I hear you with the Surpass being the sweet spot. My Hilton gold got extended to the end of the year with Bilt, but afterwards I might have to pick up the Surpass again if I don’t plan on getting the Platinum at that point. I like your strategy, it’s good to have a good mix of different hotels since, as Matt Welter said on his recent video, sometimes our hotel preferences choose where we vacation, and not the other way around. Love it Stan! Can’t wait to see your wife and yours trips next year!
Oof, yeah! That's great you still have it, but I would definitely plan something so you can keep that Hilton Gold. It's too valuable not to have IMO! Yeah, I agree with what Matt said as well. It seems like you do well with Hyatt properties and with your Ink strategy, you certainly will have a lot of URs to go through for redemptions. Appreciate it Tony - we're excited to hopefully travel (internationally) more in the coming years!
I'm just getting into a hotel credit card game with the recent job asking me to travel around a lot. Great video for showcasing some great insight. Currently working on Hilton as that's the one my company goes to the most, but we are allowed to book Marriott hotels too.
Very cool Eric! Yeah, hotel credit cards are super powerful, and once you start leveraging the statuses, free night awards, and points ecosystems, it can get really rewarding! Hilton is a great choice, and the easiest to climb the ladder since all statuses are offered on their credit card lineup!
Ihg fourth night free is great! It's basically 25% off awards booking! And it'll stack with their occasional 15% off sale (currently running right now!)
Absolutely! The only thing is that you have to book them in advance (kind of) because I've run into situations where I can't redeem all 4 nights because they no longer have award days on peak nights. Ooo. I'll have to look at the 15% off sale! Didn't realize that they stacked. Thanks for the tip!
IHG has been treating me pretty well so far. I have the Premier card and have gotten pretty lucky so far with domestic room upgrades. Granted I've only stayed at Holiday Inn Expresses, but getting a suite upgrade at my most recent stay was a welcomed surprise. Hoping to get into the Marriott ecosystem once I drop under 5/24.
Oh wow, that's great! I stayed at a few HIEs recently and was pleasantly surprised! The bed was comfy and breakfast was on point. Haven't had the same luck as you with upgrades, but can't complain. IHG is underrated IMO, and having the Premier card is clutch for those shorter redemptions getting you 4th night free!
I'm between Hilton and Hyatt. Hilton is mostly on FNCs and Hyatt is mostly on points. I have most of hotel's cards available - Aspire, Surpass, Honors, which all will be upgraded to Aspires (target 8). Then I have Ritz (planning to get more of those, target 6). IHG - Select + Traveler (2 of each), not sure if I want Business IHG. Hyatt - personal card (2). Choice - Select (2). Wyndham - Business (2). I may go for Sonesta at some point.
@@TheCreditFrogyou should. That’s exactly what you have to do. Same way you diversify credit cards, you diversify UA-cam channels. The audience always finds you.
Hello Stan. Which card is best for purchasing hotel points? Is there a branded card that gives an elevated multiplier on point purchase like when using the card for room night charges?
Hi Phil. There is no card best for purchasing hotel points. Points will code in the other category so just use the card that gets you the highest return on that catch-all category.
Are there opportunities to stack credit card benefits with timeshares? Apparently there is a big resale market for cheap timeshares with Mariott and Hilton.
This was a great video, but has me more confused as to which should I go after first. I'm staying at more Hilton and Mariott hotels...plus independent ones.
I like Hyatt credit card too because of the free night. I have choice and wydham to because it’s a no fee credit card and I can find hotels in small towns with them when I’m traveling
Excellent explanation of your Hotel CC strategy. You’ve given me some great ideas about what my next Hotel branded card I should tackle next. I’m Hilton but it makes sense for me and my Player 2 to tackle Marriott due to the annual FNC’s.
Thanks! Yes, layering these hotel cards like a tiramisu is the best way to get value! The trick is figuring out which hotel should be primary vs. secondary vs. tertiary, but those are all just guidelines, really. It's nice to have options!
I have the Hilton Business and Bonvoy Business. I have 9 Amex cards and I have 5 cards on the personal side and 4 on the business side : Platinum and Plum along with the two cards. I have been a Bevy getting a Bevy offer and I had an Aspire offer but you're right it would be smart to earn points along the way up and maximize points. I don't have IHG at all because I am over 5/24 until March would you recommend that I wait until spring and get the Ink card first@@TheCreditFrog
The surpass is a sweet everyday card. I got it when the sub included the FNC, and was able to use the FNC and points to book two nights at the conrad tokyo for next year (valued at $1550 a night). Definitely a steal for only 3k spent to get the sub.
For sure! Yeah the Hilton FNCs are super powerful which is why I'm always waiting for the elevated welcome offers to include one! That's going to be a great stay at the Conrad Tokyo!
Thanks for another amazing video! For some reason the hilton page never worked for me when I was trying to buy hilton points during the time when they are on sale in the past.
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it! Hmm, wonder why that is the case! Maybe it would be helpful to switch browsers or something. I've never had a problem when buying points.
Yes I also prioritize marriott as you already know. I recently got my first hilton Card with a noannual fee and 100k sign up. I think I'll also get the hilton business card gold status)and eliminate my Amex Plat next summer. Hilton free night award currently has no value to me for the spend requirement.
Nice! Always a fan of trimming the fat when you can! Hilton Gold with the business is a great move plus that 5X points on Hiltons. Since the FNC doesn't matter to you, you won't miss it on the Hilton Business card since it's no longer a benefit.
@@TheCreditFrog yes, the Martiott FNA is what I covet. Incidentally, I chose the no annual fee Hilton after missing the Briolliant's larger bonus, dur to my Marriott waiting period. Got the Hilton card to fill in the 30 day void..😀 Now I just need a nice brilliant Offer!
For some reason, I thought you were ineligible to get a bonus on a Marriott card if you have already had another Marriott card. I was denied before for an AMEX Marriott card, and I assumed that it was because I had the Chase Marriott card in the past. If that is not the case, I would be very happy
Great content as always. I have definitely leaned more towards Hyatt and Hilton. IHG might be next, but here is my argument against…..(I regularly have to talk myself out of getting new cards 😂) IHG is third on the list so I don’t really need a card for a third hotel. There is the benefit to book three nights and get the fourth free but I also do a lot of 1,2 and 3 night stays so that wouldn’t play a factor. I have the VX and C1 has a good relationship with IHG. For example I booked a Kimpton for one night with the VX, C1 price matched IHG and I got the 10x points back since I booked through the C1 portal and since it was through the Lifestyle collection with C1 I also received a $50 hotel credit……Probably at some point, I can only talk myself out of it for so long😂
Hey, as long as you have a strategy that works for you! It sounds like the Lifestyle collection or C1 travel has some good deals for IHG properties. Definitely do what works best for you! IHG has become my new favorite since they have a lot of nice properties and the 100% points sale has really opened a lot of doors for my travels! Also, having one IHG card isn't too bad since it's only $99 per year and you get a free night after that first cardmember anniversary. I'd only get to 3 if you stay at hotels often enough to make it count!
Great stuff Stan! i've yet to get any of the IHG cards yet so i'll be eagerly following along to see how you get value from yours plus the Intercontinental Ambassador status.
Thanks so much Monty! Yeah, it's going to be an interesting experiment. Luckily I have some IC stays coming up so I'm looking forward to seeing how that turns out. Having an IHG card just for the 4th night free though is so clutch and a great option to have available!
Planning to add the brilliant and bonvoy biz next year but trying to decide if I want to open a third Hilton card and cancel both of my delta cards instead of just one. I may wait until I’ve gotten thru all my delta miles first so I can get the 15% discount
I think having at least one Delta can be helpful for the perks if you fly with them often (but not often enough to get status), but yeah, the Amex limit makes things a little tricky if you want a lot of co-branded cards! You generally have to pick 2 (Marriott + Hilton, Delta + Hilton, etc)
I’ve only stayed at one so far but was pretty impressed. I have several coming up so I’ll definitely make my decision afterwards! Have to put the Ambassador status to good use!
No, you’re definitely right about that! Both get Platinum Elite status. Ambassador status is just for that guaranteed room upgrade at ICs and the complimentary weekend night since there’s a lot of other overlapping benefits with IHG Platinum Elite
WAIT, what do you mean Bevy first!? What happened in your previous Marriott strategy for Y1 Boundless Y2 Brilliant PC Boundless to Ritz Y4 Boundless? Please explain! Thanks!
I wouldn't get the Bevy, but if I did, it would have to be before the Brilliant since there is family language with the Marriott cards if I wanted to maximize welcome offers.
This video was music to my ears. Like you, Marriott, Hilton & IHG have been my core focus in my Hotel Strategy as well. Love the 2 Marriott FNC strategy as well in order to have 2 separate weekend trips either at a luxury hotel with the 85k FNCs or a more mid-tier property with the 35k FNC's. I love Hilton Gold Status especially internationally for potential upgrades & that Food/Bev Credit as well. Great video Stan!
Thanks so much Matt! Yeah, we have very similar strategies, and it's great that you focus on Marriott since they have a lot more option in South America. FNCs are super helpful, and I'm sure the status also goes a longer way there too! Hilton Gold has been solid for me and always gets me great value!
With efforts from both your channels, we've gone from the Gold to Diamond with the Hilton cards and are still learning how to max the benefits....so thanks to you both!!
@@LK_EBM sign up bonuses. Me and player 2 will collectively get 4 from Amex. Then hopefully another 4 from chase with the Ritz PC method to get a 2nd boundless. Then after that the anniversary nights, and hopefully by referrals down the road on both chase and amex cards.
@@verynick very!. Sign-up bonuses on chase credit cards; then use a sapphire to transfer out to hyatt. Can do it every 4 years as well, endless supply possibly.
Hi Stan, I wanted to ask about the Brilliant card. I know that between the annual greeting night and the $300 restaurant credit, it more than covers the AF. I wonder if you get upgrades domestically with your Platinum Elite status, because I hear there are so many Ambassadors, Titaniums and Platinums, people often don’t get upgrades domestically and it’s hard to use NUA’s. What has been your experience? I have the Surpass and wondering if I should wait for the next Brilliant outsized SUB or go for the Boundless SUB and wait 24 months for the Brilliant?
I have not had much success with upgrades domestically as a Titanium Elite member. Platinum elite status is great for club access (M Clubs and Westin clubs) that offer free breakfast, but that's about it. If you really want to go for Platinum Elite status, wait for the next Brilliant offer, but if you're still kind of on the fence with Marriott, I'd go for the Boundless first. You have the Surpass so you can use the Hilton Gold status for the F&B credit at Hiltons.
@@TheCreditFrog I have read that the luxury properties in Asia are much nicer and upgrades are easier for Titanium elites, so you should have more success with that on your Asia travels.
Perhaps it's cause I'm a Disney Timeshare guy - but I just can't get into hotel cards. You can work the Hilton chain relatively easily. However it could take 8+ years to build out the 4 card Marriott cards.
I get that Chad! I guess in the rare chance you travel to a non-Disney property, then having that access would be great! Marriott has those Swan/Swan Reserve and Dolphin resorts
How do you use your 85k nights? Do you combine with points for a 5th night free, or just stay one night with the free night and then downgrade to a 35k hotel for the rest of your stay? If I pay 800 a night for 3 nights, and get one free night, that is still a pretty expensive stay, even for 5 nights. Although cutting the bill from 4k down to 2400 is still a pretty good deal, but there are also the yearly fees, as I can only do this once a year.
You can redeem your FNAs online as you're doing your reservation. Personally, I just combine them for a 2-night weekend stay, and try to get a good redemption from where I'm using them!
@@TheCreditFrog I’m still new to all of this. I just used my free category 1-4 stay and of course I wanted to stay at a category 4 & I found a resort in Thailand, Andaz. Because I had status they upgraded me and the room would have cost around $500 but I got it for free or you can say for the $95 annual fee. I have many Chase cards and I’m currently working on the IHG Premier One spend to get the intro bonus.
Mission pacific in Oceanside and impressions secrets in Cancun are really nice hotel properties that I hav stashed thanks to Hyatt points and redemptions!!
I've been to 2 US Kimptons and 1 Intercontinental and they've upgraded me to higher floors which was nice as a platinum. The Kimptons however would only give me late check out if I asked the morning of which was not it.
I just booked two weeks in Thailand, one week in Vietnam, and three weeks in the Philippines with only points with IHG. First stop in Manila tomorrow. Holiday Inn and Intercontiental Hotels are a step above in Asia. Airfare to Manila with points with Korean Air Skypass Visa.
1. Hilton
2. IHG
3. Hyatt
Hyatt is a backup option in high season, sometimes their points can be extremely lucrative.
Haha, I see that there's no Marriott for you! Hilton is great though so having that is primary is a great choice!
I hear you with the Surpass being the sweet spot. My Hilton gold got extended to the end of the year with Bilt, but afterwards I might have to pick up the Surpass again if I don’t plan on getting the Platinum at that point.
I like your strategy, it’s good to have a good mix of different hotels since, as Matt Welter said on his recent video, sometimes our hotel preferences choose where we vacation, and not the other way around.
Love it Stan! Can’t wait to see your wife and yours trips next year!
Oof, yeah! That's great you still have it, but I would definitely plan something so you can keep that Hilton Gold. It's too valuable not to have IMO! Yeah, I agree with what Matt said as well. It seems like you do well with Hyatt properties and with your Ink strategy, you certainly will have a lot of URs to go through for redemptions. Appreciate it Tony - we're excited to hopefully travel (internationally) more in the coming years!
Team Hilton checking in Stan. Great video!
Awesome! Thank you!
1) Hilton - top tier status, easy to get a ton of points, FNC, F&B
2) Hyatt - great UR transfer
3) IHG - 4th night free
Great choices! Hilton definitely is a top choice given how easy it is to earn points with them!
I'm just getting into a hotel credit card game with the recent job asking me to travel around a lot. Great video for showcasing some great insight. Currently working on Hilton as that's the one my company goes to the most, but we are allowed to book Marriott hotels too.
Very cool Eric! Yeah, hotel credit cards are super powerful, and once you start leveraging the statuses, free night awards, and points ecosystems, it can get really rewarding! Hilton is a great choice, and the easiest to climb the ladder since all statuses are offered on their credit card lineup!
Ihg fourth night free is great! It's basically 25% off awards booking! And it'll stack with their occasional 15% off sale (currently running right now!)
Absolutely! The only thing is that you have to book them in advance (kind of) because I've run into situations where I can't redeem all 4 nights because they no longer have award days on peak nights. Ooo. I'll have to look at the 15% off sale! Didn't realize that they stacked. Thanks for the tip!
and 10% on top of that if you have Select.
IHG has been treating me pretty well so far. I have the Premier card and have gotten pretty lucky so far with domestic room upgrades. Granted I've only stayed at Holiday Inn Expresses, but getting a suite upgrade at my most recent stay was a welcomed surprise. Hoping to get into the Marriott ecosystem once I drop under 5/24.
Oh wow, that's great! I stayed at a few HIEs recently and was pleasantly surprised! The bed was comfy and breakfast was on point. Haven't had the same luck as you with upgrades, but can't complain. IHG is underrated IMO, and having the Premier card is clutch for those shorter redemptions getting you 4th night free!
I'm between Hilton and Hyatt. Hilton is mostly on FNCs and Hyatt is mostly on points. I have most of hotel's cards available - Aspire, Surpass, Honors, which all will be upgraded to Aspires (target 8). Then I have Ritz (planning to get more of those, target 6). IHG - Select + Traveler (2 of each), not sure if I want Business IHG. Hyatt - personal card (2). Choice - Select (2). Wyndham - Business (2). I may go for Sonesta at some point.
Lots of cards on your list to get Yuri!
Sounds like you stay at a lot of different hotels. Ever thought of reviewing hotels and sharing your experience? 🙂
I do. Maybe I should start a second channel and do that. Stan the Hotel Frog.
@@TheCreditFrogyou should. That’s exactly what you have to do. Same way you diversify credit cards, you diversify UA-cam channels. The audience always finds you.
@@TheCreditFrogI’m glad to be here to witness the creation of Stan the hotel 🐸
@@TheCreditFroglove this plan as I love your explanations and analysis - more real world use case discussion as opposed to theoretical min/max stuff
@@TheCreditFrog I second Stan The Hotel Frog 😂😂😂
Hello Stan. Which card is best for purchasing hotel points? Is there a branded card that gives an elevated multiplier on point purchase like when using the card for room night charges?
Hi Phil. There is no card best for purchasing hotel points. Points will code in the other category so just use the card that gets you the highest return on that catch-all category.
Great vid!
Thank you! 😊
Great video Stan. your hotel strategy is next level.
Thanks so much!
Are there opportunities to stack credit card benefits with timeshares? Apparently there is a big resale market for cheap timeshares with Mariott and Hilton.
I'm not sure since I don't have much experience with timeshares.
This was a great video, but has me more confused as to which should I go after first. I'm staying at more Hilton and Mariott hotels...plus independent ones.
It will depend on what your travel habits are! If you stay at mostly Hiltons, then go with that ecosystem!
🏆Hilton. For the Stay. 🏆 Thanks for the info + video!
You’re welcome Jimmy James!!
I like Hyatt credit card too because of the free night. I have choice and wydham to because it’s a no fee credit card and I can find hotels in small towns with them when I’m traveling
That’s great! Wyndham is nice, and Hyatt is solid as well!
Excellent explanation of your Hotel CC strategy. You’ve given me some great ideas about what my next Hotel branded card I should tackle next. I’m Hilton but it makes sense for me and my Player 2 to tackle Marriott due to the annual FNC’s.
Thanks! Yes, layering these hotel cards like a tiramisu is the best way to get value! The trick is figuring out which hotel should be primary vs. secondary vs. tertiary, but those are all just guidelines, really. It's nice to have options!
I have the Hilton Business and Bonvoy Business. I have 9 Amex cards and I have 5 cards on the personal side and 4 on the business side : Platinum and Plum along with the two cards. I have been a Bevy getting a Bevy offer and I had an Aspire offer but you're right it would be smart to earn points along the way up and maximize points. I don't have IHG at all because I am over 5/24 until March would you recommend that I wait until spring and get the Ink card first@@TheCreditFrog
The surpass is a sweet everyday card. I got it when the sub included the FNC, and was able to use the FNC and points to book two nights at the conrad tokyo for next year (valued at $1550 a night). Definitely a steal for only 3k spent to get the sub.
For sure! Yeah the Hilton FNCs are super powerful which is why I'm always waiting for the elevated welcome offers to include one! That's going to be a great stay at the Conrad Tokyo!
@TheCreditFrog for sure. It's probably the reason why my wife now encourages my credit card hobby 😂
Thanks for another amazing video! For some reason the hilton page never worked for me when I was trying to buy hilton points during the time when they are on sale in the past.
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it! Hmm, wonder why that is the case! Maybe it would be helpful to switch browsers or something. I've never had a problem when buying points.
@ yea I guess I will try that next time they have a sale. Thanks
IHG is definitely underrated. 4th night free is super useful.
Definitely bro! Such a great option to have!
Meh. Even highest IHG status is mediocre
Yes I also prioritize marriott as you already know. I recently got my first hilton Card with a noannual fee and 100k sign up. I think I'll also get the hilton business card gold status)and eliminate my Amex Plat next summer. Hilton free night award currently has no value to me for the spend requirement.
Nice! Always a fan of trimming the fat when you can! Hilton Gold with the business is a great move plus that 5X points on Hiltons. Since the FNC doesn't matter to you, you won't miss it on the Hilton Business card since it's no longer a benefit.
@@TheCreditFrog yes, the Martiott FNA is what I covet.
Incidentally, I chose the no annual fee Hilton after missing the Briolliant's larger bonus, dur to my Marriott waiting period. Got the Hilton card to fill in the 30 day void..😀
Now I just need a nice brilliant Offer!
For some reason, I thought you were ineligible to get a bonus on a Marriott card if you have already had another Marriott card. I was denied before for an AMEX Marriott card, and I assumed that it was because I had the Chase Marriott card in the past. If that is not the case, I would be very happy
You can get multiple bonuses on Marriott cards, there are just special rules with Amex, Chase, and switching between the two!
Hey Stan
Like Always great video,
I'm curios where is that Hotel (6:03) Located at by the beach?
(The one that looks like a shoe rack)
Thanks....
Thanks! I have no idea tbh, it's a stock video. But I chose it because it looked like an interesting hotel!
Watching this as I opening up my Brilliant Card box.
Very nice! Congrats on the new card Royston! 🎉
Great content as always. I have definitely leaned more towards Hyatt and Hilton. IHG might be next, but here is my argument against…..(I regularly have to talk myself out of getting new cards 😂) IHG is third on the list so I don’t really need a card for a third hotel. There is the benefit to book three nights and get the fourth free but I also do a lot of 1,2 and 3 night stays so that wouldn’t play a factor. I have the VX and C1 has a good relationship with IHG. For example I booked a Kimpton for one night with the VX, C1 price matched IHG and I got the 10x points back since I booked through the C1 portal and since it was through the Lifestyle collection with C1 I also received a $50 hotel credit……Probably at some point, I can only talk myself out of it for so long😂
Hey, as long as you have a strategy that works for you! It sounds like the Lifestyle collection or C1 travel has some good deals for IHG properties. Definitely do what works best for you! IHG has become my new favorite since they have a lot of nice properties and the 100% points sale has really opened a lot of doors for my travels! Also, having one IHG card isn't too bad since it's only $99 per year and you get a free night after that first cardmember anniversary. I'd only get to 3 if you stay at hotels often enough to make it count!
@@TheCreditFrog I think you just talked me back into the card, thanks😂
@@ryanccc777 Lollll oops. I mean, not oops, ahahaha!!
Great stuff Stan! i've yet to get any of the IHG cards yet so i'll be eagerly following along to see how you get value from yours plus the Intercontinental Ambassador status.
Thanks so much Monty! Yeah, it's going to be an interesting experiment. Luckily I have some IC stays coming up so I'm looking forward to seeing how that turns out. Having an IHG card just for the 4th night free though is so clutch and a great option to have available!
Planning to add the brilliant and bonvoy biz next year but trying to decide if I want to open a third Hilton card and cancel both of my delta cards instead of just one. I may wait until I’ve gotten thru all my delta miles first so I can get the 15% discount
I think having at least one Delta can be helpful for the perks if you fly with them often (but not often enough to get status), but yeah, the Amex limit makes things a little tricky if you want a lot of co-branded cards! You generally have to pick 2 (Marriott + Hilton, Delta + Hilton, etc)
Brother what camera do you use? Love the quality
Thanks! Sony ZVE-10!
Hows your feeling on IC properties? Compared to Hilton and Marriott top end properties?
I’ve only stayed at one so far but was pretty impressed. I have several coming up so I’ll definitely make my decision afterwards! Have to put the Ambassador status to good use!
@ am i wrong to say having ambassador and the ihg card a duplication of status?
No, you’re definitely right about that! Both get Platinum Elite status. Ambassador status is just for that guaranteed room upgrade at ICs and the complimentary weekend night since there’s a lot of other overlapping benefits with IHG Platinum Elite
Hilton and IHG are pretty nice. Still looking for my first Marriott card and it might come somewhat soon
Absolutely! Yeah, gotta add Marriott to the mix! It adds a whole other dimension of availability when you're looking at places to stay!
I just got approved for the USBAR this past Friday
Hey congrats on the new USBAR card!! 🎉
Good argument that it’s the best card in game.
What's wrong with Hyatt?
Nothing, I just don't stay there very often.
Biggest Hyatt issues: Footprint size. Typically higher rates than the competition. Underwhelming credit cards. No real perks unless ur a globalist.
Biggest Hyatt issues: Footprint size. Typically higher rates than the competition. Underwhelming cards. No real perks unless ur a globalist.
Notable issues: Small footprint. Often more pricey than the competition. Weak pt earning and cards. Virtually no benefits if ur not globalist.
WAIT, what do you mean Bevy first!?
What happened in your previous Marriott strategy for Y1 Boundless Y2 Brilliant PC Boundless to Ritz Y4 Boundless? Please explain! Thanks!
I wouldn't get the Bevy, but if I did, it would have to be before the Brilliant since there is family language with the Marriott cards if I wanted to maximize welcome offers.
@@TheCreditFrogthat makes since.
This video was music to my ears. Like you, Marriott, Hilton & IHG have been my core focus in my Hotel Strategy as well. Love the 2 Marriott FNC strategy as well in order to have 2 separate weekend trips either at a luxury hotel with the 85k FNCs or a more mid-tier property with the 35k FNC's. I love Hilton Gold Status especially internationally for potential upgrades & that Food/Bev Credit as well. Great video Stan!
Thanks so much Matt! Yeah, we have very similar strategies, and it's great that you focus on Marriott since they have a lot more option in South America. FNCs are super helpful, and I'm sure the status also goes a longer way there too! Hilton Gold has been solid for me and always gets me great value!
With efforts from both your channels, we've gone from the Gold to Diamond with the Hilton cards and are still learning how to max the benefits....so thanks to you both!!
@@DavidRodriguez-ou9fy Thanks so much for your support David!
@@DavidRodriguez-ou9fy Awesome to hear! Keep up the great work!!
Hilton for the win. Definitely internationally. Just with gold status.
I have to try more IHG properties
Dude, you should! It's a great backup option to Marriott!
I may pickup IHG later on for all of the subs. For now Marriot is our Primary luxury hotel travel, and Hyatt is our economy program.
Marriott luxury properties cost a lot of points. What's your strategy on racking up points!
@@LK_EBM sign up bonuses. Me and player 2 will collectively get 4 from Amex. Then hopefully another 4 from chase with the Ritz PC method to get a 2nd boundless. Then after that the anniversary nights, and hopefully by referrals down the road on both chase and amex cards.
Is it easily to get Hyatt points?
@@verynick very!. Sign-up bonuses on chase credit cards; then use a sapphire to transfer out to hyatt. Can do it every 4 years as well, endless supply possibly.
@@verynick Hyatt points are pretty easy because Chase and Bilt both transfer to them!
Hi Stan, I wanted to ask about the Brilliant card. I know that between the annual greeting night and the $300 restaurant credit, it more than covers the AF. I wonder if you get upgrades domestically with your Platinum Elite status, because I hear there are so many Ambassadors, Titaniums and Platinums, people often don’t get upgrades domestically and it’s hard to use NUA’s. What has been your experience? I have the Surpass and wondering if I should wait for the next Brilliant outsized SUB or go for the Boundless SUB and wait 24 months for the Brilliant?
I have not had much success with upgrades domestically as a Titanium Elite member. Platinum elite status is great for club access (M Clubs and Westin clubs) that offer free breakfast, but that's about it. If you really want to go for Platinum Elite status, wait for the next Brilliant offer, but if you're still kind of on the fence with Marriott, I'd go for the Boundless first. You have the Surpass so you can use the Hilton Gold status for the F&B credit at Hiltons.
@@TheCreditFrog I have read that the luxury properties in Asia are much nicer and upgrades are easier for Titanium elites, so you should have more success with that on your Asia travels.
Perhaps it's cause I'm a Disney Timeshare guy - but I just can't get into hotel cards. You can work the Hilton chain relatively easily. However it could take 8+ years to build out the 4 card Marriott cards.
I get that Chad! I guess in the rare chance you travel to a non-Disney property, then having that access would be great! Marriott has those Swan/Swan Reserve and Dolphin resorts
love It!!
Thank you!
How do you use your 85k nights? Do you combine with points for a 5th night free, or just stay one night with the free night and then downgrade to a 35k hotel for the rest of your stay? If I pay 800 a night for 3 nights, and get one free night, that is still a pretty expensive stay, even for 5 nights. Although cutting the bill from 4k down to 2400 is still a pretty good deal, but there are also the yearly fees, as I can only do this once a year.
You can redeem your FNAs online as you're doing your reservation. Personally, I just combine them for a 2-night weekend stay, and try to get a good redemption from where I'm using them!
Do you have a crystal ball? It’s almost like you knew I needed this video today….
Haha! Happy to hear I was able to get you the info that was top of mind!
I must be very lucky or something, I’ve been upgraded domestically almost every time with Hilton. And I just have Gold status.
Awesome! I'm sure it also depends on where you stay in America too.
Are you in PUJ?
I don’t think so
Hyatt has the best value tho? Why not get the Hyatt card as well? Only $95 annual free and you get a free nights stay.
Hyatt card is ok. I think it’s much better to get a UR point earning card because you can earn more.
@@TheCreditFrog I’m still new to all of this. I just used my free category 1-4 stay and of course I wanted to stay at a category 4 & I found a resort in Thailand, Andaz. Because I had status they upgraded me and the room would have cost around $500 but I got it for free or you can say for the $95 annual fee. I have many Chase cards and I’m currently working on the IHG Premier One spend to get the intro bonus.
@ Great! That sounds like a great use of your FNA!
No love for Hyatt? Why?
I just don't stay at their properties.
Mission pacific in Oceanside and impressions secrets in Cancun are really nice hotel properties that I hav stashed thanks to Hyatt points and redemptions!!
exceeded my 5/24 :( have both M and H but get declined applying for IHG
Dang! Guess you gotta wait that out!
I've been to 2 US Kimptons and 1 Intercontinental and they've upgraded me to higher floors which was nice as a platinum. The Kimptons however would only give me late check out if I asked the morning of which was not it.
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I travel overseas....My trifecta are Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt.
Hyatt for me in SE Asia especially for the Grand Hyatt in BGC Metro Manila
Very nice! You and I just swapped Hyatt for IHG
I just booked two weeks in Thailand, one week in Vietnam, and three weeks in the Philippines with only points with IHG. First stop in Manila tomorrow. Holiday Inn and Intercontiental Hotels are a step above in Asia. Airfare to Manila with points with Korean Air Skypass Visa.
@@methemonkeyking awesome to hear! That’s my plan is to use IHG in Asia!