Question:

Has anyone been to or know about the Nassau Beach Hotel on Cable Beach in nassau, the bahamas? I would appreciate the feedback. Thanks.

Response:

I was there about 8 years ago and it was OK, but not great.  It was fairly reasonable, so it was about what I expected.  The rooms were ok – relatively clean – and the food was OK, but nothing special.  I have recently heard some complaints about cleanliness in the rooms and in the hallways (food trays left in the halls for days). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Has anyone been to or know about the Nassau Beach Hotel on Cable Beach in >nassau, the bahamas? I would appreciate the feedback. Thanks.

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Marriott Hotel chain bought the Nassau Beach Hotel a couple of years back so it has made it a better facility. Rates are still reasonable there. It will be the cheapest hotel along the Cable Beach strip. The restaurant Johnny Canoes is right at the Nassau Beach and the food is good, and it want to gamble the Marriott Casino is right beside it and after that is the Radisson Hotel. If you want a pretty good restaurant you can go about 2 -3 miles west towards the airport along bay street and it’s called Compass Point. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Has anyone been to or know about the Nassau Beach Hotel on Cable Beach in > nassau, the bahamas? I would appreciate the feedback. Thanks.

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi, > After going to Hawaii for some 20 yrs Maui remains the favorite Island. Condos > rented directly from the owner are a bargain… search the net for > Maui+condo… you’ll find plenty. Other islands all have their own charm and > fans. Interisland fares are often and cheap down to $50 each leg if you package > them. In ten days i would try for no more than 2 islands. Get a good book like > "Hidden Hawaii" for the details. Feel free to email for specific questions. > Ron >   My wife and I are planning our first trip to Hawaii, need some feedback. > We will be cashing in mileage with American Airlines for the tickets.  Need > info and suggestions on which island to stay on, suggested accommodations > and prices, best time to visit, how do you get around between the various > islands and what does it cost, and what attractions would you recommend. > Any info would be greatly appreciated. > We’ll be there about 10 days, thanks Ladies & Gents.  JR

Amen to that (2 islands)  About 5 years ago we got Hawaiian week passes and based out of Oahu to go to each island for a day or 2 (2 required dragging bags since I wasn’t going to pay for a room in 2 places)  It’s difficult (to be kind) to take "TheBus" from Waikiki to HNL and get out on a schedule (since the bus "schedules" are frequent, but not the times not necessarily accurate)  BTW – the "Entertainment Book" for Hawaii used to have a discount Aloha coupon (2-fer) and is generally worth the $40 or so in savings, if you plan to stay mostly on Oahu.

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Your freebie includes two-interisland tickets as well.  If you’re going to stay someplace other than Oahu, be sure to mention this to the agent.  It’ll save you at least $50 per flight. I have been to Hawaii several times and have visited Kauai, Maui, Oahu and the Big Island.  My perfect Hawaiian vacation is one or two nights at the Royal Hawaiian on Waikiki, three nights on Kauai, and three nights at the Orchid on the Big Island.  (If you can’t stay at the Royal Hawaiian, at least have breakfast there.  It’s right on the beach, and really is great in terms of atmosphere). If you are on a limited budget, try the only Hawaiian-owned hotel chain at www.sand-seaside.com.  If you’re a AAA member, you can save 25% over published rates. Have fun! Karen (Opera Buffa) What I know about opera is laughable.

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  My wife and I are planning our first trip to Hawaii, need some feedback. We will be cashing in mileage with American Airlines for the tickets.  Need info and suggestions on which island to stay on, suggested accommodations and prices, best time to visit, how do you get around between the various islands and what does it cost, and what attractions would you recommend. Any info would be greatly appreciated. We’ll be there about 10 days, thanks Ladies & Gents.  JR

Response:

Hi, After going to Hawaii for some 20 yrs Maui remains the favorite Island. Condos rented directly from the owner are a bargain… search the net for Maui+condo… you’ll find plenty. Other islands all have their own charm and fans. Interisland fares are often and cheap down to $50 each leg if you package them. In ten days i would try for no more than 2 islands. Get a good book like "Hidden Hawaii" for the details. Feel free to email for specific questions. Ron – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >   My wife and I are planning our first trip to Hawaii, need some feedback. > We will be cashing in mileage with American Airlines for the tickets.  Need > info and suggestions on which island to stay on, suggested accommodations > and prices, best time to visit, how do you get around between the various > islands and what does it cost, and what attractions would you recommend. > Any info would be greatly appreciated. > We’ll be there about 10 days, thanks Ladies & Gents.  JR

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Question:

> This hotel sounds wonderful.  What about > rates?  Thanks.

We got a rate of $189/night–booked through QuickBook and were very happy with their service.  I think it’s about $199/night if you call the hotel directly. Sandy F.

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>> This hotel sounds wonderful.  What about > rates?  Thanks. >We got a rate of $189/night–booked through QuickBook and were very >happy with their service.  I think it’s about $199/night if you call the >hotel directly. >Sandy F.

        For that kind of money, you can also usually get a nice room at the Elysee on 54th Street between Park and Madison (desireable area), which offers almost-private-residence quality of service, is a landmark boutique hotel with a rich history and a very recent and high-quality rehab.  It also sports the world famous Monkey Bar.         –Bill Candee in NYC

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> > This hotel sounds wonderful.  What about > rates?  Thanks. > We got a rate of $189/night–booked through QuickBook and were very > happy with their service.  I think it’s about $199/night if you call the > hotel directly. > Sandy F.

$200 a night for a room!  Geez!  Some people here have WAY too much money to burn.  If I can’t get a discount rate at Super 8 for less than $60/night I don’t go.  Aren’t there any Super 8s in NYC?  How about Motel 6?  Won’t they leave a light on for you there? Mike cheapskate and proud of it!

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > This hotel sounds wonderful.  What about > > rates?  Thanks. > We got a rate of $189/night–booked through QuickBook and were very > happy with their service.  I think it’s about $199/night if you call the > hotel directly. > Sandy F. >$200 a night for a room!  Geez!  Some people here have WAY too much money to >burn.  If I can’t get a discount rate at Super 8 for less than $60/night I >don’t go.  Aren’t there any Super 8s in NYC?  How about Motel 6?  Won’t they >leave a light on for you there?

Yeah, there’s a Motel 6 on Central Park West, a replica of the one overlooking the Parc Monceau in Paris. [Not.] >Mike >cheapskate and proud of it!

I hear they have Greyhound buses to the cities — you might want to check one out someday. (You can always stay at the YMCA in NY, not far from the bus station in fact.)

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > This hotel sounds wonderful.  What about > > rates?  Thanks. > We got a rate of $189/night–booked through QuickBook and were very > happy with their service.  I think it’s about $199/night if you call the > hotel directly. >$200 a night for a room!  Geez!  Some people here have WAY too much money to >burn.  If I can’t get a discount rate at Super 8 for less than $60/night I >don’t go.  Aren’t there any Super 8s in NYC?  How about Motel 6?  Won’t they >leave a light on for you there?

There are chain hotels here. However, the high cost of real estate in NYC keeps the prices quite a bit higher than they are everywhere else. Even the Howard Johnson in midtown is about $120 a night. We have chain restaurants here too, but even Mickey D’s gets more than $5 for a burger meal instead of the normal $3 everywhere else.

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There are also a couple of Quality (Choice Hotel) properties in NYC that honor the various affinity club discounts, including a 30% AARP rate (you have to ask for it as the normal like AA is 10%, if they aren’t at a certain occupancy level).  You can also price check some of the majors online.  Also use the various travel search engines like Yahoo, Travelocity etc to see a variety of properties. Bestfares partner Hotel Reservation Network is a player in NYC with lots of supposedly discounted rooms.  Call 1-800-964-6835 or go to www.180096hotel.com.  The NYC visitors and convention bureau also has a website a can make hotel/motel reservations. There are also a lot of interesting B&B’s in NYC too! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hi, >Could somebody please recommend a reasonable but clean hotel in NY city? >(name, address, and phone number) >I plan to stay in NY city for the July 4th holiday weekend. >Thanks a lot in advance, >Regards, >Kevin

Response:

> > Hi, > Could somebody please recommend a reasonable but clean hotel in NY > city? > (name, address, and phone number) > I plan to stay in NY city for the July 4th holiday weekend.

My company just put me up at the Holiday Inn Midtown, at 440 West 57th between 8th and 9th, and it was a steal at $139. Free local or 800 phone calls. Good delis and pubs steps from the door. Walk to theater, Central Park South, etc. It is a Holiday Inn franchisee and not luxurious but perfectly serviceable, very clean. The kind of place air crews stay at — I ran a gantlet of Aer Lingus hostesses to check in. Call them (the hotel, not the hostesses) direct at 212-581-8100.

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This hotel sounds wonderful.  What about rates?  Thanks. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > Could somebody please recommend a reasonable but clean hotel in NY > city? > (name, address, and phone number) > I plan to stay in NY city for the July 4th holiday weekend. > I would recommend trying the Hotel Casablanca, on 43rd St., between > Broadway and 6th Ave.  It’s a beautiful small Euopean-like hotel with > wonderful amenities like a second floor lounge area with breakfast and > all-day food presentations complimentary.  It’s extremely clean and > well-run.  My husband and I stayed there a few months ago and have been > raving about it to friends. > The property was totally rehabbed about one year ago.  Another plus–$18 > parking right next door, for hotel guests. > Good luck. > Sandy

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Hi, Could somebody please recommend a reasonable but clean hotel in NY city? (name, address, and phone number) I plan to stay in NY city for the July 4th holiday weekend. Thanks a lot in advance, Regards, Kevin

Response:

"Reasonable" is relative in NY City.  That said, the most stylish, reasonable hotel in the city is the Paramount, in the theatre district.  It has teeny, tiny rooms, but reasonable rates, and it wins lots of awards for design, style, etc.  If you like something a bit wild but very cool, try that.  If you want something like a Holiday Inn, try the Milford Plaza, also in the theatre district.  The antithesis of stylish, but fairly reasonable.  A bit down the food chain but almost always available is the Hotel Pennsylvania, across from Madison Square Garden.  It used to be the Statler Hilton (a zillion years ago) and has thousands of rooms, in varying degrees of rehabilitation.  The neighborhood aint the best, though it’s not dangerous, just congested and kinda gross. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try the St. Moritz.  It’s got the best location of the lot, on Central Park South.  No kidding, right on the park in some of the most expensive real estate in the country. (As in, it’s about 500 feet west of the Plaza Hotel, with the same views.)  Here’s the rub: the prior owner mostly ignored it, and it’s more than a bit tired.  However, Ian Shrager, who owns the Paramount (and the Royalton and Morgans, two other top-of-the-line boutique hotels) just bought it, and reopened it at low rates while he’s starting to spruce it up.  The elevators take forever, but you’ll likely get a great deal, as it just reopened *today*.   Also compare the chain hotels, particularly the Marriotts, and check out the fancy downtown hotels.  Hotels in the Wall Street Area, which are lavish and cater to businessmen, have loss-leader giveaway rates on some weekends and holidays because there are no businesspeople there.  I recall a $65/night package at the Millenium downtown (one of the best in the city) on a holiday weekend a couple of years ago. One of my favorite boutique hotels is the Elysee, on 54th Street. Impeccable service, fabulous rehab, nice rooms.  But often pretty expensive.  But who knows, on a holiday weekend, you may luck out. One final word about hotels: you can often get a better rate by trying the property directly, not through the 800-number of the chain.  It’s a fluke of the system.  Also, most importantly, the room rate they quote you first is often not the best.  "Well, we have a superior room at $185, with a park view and free Fluffernutters."  Screw that, go for the jugular:  "What’s your least expensive available room, regardless of view and Fluffernutters?"  "Well, we have a run-of-the-house room with no view in the dungeon for $100."  "That’s still pretty high, anything else available?"  "Sir, perhaps I should give you the number of a hotel in the Bronx."  "No, thank you, if that’s the best rate you have, I’ll take it."  But remember, often even the second rate they give you isn’t the lowest.  Since hotels don’t usually assign you to an actual room until check-in, chances are that even at the Dungeon rate, you won’t get a Dungeon room if you check in after 6 p.m. Good luck.  Email me with what you find out!  And if I can be of any more help. –Bill Candee in NYC – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hi, >Could somebody please recommend a reasonable but clean hotel in NY city? >(name, address, and phone number) >I plan to stay in NY city for the July 4th holiday weekend. >Thanks a lot in advance, >Regards, >Kevin

Response:

>"Reasonable" is relative in NY City.  That said, the most stylish, >reasonable hotel in the city is the Paramount, in the theatre >district.  It has teeny, tiny rooms, but reasonable rates, and it wins >lots of awards for design, style, etc.  

One word of caution about the Paramount. It’s normally booked up and you often have to call quite a bit ahead of time to find a room there because of its value. So that might be a problem considering you’re wanting to come during a holiday. I’d definitely start looking ASAP. Because of the size of our place, we always have to put visitors up in hotels and it can be tough to find an reasonably priced place even by NYC standards in under two weeks. One place you might try is the Ameritania in the Theater District. Some friends of ours stayed there and I believe it was pretty reasonably priced. As Bill said, try some of the downtown hotels. Many people don’t know about them, so they might not be as busy. There’s also a Holiday Inn in Chinatown that might be reasonable, although I’ve never checked on it and don’t know anyone who’s stayed there.

Response:

> Hi, > Could somebody please recommend a reasonable but clean hotel in NY > city? > (name, address, and phone number) > I plan to stay in NY city for the July 4th holiday weekend.

I would recommend trying the Hotel Casablanca, on 43rd St., between Broadway and 6th Ave.  It’s a beautiful small Euopean-like hotel with wonderful amenities like a second floor lounge area with breakfast and all-day food presentations complimentary.  It’s extremely clean and well-run.  My husband and I stayed there a few months ago and have been raving about it to friends. The property was totally rehabbed about one year ago.  Another plus–$18 parking right next door, for hotel guests. Good luck. Sandy

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Candee) caused to appear as if it was written: >Also compare the chain hotels, particularly the Marriotts, and check >out the fancy downtown hotels.  Hotels in the Wall Street Area, which >are lavish and cater to businessmen, have loss-leader giveaway rates >on some weekends and holidays because there are no businesspeople >there.  I recall a $65/night package at the Millenium downtown (one of >the best in the city) on a holiday weekend a couple of years ago.

This is the opposite of my experience, so there you go! The Marriott Financial District never seemed interested in rates less than $225, regardless of the day of the week (while the Newark Gateway Hilton was $99 and a short PATH ride away from the same location). Also, note that any price quoted by a hotel chain for a property on Manhattan doesn’t include tax, which runs 21% or so!  Note that in New Jersey tax is around 10%, so back to the Newark Gateway… However, Bill’s point about weekend rates is very valid.  A couple of years ago I was on the phone with Hilton sorting out a reservation for a weekend. The NJ properties were full (conventions or something), so we checked the New York Hilton and Towers, which came in at $215, and the Millenium ($199 — it’s a Hilton).  Then the reservations person said:  "Or I can get you a room for $179 at the Waldorf Astoria…" Guess where I stayed… (And, due to an extremely late and lengthy check-in, they upgraded me to a suite.  Ah, the simple joys of being able to leave messages on answering machines like "Call me at my suite at the Waldorf…") >–Bill Candee in NYC

Malc.

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Question:

We are looking for a resort for our next Caribbean vacation. Been to Caneel Bay, St. John (nice, but not fun for teenage daughter, meals too long and fancy), Pineapple Beach Club, Antigua (best so far, better snorkeling would be nice), Spanish Bay Reef, Caymans (small, we’d like a little more upscale, better snorkeling off beach), and Almond Beach Club, Barbados (also very nice, not good snorkeling, but good atmosphere). We need a resort that is not just couples, as we have a teenager. Other preferences include good snorkeling, on the Caribbean side of the island, tennis facilities, nice beach, not a party/club/casino atmosphere, decent food but preferably not extremely fancy, some older kids/teenagers but not overrun with toddlers and kids, generally fairly quiet, but good selection of activities, and all inclusive. Horseback riding is a major plus. Haven’t been to any Club Meds yet, so we’re open to any suggestions on any resorts, Club Med or not. Thanks for any suggestions, e-mail replies are especially appreciated!

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We are looking for a resort for our next Caribbean vacation. Been to > Caneel Bay, St. John (nice, but not fun for teenage daughter, meals too > long and fancy), Pineapple Beach Club, Antigua (best so far, better > snorkeling would be nice), Spanish Bay Reef, Caymans (small, we’d like > a little more upscale, better snorkeling off beach), and Almond Beach > Club, Barbados (also very nice, not good snorkeling, but good > atmosphere). We need a resort that is not just couples, as we have a > teenager. Other preferences include good snorkeling, on the Caribbean > side of the island, tennis facilities, nice beach, not a > party/club/casino atmosphere, decent food but preferably not extremely > fancy, some older kids/teenagers but not overrun with toddlers and > kids, generally fairly quiet, but good selection of activities, and all > inclusive. Horseback riding is a major plus. Haven’t been to any Club > Meds yet, so we’re open to any suggestions on any resorts, Club Med or > not. Thanks for any suggestions, e-mail replies are especially > appreciated!

– If you have been to Barbados, you know what it is like. Almond Beach Resort used to be called Divi St. James. The same hotel chain have a hotel on the southcoast. It is called Divi Southwinds. It has the same kind of style as Almond, but it has a more lively location. Almond is very nice located on the west coast beach, but I can understand that it can be a little too quiet for a teenager. Divi Southwinds is located on the southcoast in St Lawrence gap. It is right by the beach and is a little bigger than Almond. The staff is friendly (I have several friends working there). Best wishes Leif Arild Norway

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Question:

My company has booked me into the Novatel Hotel in Sydney for next week, and I cannot find any reference to this place on the web. It’s supposed to be near the Opera House, but that’s all I know. Can anyone fill me in? Thanks — |  I have the heart of a little child, the brain of a genius,    | |  and the hands of a surgeon…                                 |   |                       …and I keep them in a jar under my bed | | Anatomically Correct Bulletin Board (408) 733-7429 [Adults only]  |

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writes >My company has booked me into the Novatel Hotel in Sydney for next week, and I >cannot find any reference to this place on the web. It’s supposed to be near >the Opera House, but that’s all I know. Can anyone fill me in?

We stayed there both times we were in Sydney (Second time through choice, as oppose to ‘the Novotel is good’ type recommendations!). The hotel is pretty good – restaurant superb. It’s situated in Darling Harbour (where there’s a shopping centre, monorail stop, exhibition centre and other stuff). The Opera house is about 30 mins from there (if you know the way!), but if you take a water taxi, or other boats which leave from Darling Harbour, about 5 mins (I am speaking as a tourist – locals may know better ). Main shopping area is also close. But if you can, ask for a harbour view room – it’s worth it! Hope this helps (mail me privately if you want more info – I am not in any way connected to the hotel chain – just a satisfied customer!), — Tony Wood

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>My company has booked me into the Novatel Hotel in Sydney for next week, and I >cannot find any reference to this place on the web. It’s supposed to be near >the Opera House, but that’s all I know. Can anyone fill me in?

The Novatel Hotel is at Darling Harbour, not near the Opera House. Darling Harbour is the Convention and Exhibition Center, and if you are attending a conference is very convenient.  The Opera House is a short ferry ride, or walk across town. TTFN,  Tom

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> My company has booked me into the Novatel Hotel in Sydney for next week, and I > cannot find any reference to this place on the web. It’s supposed to be near > the Opera House, but that’s all I know. Can anyone fill me in?

It is actually at Darling Harbour (2 Km from CBD) and is a newish 4 star with all the usual city hotel things – gym, sauna, pool, tennis, 24 room service.  Some of my friends regularly stay there on business so it must be good.  Monorail station close by for quick access to the city. Vicki

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>We stayed there both times we were in Sydney (Second time through >choice, as oppose to ‘the Novotel is good’ type recommendations!). The >hotel is pretty good – restaurant superb. It’s situated in Darling >Harbour (where there’s a shopping centre, monorail stop, exhibition >centre and other stuff).

It is, however, not exactly cheap. (I know, Sydney hotels aren’t cheap anyhow.) I have stayed in its little brother (next door and run by the same organisation), the Ibis, and that was the worst value hotel I’ve been in. As expensive and with less facilities or room than a hotel I just recently stayed in in New York City! IMHO, Novotel are a rip-off. —         "Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons."              - Popular Mechanics, 1949

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Question:

>To organize a French Industrial Congress, I’m looking for an hotel with >500 rooms with independant restroom – outside the bathroom – , 80 small >congress rooms and a big centra one. >Near this hotel, I hope to  find some restaurants for 700 hungry people! >And also the flight time between this hotel and Paris (France) dont’exced >6 – 7 hours.

        You don’t say what price range you are looking for, but here are a few ideas:           The Anatole in Dallas, Texas (a member of the Wyndham hotel chain).  An enormous hotel (1620 rooms, including 145 suites on a 45-acre campus) that is nevertheless quite luxurious, the Anatole specializes in meetings and conventions, and is reputed to be excellent at it.  The quality and style of this hotel far exceed what you would find in a large hotel like a Marriott, Hyatt or Sheraton.  It’s Texas-sized in every way, with marble everywhere and cavernous public spaces and a plethora of meeting rooms of every size and type.  To give you a taste of the hotel’s size and capabilities, at a music-business convention there a few years ago, they had John Mellencamp, a major American rock act, give a concert in the gargantuan main ballroom.  The hotel is also high-quality enough in service and cuisine to host some of Texas’s most-prestigious charity balls.  Because it is host to many meetings and conventions, Dallas is a big restaurant town, with more high-quality restaurants per capita than New York.  I have no doubt that this hotel has the staff and facilities to make your meeting go smoothly.  The local newspapers and government would probably be interested/proud to be involved.  If you go to Dallas, you might inquire about renting Texas Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, for a dinner event.  You will be *shocked* at how inexpensive it is to do so.  My firm has done this several times; they will actually set up dinner tables on the playing field, with china and crystal, and serve a high-quality meal.  It was practical for us to do with a group as small as 50 people, although folks usually bring more.  Most invitees have described it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience — after dinner, in our suits and ties, we tried kicking field goals and played around on the field for hours!  What fun!  Also try talking to the Dallas Convention and Visitor’s bureau.  Things in Dallas are much cheaper than, say, in New York: hotel rooms about half the price, meals about 65% of the price for comparable meal.  There is also direct air service from Paris.         The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida.  Recently refurbished, this majestic 567-room hotel is a gorgeous beachfront location in one of the most sophisticated, upscale areas of the U.S.  It is one of the true classic American resorts, like the Greenbrier in West Virginia.   We have had several meetings there, and found the service to be first-rate.  I think they may not have all the conference rooms you seem to need, but I would check it out.         Let me know if I can recommend any others.                         —Bill

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To organize a French Industrial Congress, I’m looking for an hotel with 500 rooms with independant restroom – outside the bathroom – , 80 small congress rooms and a big centra one. Near this hotel, I hope to  find some restaurants for 700 hungry people! And also the flight time between this hotel and Paris (France) dont’exced 6 – 7 hours. This event will be on 96′ August. It is not a joke

Question:

Let me correct my earlier posting on this topic before someone else does: I should have said that 1,000 miles on Amex/DC equals the stated number of points in the various programs, not 1 mile, as I did. 1,300 Hilton points (vel sim.) for one dollar charged truly would be a deal, and I’m not holding my breath. Ron

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American Express sent me a brochure last week about the new participation of Membership Miles in the frequent guest programs of Marriott, Sheraton, Hilton, Westin, and Stouffer/Renaissance.  Since all of these chains (and more) also participate in Diners Club’s rewards program, I decided to compare the conversion rates of card miles into hotel program miles. On American Express, you get 1 mile for each dollar charged.  On Diners Club, this is also true, IF you are have "Premier" status.  This comparison assumes "Premier" status on DC because I don’t know how mileage is calculated for non-Premier members. One dollar spent and one mile in the card programs equals…. HOTEL CHAIN                     AMEX            DINERS Marriott                        1000 pts        1500 pts Sheraton                        500 Club Miles  1000 Club Miles Hilton                  1300 pts        2000 pts Westin                  1500 pts        1000 pts Stouffer/Renaissance            200 credits     300 credits So, with the exception of Westin, you are better off using Diners Club if what you want are awards in the hotels’ frequent guest programs. By the way, there is now an ‘expensive’ way to get free tickets on American and United through Membership Miles, since 75 000 points in Hilton Honors can be exchanged for a free domestic ticket on AA or UA.  However this would require transfering nearly 60 000 miles (assuming you weren’t combining with existing Honors points) — over twice as much as the 25 000 needed to get a free ticket on US Air, Continental, or Delta through Membership Miles. I have never tried to claim a free airline ticket through a hotel program and can only assume they are even more ‘restricted’ and generally hard to book than the airlines’ own awards. Ron

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