TPG Readers’ Best Hilton Honors Success Stories
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
We recently asked our TPG Lounge audience to share their greatest success stories with Hilton Honors, a timely topic given the new welcome offers on the program's cobranded Amex cards. Here’s a look at some of our favorite answers. (Some responses have been lightly edited for style and clarity).
Using Hilton Honors Points in the US
From memorable Hawaiian Island getaways to incredible experiences at the GRAMMYs, our TPG Lounge members definitely know how to make the most of Hilton Honors points when planning vacations here at home.
"400,000 Hilton Honors points for 10 nights on two Hawaiian islands for our wedding and 380,000 Honors points for five nights in the Maldives are my biggest yet. We stayed at Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island and Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort on Oahu. When we go back for our five-year anniversary, we are going to the Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, and most likely back to Hilton Waikoloa Village." — Dennis H.
"We have six nights booked at the Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, over Christmas for 380,000 Hilton Honors points, plus the Aspire free night. It's valued at $8,500." — Jody H.
"Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton for 240,000 Hilton Honors points, plus the 5th night free and a waterfront room." — Casey C.B.
"I used 450,000 Hilton Honors points for a trip to the GRAMMYs! The package provided two tickets to a pre-show brunch, the awards, the official after party, the GRAMMY Museum, a two-night stay at The Beverly Hilton and transportation between the airport, hotel and events. I also had complimentary breakfast thanks to the Hilton Gold Status I have through my Platinum Card® from American Express. Best use of Hilton Honors points ever!" — Shana G.
Epic European Vacations
Whether it's a great deal on a longer stay in London or free weekend nights spent in Rome and Dubrovnik, our well-traveled TPG Lounge audience never fails to impress us with their Hilton Honors redemptions.
"I booked a 10-night stay with two rooms at the Hampton by Hilton London Croydon for only 20,000 Honors points per room per night in early May. The 5th and 10th nights were free, and it was 300,000 Honors points altogether. It was very close to the East Croydon train station, which made getting in and out of London a breeze for our family of five, and the X26 bus can take you all the way to LHR for around $2 each." — Richard D.
"Used 80,000 Hilton Honors points for four nights at the Hampton by Hilton Rome East. It was a 25-minute Uber ride into the city but still worth it with free breakfast and a sweet new room. It's a newer hotel, in great shape and the staff were awesome." — Andy S.
"We used our free weekend night at the Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, and got the other two nights for 80,000 Hilton Honors points each. Such a gorgeous hotel! We had another amazing free night at the Hilton Imperial Dubrovnik, which we booked through the app and called to redeem." — Christine L.S.
"I found the Waldorf Astoria Versailles - Trianon Palace in France for 41,000 Hilton Honors points per night in the summer of 2017. A five-night stay was just over 160,000 points. I found it on the hotel's website and booked direct. When I later called the Diamond desk to extend the stay, the rep told me she'd never heard of the points for that property being that low. I did book two additional nights on a separate reservation for 65,000 Honors points per night." — George M.
"Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian for 60,000 Hilton Honors points a night for four nights in November. The breakfast, location, room and service were amazing!" — Kathleen M.S.
"Staying at the brand new LXR in Paris in September for 95,000 Hilton Honors points a night. Can't wait!" — Trey M.
"The Hilton Mainz in Germany, with the 5th night free and a great free breakfast buffet — they give Diamond members the full breakfast, not just the continental. River view was great." — Stephen A.
Memorable Stays in Oceania, Asia and Israel
Several TPG Lounge readers shared how they'd cashed in Hilton Honors points for free stays in Sydney, Bora Bora, Koh Samui, Tokyo, Bangkok and Jerusalem.
"Booked the Hilton Sydney on New Year's Eve for 75,000 Hilton Honors points when it was going for $800 USD. I was also upgraded to one of the relaxation suites!" — Takashi N.
"Conrad Bora Bora Nui for five nights with a standard suite redemption at 320,000 Honors points total. Got a free upgrade six levels to an overwater room with a pool. It was an online redemption with the 5th night free so I had to check back frequently for all the standard nights I needed to be available. It appears to have increased to 89,000 points a night from 80,000 but still makes an incredible redemption." — Blythe N.
"Conrad Bora Bora Nui. We used 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night for a room that goes for about $1,100 a night. It's a huge suite, too!" — Kim G.C.
"380,000 Hilton Honors points for five nights in a pool villa at the Conrad Koh Samui. It was incredible, one of my favorite hotel stays to date." — Jody H.
"It's not incredibly special, but my five nights at Hilton Tokyo Bay for 200,000 Honors points were fun. It was great to go to a [hotel near] Disney for almost nothing out of pocket, and we were upgraded to a suite. I loved it there. It was so close to the monorail and the soft Disney music throughout the hotel was really magical." — Allison N.
"I booked the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok for Chinese New Year at 20,000 Honors points per night. The rate is 60,000 Honors points per night now." — David Y.
"Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem: five nights at 95,000 Hilton Honors points per night with the 5th night free, for a total of 380,000 points. This was a fairly expensive redemption, but since cash rates are more than $1,400 per night for my dates, I'll consider it a huge win. I can't wait!" — Julian R.
New Credit Card Offers
If you're intrigued by any of the above awards, now is a great time to open a Hilton credit card, as a few are offering limited-time bonuses that make already-valuable cards even more rewarding.
- Hilton Honors American Express Card: Earn 90,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $2,000 in the first three months. Enjoy automatic Silver status and earn 7x points on Hilton stays and 5x points at US restaurants, US supermarkets and US gas stations, all with no annual fee (see rates & fees).
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors points after you spend $4,000 within the first four months. Enjoy automatic Gold status (or upgrade to Diamond status by spending $40,000 in a year). You'll earn 12x points at Hilton properties and 6x points at US supermarkets, US restaurants and US gas stations. If you spend $15,000 on the card in a calendar year, you'll also earn a free weekend night certificate, all of which requires just a $95 annual fee (see rates & fees).
This is in addition to the standard welcome offer on the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express, which awards new cardholders 150,000 points after you spend $4,000 in purchases on the card within your first three months of card membership. It comes with automatic Diamond status, an up to $250 annual Hilton resort credit, Priority Pass Select membership and 14x points on eligible Hilton stays, all for a $450 annual fee (see rates & fees) Enrollment required for select benefits.
The information for the Hilton Aspire Amex 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.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Amex card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Surpass card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Aspire card, please click here.
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.