Hilton free night reward redemptions: 10 best hotels in the world to use your award certificate
Hilton Honors members can earn valuable Free Night Reward certificates — worth up to 150,000 points each — through two cobranded credit cards.
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card provides cardholders with a free night reward every cardmember anniversary, and you can earn up to two additional free nights for every $30,000 spent on the card in a calendar year (up to $60,000). With the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, you can earn a free night after spending $15,000 in a calendar year. Hilton cards have also been known to offer free night rewards as part of welcome bonuses.
Here are some aspirational properties where you can get the most value out of these coveted certificates.
How to use Hilton free night reward certificates
Hilton free night rewards are extremely valuable because you can use them on any room that falls under standard award pricing. You can maximize your free night certificate at luxury hotels, where standard award nights can cost up to 150,000 points.
However, you can only use certificates on Hilton’s standard room rewards. You can't use them on premium room rewards, which include upgraded rooms and amenities like suites, villas, ocean-views and private pools.
There are no blackout dates for reward certificates, but award availability at the most desirable properties is often in short supply. Finding a date when a standard room reward is open may take some searching. It can help to select “shop by price,” which allows you to see the lowest rates across an entire month.
With some patience and perseverance, you can find space to use your certificates at some amazing places around the world.
Grand Wailea, Hawaii
Cash rate: from $900 per night
Standard room reward: 110,000 points
The newly remodeled Grand Wailea, situated on Maui’s Wailea Beach, is an upscale resort for the whole family. There’s a network of activity pools, slides and swings, as well as an adults-only pool and swim-up bar. It even hosts full-blown luaus for guests.
TPG reviewed the Grand Wailea in 2020, but with its recent renovations, it’s probably changed a bit since then.
Waldorf Astoria Park City, Utah
Cash rate: from $500 per night
Standard room reward: 110,000 points
This Waldorf Astoria is nestled in the shadow of Park City Mountain, the largest ski slope in the U.S. Skiers and snowboarders can hop on the gondola steps away from their hotel room and then snuggle up by their in-room fireplace after a day on the slopes.
Although prices are fairly reasonable in the summer, they can spike to well over $1,000 per night (or 110,000 points) during ski season — making this a great way to redeem a free night certificate.
Related: 17 of the best ski towns in the US
Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, Mexico
Cash rate: from $900 per night
Standard room reward: 120,000 points
Luxurious accommodation meets rugged natural beauty at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal. At this cliffside resort, every room features a private plunge pool and views of the Pacific Ocean.
As a result, rooms here don’t come cheap, ranging from around $900 to $2,000 per night. Or you can stay for free using a reward night certificate. Since this is classified as a resort, Aspire cardholders can offset extra costs like dining and spa treatments with their annual Hilton resort credit.
Zemi Beach House, Anguilla
Cash rate: from $700 per night
Standard room reward: 110,000 points
If you’re longing to sink your toes into some of the Caribbean’s finest sand, check out this gem on the tiny island of Anguilla. Zemi Beach House, part of Hilton’s LXR Hotels & Resorts Collection, is on picturesque Shoal Bay Beach.
Anguilla is a little harder to reach than some of the more popular Caribbean islands, but it makes up for the journey with thinner crowds and a quieter, more relaxing stay. Prices can climb up to $1,400 per night during peak season, making this a great way to maximize your free night certificate.
Related: Best ways to book flights to the Caribbean using points and miles
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
Cash rate: from $700 per night
Standard room reward: 110,000 points
Built in a series of revamped palaces on the Herengracht Canal, the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam offers opulent lodging and impeccable service in a central location. You’ll be able to easily reach the city’s major attractions on foot (or bike or boat). Foodies will appreciate the Michelin-starred restaurant, elegant bar and lounge and afternoon tea serving creative treats.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Cash rate: from $1,700 per night
Standard room reward: 150,000 points
This Maldives resort is surrounded by its own private reef, making it a prime destination for snorkelers and divers. There’s also a lengthy menu of other activities, like fitness classes, art classes, water sports, spa treatments and boat excursions. If that weren’t enough, the Ithaafushi now boasts its own private island.
It’s extremely hard to find standard room reward availability here, but if you do, your certificate will provide maximum value.
Hilton has two other aspirational properties in the Maldives: Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort and Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. If you’re dreaming of a Maldives getaway on points, you have a few options.
Related: Dreaming of the Maldives? These new and updated points resorts are waiting for you
Mango House Seychelles
Cash rate: from $550 per night
Standard room reward: 110,000 points
If you’d like to experience nature both above and below the water, Mango House Seychelles is nestled between lush forest and a bay teeming with life. This luxury hotel, part of the LXR collection, is known for providing a quiet retreat with plenty of opportunities for adventure.
Related: Plan the ultimate African safari with these 12 bush-to-beach destinations
Katara Hills Doha, Qatar
Cash rate: from $900 per night
Standard room reward: 120,000 points
Another LXR property, Katara Hills offers an escape from the bustle of Doha in Katara Cultural Village. It’s known for its superb service: All rooms are villas (including the standard award options), and all feature a private pool, personal butler and concierge service.
A stay here will set you back about $900 to $1,400 a night, or 120,000 Hilton Honors points — making this a great option for using your free night reward.
Roku Kyoto
Cash rate: from $600 per night
Standard room reward: 110,000 points
Nestled in the foothills of Takagamine Mountain, only a half-hour’s drive from the city center, the Roku Kyoto lets guests retreat into nature while staying within reach of everything Kyoto has to offer. With thermal pools, private gardens and a spa, this is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
Related: The best places to stay for cherry blossom season
Conrad Bora Bora Nui
Cash rate: from $1,000 per night
Standard room reward: 120,000 points
This idyllic resort in a private cove offers beach and overwater villas, though you won’t be able to book those with a free night certificate. Standard room rewards will get you a king lagoon view suite, which is still plenty luxurious.
Unfortunately, standard award space is hard to come by at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui. We recommend starting your search early and keeping your dates flexible. That way, when you find a coveted award night, you can jump on it.
Related: TPG saved this couple's Bora Bora trip after Citi Travel canceled their overwater bungalow
Bottom line
Hilton free night rewards are a valuable asset, and you can make the most of them by booking aspirational properties that would normally cost upward of 100,000 points per night. Award availability can be tight, but with some effort, you can snag an amazing stay at any of these locations.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.