Name:
William and Natasha Barbera

FFP miles spent:
120,000

Hotel points spent:
155,000

Approximate fees:
Can’t recall

Airline(s) / Routing:
Delta NY-Rome

How booked:
Via telephone

Type of award(s):
Regular 60,000 miles to Europe for each ticket

Hotel(s):
Hilton and Marriott

Month/year of trip:
September 2006

Yes, it was awhile ago but a great use of miles. Two coach award roundtrip flights on Delta NY-Rome (120,000 miles) and was bumped up on both legs to business class. Key was making this reservation over the phone and mentioning it was our honeymoon. Estimated flight value saved $4,000. Then two nights at Hilton Cavalieri in Rome (amazing hotel–now a Waldorf property) for 80,000 points and upgraded to an amazing suite with champagne upon arrival (again mentioned honeymoon)! Estimated value $1,500 saved.

Then one night at the Marriott on Capri Island for 40,000 points. Estimated value saved $650. One last night back at Rome Airport Hilton for 35,000 points–estimated value $350. An estimated value of $6,500 for 275,000 miles/points used—2.36 cents per point/mile and worth it! Great trip! Also spent time in Positano and must return there one day.

Miles were earned mostly via prior business travels (flights and hotels) and reading this magazine since 1989! Once had 100 flight segments and 100 hotel nights in 12-month period traveling while working on the Olympic Torch Relay back in ’96. Currently still have over 2.1 million miles/points as I continue to travel for business and most spends are via affiliated cards. Thanks for all the help over the years.