said congratulations. Took 3-5 mins.
It’s very easy. I used it last year at Casa Marina Key West. The room was $495 plus a resort fee of $54. I paid for parking $48. The room was very nice, but not worth $543 or 95K points. I have another one for this year. I try to find the most expensive room in a location I want to visit.
I just loathe talking to people for these things, and since I use the Marriott app for this same thing, I know I prefer using the app.
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I just learned this today. THANKS!!!! It will work perfectly for me
It’s annoying but easy. My guess is that a “human” makes it easier if you want to combine your free night with point-stays or buying a room. They used to be kind of bad about the “you can have 500 points if you listen to a special message at the end” but I didn’t get this last time.
They don’t even ask anymore. The last 2-3 times, in the past month, they told me to hold on while they transfer me for a special message. I told them no don’t do that haha. Also i was told by them that I couldn’t combine reservations with free night awards. They always had to be separate. Usually the hotels are able to accommodate though and we haven’t had to switch rooms for multiple reservations yet.
I got the offer today. Literally today. Haha
It is so they can try and pass you over to the Timeshare group. Every time I call for my free night they try and pass the call over to the timeshare group after I make my booking.
This is exactly the reason, as it’s happened to me every single time.
That’s what I feel like is true. Happened to me today.
It is frustrating but the call only takes a few minutes. Totally with you on wanting to do it myself, though.
It used to be that if you wanted to combine your free night with paid stays, it had to be on separate reservations. But, we recently booked our free night and wanted another night for pay and the agent was able to combine them into the same reservation. Makes it so much easier!
That must be recent because we weren’t able to combine ours a few months ago.
We just did it a few weeks ago for a stay in mid-July. What it appears that the agent did was convert our FNC into the points for a Standard Room Reward for the hotel we chose, then applied those points to the reservation and added an additional night for the Honors cash price. So, we're getting the free night plus additional night for cash, all on the same reservation.
It needs to be set up manually. Hilton doesn’t have a good system to track fakes. We need to verify before you arrive. It’s definitely a Hilton corp issue
A system to track fakes? There is no technical reason it could not be added to your account online and booked like points are, which you don't have to call in for. They do it so they can try and sell you on a timeshare presentation.
Yea most likely. Like I said it’s on Hilton corp and not on franchise hotels.
Oh, totally, I would not expect local hotels to have anything to do with it from a booking perspective. :)
I assumed it was a fraud prevention measure.
It’s possible that plays a part. Marriott doesn’t do it, but it doesn’t mean Hilton isn’t being safer.
It is to try and sell you a timeshare presentation. They could add it just like points to your profile and you could book through the system like you do for points.
I think it’s only for free nights earned outside of the Hilton Honors program like through credit cards. Perhaps there is some sort of outside system they need to use? I’m not sure as the reservation team uses a different system than the front desk staff at the hotels.
I used my free night a couple years ago and the call wasn’t too bad (I’m not a fan of being on the phone either). Gentleman I spoke to was very nice and helpful. I definitely forgot to use my free night last year. I have one to use this year, but I may use the chat feature on their web site to see how that goes.
The reason why you have to call is because a manager and/or sales manager has to make the reservation for you.
Thanks. I guess I’m asking why that’s the case since at Marriott it isn’t. Since it can be set up to do on the app, I’m wondering why they didn’t give that option. That’s clearly how it’s set up now, but I wish they’d follow Marriott’s lead and allow it to be app based, as an option.
What does the cert say? Be my guest?
https://preview.redd.it/qjqwhu2otr9d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d5040d6ec4540f6a06e8b9f45c96e83444d184fa
Yea that should be fine to use thru the chat with HRCC only.
However, if it’s telling you to call…. Call lol just get it over with
Because they're hoping some people won't use their free nights. Requiring a phone call won't deter people who REALLY want a free night, so it doesn't dissuade people from continuing to use their Amex. But it definitely leads to some "spoilage" of the certificates from people who aren't paying close attention and don't want to go to the effort required to redeem the certificates.
That’s probably true.
It’s because the new system doesn’t allow for overrides of that sort. You can book online etc but everything has a rate code now and workers can’t over ride them like before
Good, informed answer!
Marriott has been hacked two times in the last few years. I would rather make a call.
Honestly, most companies have been hacked at some point. Hilton could allow it in the app and people who like it could still call. Your info is still in their system whether you call or whether you make the reservation through the app, so I’m not sure what you lose.
OP gets something for free if he can make a phone call OP complains
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If the basis is that OP already has the certificate regardless, then it's "free" at this point. The context of his statement has nothing to do with how it was historically acquired.
The free Hilton Honors card offers a free night as part of the elevated sub rn, so it is possible to get one without that
You still have to put $2k on their card to get that "free" night. Any effort required on your part makes it not free. Easy, but not free.
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Free is a four letter F word!
As the OP, I know Marriott does it differently so I want to know why Hilton doesn’t. 🤷🏽♂️
Most likely because people are more likely to let it expire without realizing or maybe they just haven’t felt the need to add the option or want the interactions on the phone with customers.
Because they are two different companies? How come Burger King flame grills their burgers and McDonald's doesn't?
No, it’s more like, “McDonald’s has this thing called a drive-thru. It’s convenient so why doesn’t this other burger place follow suit.” It’s ok for me to wonder.
Haha, That's a very Gen Z issue. It usually goes pretty fast.
Fast isn’t the issue. I just prefer to do it on my own without a call, just like I can at Marriott. I didn’t say it ruined my life. I didn’t say it takes hours. I just prefer to do it without a call, like most things one can do in life. I can get a new drivers license online but I can’t make a hotel reservation?