2x points package from Hilton - but Hilton properties only

There's a long-running promotion from Hilton that I realised I haven't written about. However, given that it has a validity that isn't expiring any time soon, I thought I'd write about it today. The promotion is for 2x HHonors points on all stays at participating Hilton properties, for stays from 19 June 2013 (that's right, this is about 5 months old), but continues to be valid for bookings done till 1 November 2014 (you read right, its 2014). This offer does not require registration, but it does require specific booking against this package, which can be done here. The important point here is that it is valid only for stays with Hilton Hotels and Resorts, and not any of the other brands brands in the HHonors portfolio (like Conrad, Hilton Garden Inn, etc).

From an India perspective, this means there are only 5 properties that will qualify for this offer, and 2 of them lack availability for the random dates I'd chosen to test out the pricing (21-23 November, 2013). Here are the results:

So it seems that the rates for this offer are 17-20% higher than normal rates (the above numbers are before taxes, so that will add up as well, to your cost). In effect, you're getting the extra 1x points for up to 20% of the cost you'd otherwise spend to earn them. Therefore, I'd recommend taking up this offer only if you're in some sort of desperate need for those HHonors points (maybe you've got one of those aspirational rewards within reach???).

If you're looking at value for your buck, do remember that there are (a) other HHonors portfolio properties, and (b) normal rates for Hilton properties, that continue to be available, which may be lower than the rates on the 2x promotion.

Here are the full T&Cs for this offer:

Offer valid at participating hotels in the Hilton HHonors portfolio. Subject to availability. Rates do not include taxes, gratuities, incidental charges or resort fees (if applicable). Each hotel’s change and cancellation policy varies. Please contact the individual hotel to confirm their policy. Offer components are non-transferable or redeemable for cash, and cannot be applied toward future stays. This offer may not be combined with other select promotions, offers or discounts and is not valid for groups. If you are making this reservation by phone, please call our Internet Customer Center at +1-800-HHONORS or view a complete list of Hilton HHonors Reservations phone numbers. When booking by phone, please request “2X Points Package” or Plan Code HPDPT1/DP1.

“Double HHonors Points” means you will receive a bonus equal to the number of Base Points earned during a stay. Bonus Points earned on Base Points do not count toward elite tier qualification. Please allow up to eight weeks from completion of your stay for points to appear in your Hilton HHonors account. You must be a member of Hilton HHonors to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity. Hilton HHonors membership, earning of Points & Miles and redemption of points are subject to HHonors Terms & Conditions.