Was the great Hilton points devaluation economically wise?

[Deleted member 29185]

With the recent post re Conrad Rangali and room types, I visited the Conrad Rangali website to reacquaint myself with the room details.

What I have noticed, is that the prices seem a lot cheaper this year compared to last year.

Base king beach villa for Jan 2014 is starting from about AU$1050 (avg - AU$1500) on the AP rate and AU$1100 (avg $1700) on the AAA rate. IIRC last year these same rooms were going for about AU$2400.

Furthermore, the B&B rate is the same as the room only rate ie......they're giving away breakfast at a resort which obviously make a lot of their income from meals.

I know this is far too simplistic to be a gauge, but it has made me wonder if the Hilton point devaluation is resulting in a lower number of point stays and hence driving rates down due to lower occupancy levels. I know the Conrad Rangali AFF rep has previously told us that Rangali has a huge number of diamond point redemption guests, so I'm guessing this just may be a contributing factor, which in turn makes me wonder if the point devaluation was a little counter-productive for Hilton?

Has anyone noticed any other examples of this?

 

[k_sheep]

Off topic, but how do you get the AP and AAA rate? Can you use your RACQ/V/NRMA or something?

 

[xt_20]

Off topic, but how do you get the AP and AAA rate? Can you use your RACQ/V/NRMA or something?

The back of my RAC(WA) card has the AAA logo.

 

[markis10]

Clickon on the special rates box:

 

[k_sheep]

The back of my RAC(WA) card has the AAA logo.

Huh, would you look at that. So does mine. Sweet

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Huh, would you look at that. So does mine. Sweet

The prices are sometimes sweet as well! I've seen AAA rates cheaper than AP rates with the big advantage of being fully cancellable.

 

[k_sheep]

Seems I've a lot to learn about Hhonors .... have next year to figure out if I want to stay with SPG or switch camps.

 

[ConradMaldives]

Base king beach villa for Jan 2014 is starting from about AU$1050 (avg - AU$1500) on the AP rate and AU$1100 (avg $1700) on the AAA rate. IIRC last year these same rooms were going for about AU$2400.

Furthermore, the B&B rate is the same as the room only rate ie......they're giving away breakfast at a resort which obviously make a lot of their income from meals.

Not sure about the room rates . . . our published best rates in 2013 were US$1,150 for a beach villa in mid-January and in 2014 are US$1,240 although obviously dynamic online pricing varies depending on availability and when you're looking.

Room rates have always included breakfast, no change there.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Not sure about the room rates . . . our published best rates in 2013 were US$1,150 for a beach villa in mid-January and in 2014 are US$1,240 although obviously dynamic online pricing varies depending on availability and when you're looking.

Room rates have always included breakfast, no change there.

Hi ConradMaldives, Thank you for clarifying that. Perhaps I was looking at best available price rather than comparing beach villas with beach villas. As I said, it my "best recollection" ......

With the breakfast bit, if the room rates include breakfast, is that for everyone in the room? I have a booking for 3A,1C, (and I'm diamond) so can I expect breakfast for everyone, not just diamond and spouse?

 

[ConradMaldives]

With the breakfast bit, if the room rates include breakfast, is that for everyone in the room? I have a booking for 3A,1C, (and I'm diamond) so can I expect breakfast for everyone, not just diamond and spouse?

Paid room rates include two breakfasts. Redemption bookings are as per HHonors policies and are for the member plus one guest.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Paid room rates include two breakfasts. Redemption bookings are as per HHonors policies and are for the member plus one guest.

Once again, thank you for the advice.

Looking forward to visiting Rangali!