HHonors 4x points at Las Vegas Tropicana to Aug 31, 2013

Tropicana recently rebranded as a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel and a summertime 4x HHonors points package  promotion is likely offered to spread the word.

Book rate 4x HHonors Points Package or Plan Code PK1 for stays booked and completed by August 31, 2013.

40 points/$1 base points sure sounds great.

But after a quick analysis I think this offer is one that depends on the specific rates for your stay to determine whether 4x points is a good deal or a deal to avoid.

Tropicana 4X HHonors Points Analysis

The main problem with this rate is the package requires a higher rate than other available rates.

For a room tonight (I happen to be in Las Vegas tonight), the BAR is $69 and the 4x points package is $74.

The AAA rate is only $65 per night.

And there is that dreaded resort fee for an additional $22.39 per night on the bill.

Point Differential

4x Points Rate = 2,960 points. $74 x 40 points/$1.

AAA Rate = 650 points. $65  x 10 points/$1.

Paying an extra $9 room rate + 12% room tax means an extra $10.08 in room rate buys an additional 2,310 points.

4x points is a decent deal on the lowest rate room and equivalent to buying points at $4.36 per 1,000 points.

I am only looking at the additional points earned from the 4x bonus rate compared to standard earn rates. All other points earned are the same based on the amount you pay and your elite status.

The cheap Tropicana room looks like a good deal.

Booking the Upgraded Room

But beware if you go upscale with a Two Room King Club Suite.

.

AAA rate = $120 = 1,200 base points;  with 12% room tax the nightly rate = $134.40.

4x Points Rate = $144 = 5,760 points after bonus; with 12% tax the nightly rate = $161.28.

$26.88  additional room rate per night for 4x points package buys an extra 4,560 points.

This rate is $5.90 per 1,000 HHonors points. That is better than buying points through regular HHonors channels, but not a terrific rate for buying points and a lower bonus points rate value than the cheap room.

Conclusion

My thought on this deal is do the math and see if paying the higher daily rate for your stay is buying points at a good rate.

Under $5.00 per 1,000 HHonors points is what I consider to be a decent purchase rate.

PointsSummary blog has a review of the Tropicana property posted May 28, 2013.

Nice to see there is someone else who takes public transportation to hotels.

Thanks to Brian Cohen’s The Gate blog where I learned about this offer.

Ric Garrido, writer and content owner of Loyalty Traveler, shares news and views on hotels, hotel loyalty programs and vacation destinations for frequent guests.

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