Fine print exclusions

My wife and I stayed at the Tokyo Hilton for six nights in October ’05. I am a member of the Hilton HHonors guest reward program, thus when we checked out I expected to see a note that said my HHonors account would be credited with a certain number of points. Since room rates are quite high in Japan and our bill was for $1,176, the amount of points I expected was significant.

To my surprise, I was informed at the desk that I would not receive any points since I had made my reservation through an Internet travel agency (in this case, www.asiarooms.com). I was unaware of this restriction, as I have traveled throughout the world and have had various frequent-traveler accounts with hotels, airlines and rental car companies.

Upon returning home, I contacted Hilton and learned that reservations made through “third party web sites,” such Travelocity.com or Expedia.com, are ineligible for points on the frequent-guest program. Hilton has a number of other exclusions from their travel points program as well, including “Tour Operators’ Packages.”

Hilton did advise me that my account will be credited with the points for the Japan hotel stay. However, this is a one-time courtesy accommodation to me.

BILL BELT
Dallas, TX

ITN sent a copy of the above letter to Hilton HHonors, Box 9003, Addison, TX 75001, and received no reply.