Peter Greenberg: Claiming Hotel Honor Points

By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org | 2009-06-15

Peter, Many years ago, I purchased a lifetime membership in Hilton's Senior Honors program for my parents. It provided discount hotel room nights at all Hilton Properties. Recently my mother called to get a discount rate and was told that the program no longer exists. I bought my mother a lifetime membership, not a membership that ends when Hilton Honors decides. I am aware that Blackstone Group purchased them in 2007. I assume this may be the reason, but can they do this? Please advise if there is anything that can be done.
–Mimi
New York City
 
Mimi, I contacted Hilton on your behalf, and here’s the story:
 
The bad news is that, given the low levels of membership and administrative costs, Hilton decided to discontinue the Senior Honors program as of July 31, 2008, which means your parents’ membership is no longer valid. Hilton was within its right to do this, as the fine print of the contract states that the membership was valid either for the lifetime of the member or for the lifetime of the program.
 
But the good news is that Hilton transferred Senior Honors members into its regular Hilton Honors program. This program has different membership tiers, and former Senior Honors members were placed in tiers based on their usage during the final year before termination. Point balances did not change during the transfer. Your mother will have to call the HHonors member service to find out what tier she was given and to find out about the rules and regulations of the new program.