6 Off-the-Beaten-Path Hilton Hotels to Book With 125,000 Points
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here – Hilton Honors Surpass Card from American Express
The Hilton Honors Surpass Card from American Express is currently offering an increased sign-up bonus of up to 125,000 points. It requires spending $3,000 on the card in the first three months of account opening to earn 100,000 points, and spending another $1,000 within the first six months to earn an additional 25,000 points.
It's the largest sign-up bonus we've ever seen for this card, and it's led me to look into finding some of the best Hilton properties that offer significant value on award nights. Today, I'll share six of the best properties you may easily overlook when it comes to getting big value from a huge sign-up bonus. If you're looking for more conventional ways to use Hilton Honors points, see this post on the top Hilton hotels for redemptions and my post on 4 ways to use Hilton points for real value.
Value Proposition
When deciding what constitutes value for point redemptions, there are several definitions to contemplate. You can look for straight cent-per-point redemption value and try to find the largest. TPG values Hilton points at 0.6 cents apiece, so you should try and at least get that valuation.
Instead of taking a purist route to value based only on cents per point, I think it's important to also factor in redemptions that cost a low amount of points per night (rare for Hilton) giving you the opportunity to stay multiple nights for free at locations that offer opportunities to sight-see, enjoy nature or have cultural experiences.
Considering both 0.6 cents per point as a base redemption value and the above listed factors, here are six properties that give outstanding value when you're looking to redeem some, or all, of your 125,000 points:
1. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Queenstown
Points per night: 28,000-30,000
This property is set on Lake Wakatipu outside of Queenstown in New Zealand, and guests can use all the facilities of the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa next door, including free breakfast for Gold and Diamond Honors members. During the winter you'll be staying at the closest hotel to The Remarkables Ski Field. There's a complimentary shuttle to the Queenstown city center, and the property even has a 10-seat executive theater that shows two movies per day.
2. Hilton Garden Inn Krakow
Points per night: 17,000-24,000
Krakow, and Poland in its entirety, is a location I continue to hear great things about from friends and readers who have visited. The Hilton Garden Inn Krakow is located in the city center on the Vistula River within walking distance of the Kazimierz Jewish Quarter and the historic Old City. The Royal Wawel Castle is across the river. Thanks to my Diamond status and Marriott's 5th Night Free perk — which is available to Honors members with Silver status or higher — I was able to reserve five nights at the property for a total of 80,000 points.
3. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Points per night: 10,000
Kuala Lumpur is one of my favorite cities. There's a vast mix of ethnicities in very tight quarters and from the outsider's perspective, everyone seems to make it work mostly conflict-free. The DoubleTree is right in the middle of city, with an easy Metro station leading back to all the main tourist and cultural attractions. At only 10,000 points per night, it's well worth saving your cash to take in all the cultural experiences and museums you can. The property has five restaurants and bars and an outdoor saltwater pool, and it's connected to the Ampang Park Light Rail Transit Station.
4. Hilton Salalah Resort
Points per night: 5,000
This resort in Southern Oman on the Arabian Sea makes for an exotic, family-friendly escape. There's an on-property kids club, babysitting services and a beachfront pool with a waterslide. For an astounding 5,000 points per night, you can book King Deluxe Rooms with Partial Sea Views that have nightly rates of ~$150 before taxes. Getting five nights at a beachfront resort for 20,000 points with elite status is hardly something to overlook. You can book Qatar Airways from Doha (DOH) to Salalah International Airport (SLL) for 4,500 Avios and $36, making round-trip flights to the Middle Eastern hub and three nights at the resort cost a total of 19,000 American Express Membership Rewards transferred to British Airways (1:1) and Hilton (1:1.5).
5. Hampton Inn & Suites Mexico City - Centro Histórico
Points per night: 20,000
I'm not aware of any other Hampton Inns built in an 1800s-era historical building with a stained-glass atrium. The property does have cheap cash rates, but many weeks I checked had rates up to $200 and the price for a standard award night remained 20,000 points, giving you 1 cent per point in value. The property is located within walking distance to the Zócalo and Centro Histórico of Mexico City. Walk two blocks to Plaza de la Constitución, site of many festivities within the city. I haven't visited Mexico City, but this very unique Hampton Inn is almost enough to push me over the edge for a trip.
6. Hilton Alexandria Green Plaza
Points per night: 5,000
It isn't often you can get over 1 cent per point with Hilton, but this property is offering over 3.5 cents per point in redemption value for several dates this fall. It's located in one of Egypt's largest open-air malls and just outside of the Alexandria City Center, and two different readers have told me they would go back to the city just for the hotel. The political climate in Egypt has been rocky, and some travelers may be understandably hesitant to visit, but I have heard only glowing reports from recent visitors, including TPG himself.
Bottom Line
Don't forget that Hilton Honors elite members with Silver status or higher can further decrease the cost of the above award nights when redeeming for five consecutive nights and getting the fifth night free. The six listed properties each cost a very small amount of Hilton points compared many of the Hilton award search results you've completed. While you may hear some colleagues or friends speak ill of Hilton points, with the above properties and the ability to earn 125,000 points from the Hilton Honors Surpass card from American Express, you can quickly have a lot of free hotel nights and fantastic travel experiences in your future.
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.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.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.