Hilton points are like they’ve got a reputation for being more trouble than they’re worth. And if you just throw them at random hotel bookings, yeah, you might find that paying cash would’ve been cheaper (ouch!). Plus, no sweet rewards from a cash stay? Double ouch!
But here’s the thing: Hilton points can be valuable! it’s all about picking the right spot to cash them in. Recently, Hilton teamed up with Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH), and that partnership has given us some pretty cool new options. Let’s check out a few and see how those points can actually work some magic!
Sowaka (Kyoto, Japan)
Sowaka, an SLH gem in Kyoto, is the perfect blend of cozy traditional vibes and modern luxury, and the best part? You can now book your award nights with Hilton points! If you’re planning a trip between May and June 2025, Sowaka has got loads of availability for Hilton points redemptions at 120,000 points per night. But here’s where it gets good: book five nights in a row, and Hilton throws in the fifth night for free, bringing your average down to just 96,000 points per night.
Let’s talk numbers. Right now, a night for a standard reward room at Sowaka will set you back about 142,000 yen ($975 USD). But even if you’re low on Hilton points, you could usually buy them for around 0.5 cents each. So, 120,000 points would cost you $600 USD. That’s a sweet 38% off the regular price, just by using points, no complicated tricks required!
RiverView Ranch (Montana, USA)
How about a bucket-list getaway near Yellowstone National Park? RiverView Ranch might just be the redemption of your dreams! This place is a top luxury all-inclusive ranch – think accommodations, meals, airport transfer, activities, beer and wine (except premium wine collection), and with cash prices for a three-night minimum stay soaring past $18,000 USD, you know it’s going to be fancy.
Now here’s where it gets fun: you can book this beauty for just 130,000 Hilton points per night if you can catch one of Hilton’s point sales at 0.5 cents per point (cpp). So, instead of forking out a small fortune, you’ll only be shelling out $650 USD per night – or $1,950 USD for three nights. That’s about 10 ~ 11% of the cash price for living it up at this ultra-luxury all-inclusive ranch retreat! Check out what are included – we are talking about a steal!
Cap Rocat (Mallorca, Spain)
SLH really knows how to spoil us with incredible redemptions worldwide! After looking at sweet deals in Asia and North America, let’s head to Europe for some serious luxury. Cap Rocat, a jaw-dropping resort on the island of Mallorca, Spain, is the perfect example. With cash prices reaching nearly €2,000 Euro ($2,190 USD) a night, it’s a splurge, to say the least. But here’s where your Hilton points can work some magic! During a Hilton points sale, you can snag points at 0.5 cents each and book this beauty for just 130,000 points per night. That’s only $650 USD per night – meaning you’re staying at this dreamy European escape for just 30% of the cash price. Mallorca vibes at a massive discount? Just count me in!
How To Earn Hilton Honors Points
- Credit Cards
From now through January 8, 2025, there are elevated sign-up bonus for American Express (Amex) Hilton co-branded credit cards, like:
- Hilton Honors Card: earn 100,000 sign-up bonus points
- Hilton Honors Surpass Card: earn 165,000 sign-up bonus points
- Hilton Honors Aspire Card: earn 175,000 sign-up bonus points
- Hilton Honors Business Card: Earn 175,000 sign-up bonus points
- Points Promotions
Hilton regularly runs points-buy promotions, offering price at 0.5 cent per points. II you still want to indulge in those high-end stays without draining your wallet, keep an eye out for Hilton’s points sales. These happen every 1 ~ 2 months, typically at a rate of 0.5 cents per point (that’s $50 USD for 10,000 points), so you don’t have to wait for some mythical “best-ever” deal – they’ve got you covered!
Final Thoughts
Since Hilton has the partnership with SLH, redeeming your points for stunning hotels and resorts has never been easier or more affordable. Imagine saving up to 90% off cash prices! But remember, who knows what changes may be on the horizon, so if you’ve got Hilton points burning a hole in your pocket or you’re ready to experience any of those incredible hotels, now’s the time to jump in and grab those amazing deals!
Photo Credit – Featured Image: Image by teksomolika on Freepik