Which is better - QFF or PC points claim?

[Perilous_Asteroid]

I stayed at the HI on a recent JASA to Cairns, but booked the accom through QF hotels to claim the 3x QFF points/$ spent. I got signed up to the PC program when I checked into the hotel.

Before I organised the JASA, I had already booked six nights at two different HI's (MEL, also through QF hotels, and Melbourne, FL through HI directly). I've stayed at them a few times now and would be happy to stick with the chain (much better bang for your buck IMHO than higher charging hotels). I have another five weeks of accom to book in the USA still, so I will probably spend a few more nights there when I'm not backpacking in some of the larger cities. After looking into PC, I'm wondering if I've been betting on the right horse all this time!

I've read elsewhere on AFF that it's not really worthwhile to direct your PC points to QFF, but is PC still the better option rather than booking through QF hotels and getting those 3 points per dollar?

Thanks!

 

[Mal]

There is very little negative I can say about the PC program. Some of the hotels are "overpriced" when paying with points, and generally some of the hotels in the system need a drastic refurb.

But for a casual traveller who cannot regularly justify spending $250+ in Hiltons/Sheratons etc, the hotels fit very well in my travel plans.

Upgrades aren't that special, nor is recognition. IMHO PC Plat is way too easy to achieve (I'm already around 6 x qualification this year on points earning alone!!!).

But, I think the rewards are reasonably attractive. Pointsbreaks are a steal at 5000 points (when you can get them... they are very rare). Some cheaper hotels are 10K or 15K points - but these are also rare/disappearing and most average hotels are 25K. I think the highest spend is now 40K/night at some IC's.

Now how many points would you earn on a booking? I'd estimate a minimum of 1000 (10 points /$US excl taxes), but for an average $140/night stay - 1300 odd points. With their various promos, expect to double or triple that conservatively. IMHO much better than getting QFF points for the booking.

There is always the option of converting 10K PC points into 2K QF points...

 

[markis10]

I would credit to PC until you get a reasonable balance, at the moment I am crediting to QF since its 6 points per AUD spent, but when they have points promos like stay xx nights get 15000 points I swap back.