By Jeff Pinyot
Paper or plastic, Ginger or MaryAnne, Left or Right, so many decisions.
That reminds me, do you remember the episode of Gilligan’s Island where they were just about to get rescued off the island when Gilligan did something stupid to ruin it?
One of the most impactful decisions you will ever make is where to cast your hotel loyalty (tongue in cheek). As a frequent flyer, I’m Southwest all day long as that Companion Pass is the best perk in the travel industry. Many years ago, I chose Hilton, despite Paris. Many a high school spring break was brought to the Pinyot family courtesy of Hilton Honors points, and my Lifetime Diamond achievement.
Little know Hilton insider tips:
- Try booking a Contractor Rate. If your company has a contractor’s license, look under Government rates for the elusive Contractor Rate, when it is available, it can save a ton
- When you book with points at Hilton, you get one free night when paying for four with points and they waive the Resort Fee, which can add up, and often includes free parking.
- Book early and check pricing periodically. For some reason, the early bird doesn’t always catch the …. You know the thing. Many times, prices can drop if demand is down as you get closer to the travel date.
- Call the front desk the day of your arrival early to negotiate your free Honors room upgrade, you will be surprised at what they will give you at no extra cost.
- Often you can earn hotel status with both Hilton and Marriott (Bonvoy) simply by subscribing to their Elite credit card which will gives you instant status, and an annual free night stay worth more than the cost of the card. These elite cards also often have value like $300 annual travel upgrades, excellent rental car insurance and international travel cancellation benefits.
Indianapolis Airport, once again, voted best airport in the nation, come visit us and take a lap!
Jeff Pinyot is the President for ECO Parking Technologies. Jeff can be reached at jspinyot@ecoparkingtech.com.