I am going on a mattress run!!!

A few days ago, I called Hilton to confirm a few details about my stay in Tokyo. While on the phone, I got an interesting offer. The conversation went something like this:

Hilton Rep: I want to thank you for being a Gold member with us. How have you enjoyed your status?

Me: I have only used it once, but it was nice to get breakfast and a better room.

Hilton Rep: I see that your status is expiring in March 2013.

Me: I think that is correct.

Hilton Rep: Would you like the opportunity to keep it for 2013?

Me: That would be great, but I don't think I can hit the required stays by the end of month.

Hilton Rep: Well....can you complete 4 different stays with us in the next 90 days?

Me: Hmmm...I already have 1 book for Tokyo and a conference in February in Connecticut that is at a 

       Hilton. So, I need to stay 2 more times. I think I can do that. When would my status expire?

Hilton Rep: I you stay 4 more times in 90 days, your status would be renewed until March 2014. You would 

                  need to complete the normal requirements of 16 stays or 36 nights.

Me: Awesome. I accept the challenge. 

One thing you need to know about me is that I never turn down a challenge. So, I needed two additional stays in 90 days. I went back to work and an hour late, it hit me...Hilton is having an amazing 50% off sale...there has to be cheap hotel stays now (go here for the sale page). 

A quick search of hotels in Washington, DC turned up a $39 stay at the DCA Hilton and $45 stay at DCA Doubletree. For about $100 all-in, I will complete the two extra stays I need for my Gold status in 2013.

Before having status, I did not know what the big deal of having status was. Here is what Gold Status gets you at Hilton:

• Quick reservations and check-ins based on your room preferences
• Late check-out*
• Express check-out
• Spouse stays free**
• Complimentary access to fitness centers and health clubs†
• Two complimentary bottles of water per stay 

And....

MY WAY GOLD MEMBERSHIP HOTEL BENEFITS:††

Waldorf Astoria™ Hotels & Resorts

• Space-available upgrade to a preferred room
• 1,000 HHonors Bonus Points per stay or one in-room movie per stay

Conrad® Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton™

• Space-available upgrade to a preferred room
• 1,000 HHonors Bonus Points per stay or a complimentary continental breakfast for you and up to one additional guest registered to the same room each day of your stay

Embassy Suites Hotels™

• 500 HHonors Bonus Points per stay or two snack/refreshment choices per stay

Hilton Garden Inn™

• 750 HHonors Bonus Points per stay or a complimentary Hot Cooked-to-Order Breakfast for you and up to one additional guest registered to the same room each day of your stay

Hampton Inn™, Homewood Suites by Hilton™

• 250 HHonors Bonus Points per stay or choice of snack and bottled water

Home2 Suites by Hilton™

• 100 HHonors Bonus Points per stay or choice of snack and bottled water

Hilton Grand Vacations™

• 1,000 HHonors Bonus Points per stay

Gold Status won't get you an amazing value, but the ability to check-out late will help in Tokyo, because I have a 6pm flight. Also, the breakfast benefit is nice and will save me money.

So...next weekend, I am going on a mattress run. $100 for two nights towards status is to good to pass up.

Napkin Conundrum

One of the first posts I wrote was the importance of travel goals or a travel bucket list. Personally, I have a list and it includes cities from all seven continents. However, on my recent US Airways flight, I become dumbfounded when I received this napkin:

My napkin is still blank as you can see. How is it that I have a travel bucket list, but I can’t answer my Life's Ultimate To-Do List.

1)      Do I want to walk the Great Wall of China? Sure

2)   Locate the Loch Ness Monster? Yes.

      3)      Do I want to take the geeky picture of me holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa? Of Course!

I don't consider any of these on my Ultimate To-Do List. These are activities that on my travel bucket list, but I won't have regrets if I do not accomplish any of these. That is the difference between an item on your bucket list or an item on your Ultimate To-Do List. I am going to have to think about this napkin some more.

I like this cross promotional material. This napkin was a great way for Hilton to get some attention of travelers, especially those going somewhere.The main point of the napkin is to highlight a contest Hilton Garden Inn is having. Go here, before September 30th, to register to win a 3 night/ 2 day trip to accomplish your Ultimate To-Do List item.

What's on your Ultimate To-Do List?