Historic Hilton Hotels You Can Book with Points

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While many hotels affiliated with major loyalty programs can seem cookie-cutter, not all properties were cast from the same mold. TPG Senior Points & Miles Contributor Jason Steele takes a look at some historic properties within the Hilton brand, all of which can be booked using points.

Some frequent travelers get tired of staying in the same monolithic concrete tower everywhere they go, but at the same time, most would rather stay at a property where they can earn points and spend their rewards.

Continuing my series on historic hotels that are part of major loyalty programs — previous posts include this one on Marriott — I'll take a look at some unique properties in the Hilton brand. As before, I'll define a hotel as "historic" if it has unique architecture that dates from before the Second World War or if it occupies a historic building that was not originally designed to be a hotel.

Hilton is one of the largest hotel chains in the world, and it features many historic hotels among its various brands. You can earn Hilton Honors points with the Hilton Honors Card from American Express and the Hilton Honors Surpass Card from American Express, the Citi Hilton HHonors Visa Signature Card and the Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve Card. Additionally, you can transfer points to Hilton from Citi's ThankYou program.

1. Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, Ohio (1931)

Reward Category: 5 (30,000-40,000 Honors points per night)

The Hilton Cincinatti Netherland Plaza is one of the world's finest examples of French Art Deco style, and it's been designated by the US Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark. It's also known for its on-site dining, as it's been Hilton's top-rated food and beverage property in the US for several years.

2. Hilton St. Louis Downtown at the Arch, Missouri (1888)

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Reward Category: 5 (30,000-40,000 Honors points per night)

This hotel retains the original vaults of its predecessor Merchant Laclède National Bank. It recently underwent an extensive renovation, though it still retains unique touches such as 18th-century architecture.

3. Caribe Hilton, Puerto Rico (1949)

Reward Category: 6 (30,000-50,000 Honors points per night)

The in-house bar was the birthplace of the piña colada in 1954. The hotel is located two miles from Old San Juan, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, and it's the first Hilton International hotel outside of the continental US.

4. Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza, New Mexico (1625)

Reward Category: 6 (30,000-50,000 Honors points per night)

Housed in a landmark 300-year-old hacienda, the Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza preserves many of the architectural elements of the original pueblo. There are also three luxury guest houses (casitas) built within the walls of the original coach house.

5. Palmer House, A Hilton Hotel, Chicago (1873)

Reward Category: 7 (30,000-60,000 Honors points per night)

The Palmer is the longest continually operating hotel in the United States. In 2014, it was named best historic hotel (in the 400-plus guest rooms category) by Historic Hotels of America — and the property's splendor is going strong thanks to a recent $170 million renovation.

6. Hilton Downtown Chicago on Michigan Ave (1927)

Reward Category: 7 (30,000-60,000 Honors points per night)

When it opened as The Stevens Hotel, the property was the largest hotel in the world. In 1942, the US Army purchased the hotel for $6 million for use as barracks and classrooms. After the war, the hotel was purchased by Conrad Hilton and converted back into a hotel, and the size of the rooms were doubled. Another fun fact: The Hilton Downtown Chicago has hosted every United States President since 1927.

7. Hilton New Orleans St. Charles Avenue, Louisiana (1927)

Reward Category: 7 (30,000-60,000 Honors points per night)

Originally constructed as the Grand Lodge of the Louisiana Masonic Temple, this magnificent 20-story Gothic Revival building was hailed as the first skyscraper in New Orleans. The Hilton New Orleans St. Charles still features the original chandeliers and marble floors.

8. The Drake Hotel, Chicago (1920)

Reward Category: 8 (40,000 to 70,000 Honors points per night)

Featured in numerous movies, the Drake Hotel houses the bar where newlyweds Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio carved their initials into a wooden counter.

9. The Seelbach Hilton Louisville, Kentucky (1905)

Reward Category: 8 (40,000 to 70,000 Honors points per night)

This French Renaissance property was the setting for Tom and Daisy Buchanan's wedding reception in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby." The Seelbach even houses a restaurant called Gatsby's, in addition to a restored 1900s-era bar with an extensive bourbon menu.

10. Hilton Manhattan East, New York (1931)

Reward Category: 8 (40,000-70,000 Honors points per night)

This 20-story Tudor City apartment complex at 42nd Street and 2nd Avenue was hailed as the first residential skyscraper in the world upon the building's completion. Many of the original Tudor City amenities, such as parks and tulip gardens, are still accessible.

CURIO BY HILTON

11. Hotel Alex Johnson Rapid City, Curio Collection by Hilton, South Dakota (1928)

Reward Category: 6 (30,000-50,000 Honors points per night)

This historic hotel was built by its namesake, a railroad magnate with a love for the Native American culture. In 2008, the property underwent a multi-million dollar renovation, and two years later the Vertex SkyBar was added to the top two floors. This unique venue offers breathtaking views of the Rapid City skyline, the Black Hills and the prairie beyond.

12. The Providence Biltmore, Curio Collection by Hilton, Rhode Island (1922)

Reward Category: 6 (30,000-50,000 Honors points per night)

The Biltmore was designed by Warren and Wetmore, the same celebrated firm responsible for Grand Central Station in New York City. The first General Manager of the Biltmore created a rooftop garden, supplying the kitchen chefs with fresh produce.

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON

13. The Tudor Arms Cleveland – a DoubleTree by Hilton, Ohio (1933)

Reward Category: 5 (30,000-40,000 Honors points per night)

The Tudor Arms was originally built in 1933 and opened as the swanky, exclusive Cleveland Club featuring ballrooms, a swimming pool, a bowling alley and beautiful views of downtown Cleveland. Near the end of the Great Depression, it evolved into a hotel, and it's been restored to retain its Old World feel.

14. Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Virginia (1882)

Reward Category: 6 (30,000-50,000 Honors points per night)

Originally erected in 1882 as the headquarters for the Norfolk Western Railroad, Hotel Roanoke has been recognized by the Historic Hotels of America Association.

What's your favorite historic hotel in the Hilton brand?