Hilton HHonors has updated the terms and conditions that deal with the “Spouse Stays Free” benefit.
In some countries and hotels, the price for double occupancy can be higher than for one. In those occasions, this benefit can be a worthwhile one.
You can access Hilton HHonors Terms and Conditions here.
Here’s the change:
Here the new text:
2nd Guest Stays Free: A second guest stays free in the Member’s room on qualifying stays at hotels when there are additional charges for double occupancy. This benefit excludes stays at any hotel when the rate includes additional components (e.g., meals, activities, parking), or specialized rates (e.g. package rates, bed & breakfast rates) that are quoted as a per person or per room charge.
Here’s the old text:
Spouse stays free in the Member’s room on qualifying stays. This benefit excludes stays at Hampton Inn and Hampton Inn and Suites. This benefit does not apply at any hotel when the rate includes additional components (e.g., meals, activities, parking, etc.) that are quoted as a per person or per room charge.
Conclusion
I think that Hilton has done the right thing here and removed the word spouse and replaced it with the 2nd guest. What does it matter for the hotel what kind of relationship if any you have with the person whom you are sharing the room with?
