Budget vs. Luxury Hotel: Are the Extra Points Worth It?

When planning a trip, it’s easy to wonder: should you splurge on luxury or save points for another adventure? Let’s dive into a direct comparison of two Hilton properties in Dublin—the Hampton by Hilton, a more budget-friendly option, and the upscale Conrad Dublin. The big question? Are the extra points worth it?

The Budget Stay: Hampton by Hilton Dublin

Starting with the Hampton by Hilton, this is Hilton’s budget option. But don’t be fooled by the “budget” label—the hotel exceeded expectations. The rooms are cozy but modern, with funky artwork, comfortable beds, and a solid complimentary breakfast.

For two nights, the cash price would’ve been around $638, but Brendan and Erin opted to use 100,000 Hilton Honors points (50,000 per night). When converted to transferable points like those from American Express, this stay would cost 25,000 points per night. That’s a decent deal, but what really seals the deal is that you’re getting a comfortable, no-fuss stay without breaking the bank.

The Luxury Stay: Conrad Dublin

Now, let’s switch gears to luxury. The Conrad Dublin is where you go to feel pampered, and it shows—this is Hilton’s top-tier experience. But with luxury comes cost. A two-night stay here in peak season runs about $3,000. Using Hilton points, we redeemed 140,000 points (70,000 per night). After transferring from American Express, this amounts to 35,000 points per night.

Is it worth it? Well, the Conrad offers some luxuries, like upgraded rooms and fancier amenities. But here’s the kicker: while the property is lovely, there wasn’t a huge difference in comfort compared to the Hampton. The room was bigger, but breakfast wasn’t free for everyone, unlike the Hampton.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Comparing points spent, the Conrad costs just 20,000 more Hilton points per night. But does that make it worth it? If you’re looking for a comfortable place to stay while exploring Dublin, the Hampton gets the job done without burning extra points. On the other hand, if your goal is a luxury experience or a once-in-a-lifetime trip, the Conrad might be worth the splurge.

Is Luxury Worth the Points?

Ultimately, luxury hotels can feel indulgent, but in this case, the budget option offered more value. Unless the property itself is the experience, like a unique all-inclusive resort or a bucket-list destination, saving those extra points for flights or future stays might be the smarter move.

So, next time you're booking a stay, ask yourself: do you really need luxury, or are your points better spent elsewhere?