Looks like a Conrad, priced like a Hilton: Kids stay free at new all-inclusive Cancun property
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While Marriott and Hyatt have recently been heavily investing in the all-inclusive market, Hilton has been slower to expand its portfolio. But if you're a fan of the all-inclusive vacation model, there's now some great news on the Hilton all-inclusive front because the new Hilton Cancun is set to open this fall. The resort is currently accepting reservations from Nov. 7, 2021 through May 2022 ... and it looks amazing.
If you've been saving up your Hilton points and accruing free night certificates from your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card or The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, you can get tremendous value redeeming them at the brand new Hilton Cancun resort.
An award night in a standard room will set you back 95,000 Hilton points and it looks like free night certificates will be valid at this property. This is great news, in light of Hilton's recent announcement of free night award extensions.
The information for the Hilton Aspire Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
But it's not just its status as a new all-inclusive that is making us pay attention to this hotel. Here are six reasons you should consider booking the Hilton Cancun for your next vacation:
This Hilton looks like a Conrad
What's interesting about this new all-inclusive property is that from what you can see on the website, it resembles a Conrad hotel more than a Hilton. Located on 100 acres in the Riviera Maya, the new Hilton Cancun will offer 12 restaurants, an indoor-outdoor convention center and is just 15 minutes from Cancun International Airport (CUN).
The rooms at the new Hilton Cancun look spectacular, with standard resort view rooms offering 430 square feet of immaculately decorated space, large bathrooms and furnished balconies. The decor is more on-brand with high-end Conrad hotels than mid-tier Hilton properties. The redemption rate, on the other hand, tops out at 95,000 points per night. That's toward the very top of Hilton's unpublished award chart.
Related: The award traveler's guide to Hilton Honors
Parking is free
While other hotels are adding fees for everything from "amenities" to electricity, the Hilton Cancun is taking a more sensible approach. The hotel not only offers free self-parking but includes valet parking as well. Now granted, the nearby Hyatt Ziva Cancun is offering the same perk, but it's nice to see a Hilton doing the same.
Related: Earn easy Hilton points by eating at your favorite restaurants
There are no resort fees
Speaking of fees, the hotel does not add costly resort fees either. That's great because lately, these fees have been topping $50 per night or more. That is not ideal when you're already paying hundreds of dollars per night for your room.
With meals, rooms and parking covered, a lack of resort fee gives you more money to spend at the on-site spa (when it opens) or off-site activities.
Related: How to avoid resort fees
Staying here on points is an excellent value proposition
As mentioned, a free night at the Hilton Cancun will cost you 95,000 points per night. While that may sound steep, keep in mind that includes meals and even parking. If you're a Hilton Honors elite member, you'll also get the fifth night free on award bookings, bringing your nightly rate down to 76,000 points.
Looking at rates in November, the hotel prices out at over $500 per night, but if you want to lock this in for the winter holiday week your return should be even better since those paid rates with two adults in the room are between $600 - $700 per night. TPG values Hilton points at 0.6 cents each, making this a fantastic use of Hilton points.
Reservations are available all the way through May 2022, with standard rates peaking at $703 per night in April. Luckily, award space is available on those dates too, getting you over 0.7 cents per point in value.
Kids stay free
If you're traveling as a family, you might be able to book two adults and two children in the same room without an upcharge when using cash or points. According to the website, children aged 12 and younger stay free for reservations made through June 30, 2021. Kids aged 13-17 will incur a $200 nightly charge. Just be sure to include the kids on the booking or you may hit fees added later on.
This is a pretty big deal, considering Hyatt all-inclusive hotels charge an extra 12,500 points per night for each additional guest beyond double occupancy once the kids turn three years old.
If you're traveling alone with a child, the rate actually drops substantially. I searched November 2021 dates for one adult and one child. The paid rate came to $358 while the point rate dropped to 78,000 points. At this rate, you're getting around 0.5 cents in value per Hilton point, which is less than TPG's valuation but may still be worth it to you.
When the redemption rate isn't favorable, consider using Capital One miles instead to potentially offset the charge at a rate of 1 cent per mile used. This allows you to save up Hilton points for a better redemption while earning bonus points on your booking.
Hilton is one of the most generous programs when it comes to earning points. All members earn 20 points per $1 spent and Hilton frequently runs double point promotions. Factor in possible elite bonuses and a Hilton credit card and you can earn as much as 64 points per dollar spent.
Related: 16 best ways to earn more Hilton Honors points in 2021
Free on-site COVID testing
When the Hilton Cancun opens in November, guests will receive complimentary on-site COVID-19 testing. While Mexico doesn't currently require travelers to produce a negative COVID test, this is a convenient service for those traveling home to countries that do -- which currently includes the U.S. regardless of vaccination status.
Related: Mexico's 'stoplight system' explained: What a Cancun lockdown would mean for your trip
Extra amenities are coming
Since the Hilton Cancun is opening during a pandemic year, a few amenities will not be available right away. Eventually, the hotel will offer an airport shuttle, business center, executive lounge (for elite members) and a spa.
There's no word yet on when these amenities will become available, but it's worth checking on as you near your arrival date.
Bottom line
While it isn't yet open, the new all-inclusive Hilton Cancun looks to have incredible potential. Between the beautiful grounds, spacious rooms, free parking and family-friendly policy, it's a great place to use your Hilton points.
Considering the hotel is opening in the middle of peak travel season, you're bound to get a lot of value out of your Hilton points and free night certificates.
Hilton just announced another round of free night certificate extensions and with room rates going as high as $700 per night, you'll get tons of value out of this award.
Screenshots courtesy of Hilton.com