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

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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.