How We Saved Nearly 4,500 on a NYC Business Trip

Earlier this month, a few staff members from The Points Guy (TPG) were gearing up for an important strategy meeting in New York City. With fixed travel dates due to prior commitments, we quickly discovered that finding affordable accommodations was going to be a challenge. Hotel rates were soaring, with basic properties in Manhattan charging upwards of $700 per night. Faced with the prospect of exorbitant costs or the need to postpone the trip, we found a clever workaround that saved us a significant amount of money.

Our solution came in the form of a timely transfer bonus on our The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. On September 2, Amex launched a 25% bonus on transfers from Membership Rewards to Hilton Honors. Typically, Amex points convert to Hilton points at a 1:2 ratio. However, with this bonus, each Amex point became 2.5 Hilton points, providing us with a valuable opportunity.

While Amex points are generally valued at around 2 cents each, Hilton points are valued at about 0.5 cents. This meant that converting our Amex points to Hilton points could potentially yield a better value, especially when we found the right hotel options.

Initially, two staff members needed accommodations for two nights. We discovered a Hampton Inn that required 80,000 Hilton points per night, significantly lower than the 150,000 points charged by many other properties. Booking two rooms for two nights totaled 320,000 Hilton points, or 128,000 Amex points with the transfer bonus. The cash rate for these reservations was a staggering $1,657.20.

After transferring the points to my Hilton account, I booked the reservations over the phone, ensuring each staff member was added as a second guest for check-in purposes.

A few days later, we needed to secure a room for another team member for just one night. Unfortunately, the Hampton Inn was fully booked, but we found another nearby Hilton property for 85,000 Hilton points, equating to 34,000 Amex points after the transfer bonus. The cash rate for this room was even higher at $1,098.81.

In total, the three hotel reservations would have cost us $4,413.21, but we managed to use just 405,000 Hilton points, or 162,000 Amex points. This resulted in a redemption value that far exceeded our expectations for both currencies.

It’s important to note that while we have been using the Business Platinum Card at TPG for years, if you’ve been considering applying for this card, now might be the perfect time. Amex has revamped the card, introducing new statement credits and benefits tailored for small business owners. Most notably, they’ve launched an impressive welcome bonus of 200,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months. While the card does come with an annual fee of $895, the various perks can easily justify this cost.

By leveraging our Business Platinum Card and taking advantage of timely transfer bonuses, we were able to significantly reduce our travel expenses for this business trip to New York. This experience serves as a reminder of the value of transferable points and the potential savings they can offer when used strategically.

In conclusion, while our trip may not have included luxurious accommodations or extravagant travel experiences, it showcased the power of smart financial planning and the benefits of using the right credit card for business expenses. For anyone considering how to maximize their travel budget, this is a prime example of how to turn everyday spending into substantial savings.

When it comes to travel, the right credit card can truly transform your experience, allowing you to access opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach. Whether you’re planning a business trip or a personal getaway, understanding how to utilize points and rewards can lead to memorable and cost-effective travel experiences.