Japan is trending, but Europe isn’t fading away anytime soon! This year, we’ve crafted our itinerary to embrace Asia and Italy’s charming countryside. However, one thing we’ve noticed is that hotel prices in Italy are soaring. Thankfully, two hotel loyalty programs, which are Choice Privileges and Hilton Honors, have helped us save over $10,000 on hotels in Italy in a week! In this post, I’ll show you how to maximize hotel points for luxury family travel, break down hotel rewards programs, and share the best hotel deals in Rome , Sorrento and Lake Como.
Choice Privileges: The Underrated Gem For Hotel Savings
Our Italian adventure begins in Rome, a must-visit destination with world-famous landmarks, authentic Italian cuisine, and luxury accommodations. Finding a great hotel deal in Rome can be tricky, but my travel-savvy friends recommended Comfort Hotel Bolivar, which is a hidden gem in the prime location that’s even more affordable with Choice Privileges points.
- What’s The Choice Privileges Current Deal For Points Sale?
Choice Privileges is currently running a limited-time promotion:
- Up to 30% off Choice Privileges points (Ends 3/3/2025)
- Buy 18,000 to 180,000 points at just 0.72 cent per point
Best Choice Privileges Hotel Deals In Italy That Fit Our Travel Plan
- Comfort Hotel Bolivar, Rome
- Room Type: Family room for 3 guests (3 single beds)
- Points Required: 20,000 points per night
- Discounted Cost: approximately $144 per night (20,000 points × 0.72 cents)
- Cash Price: $565 ~ $627 per night
- Total Savings: Over 75% off compared to cash rates!
- Comfort Hotel Gardenia Sorrento Coast
For travelers heading to the stunning Sorrento Coast, another incredible deal awaits.
- Room Type: Family room for 4 guests (2 singles + 1 double)
- Points Required: 20,000 points per night
- Discounted Cost: approximately $144 per night (20,000 points × 0.72 cents)
- Cash Price: $428 ~ $475 per night
- Total Savings: Over 60% off compared to cash rates!
Pro Tip: The best time to buy Choice Privileges points was during last December’s 60% bonus event at 0.64 cents per point. But don’t wait too long! Choice Privileges allows you to book award nights up to 50 weeks in advance, and peak travel seasons mean limited availability.
Hilton Honors & Small Luxury Hotels Of The World: Luxury For Less
Hilton’s new partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of The World (SLH) makes it even easier to enjoy five-star boutique hotels with Hilton Honors points. If you’re looking for luxury hotel stays in Italy without breaking the bank, here’s where to book.
- Further Reading: 3 Exciting Small Luxury Hotels Of The World (SLH) Properties You Would Love To Book With Hilton Honors Points
Top SLH Hotel Deals In Italy
- Villa Spalletti Trivelli – Rome
- Points Required: 105,000 points per night
- Discounted Cost: approximately $525 per night with 100% Hilton bonus points sale promotion
- Cash Price: $700+ per night (before taxes)
- Total Savings: Nearly 30% off compared to cash rates!
- VISTA Palazzo Lago di Como – Lake Como
- Highlights: Lake views, iconic Como villas, ultimate luxury
- Points Required: 150,000 points per night
- Discounted Cost: approximately $750 per night with 100% Hilton bonus points sale promotion
- Cash Price: $1,300+ per night (before taxes)
- Total Savings: Over 40% off compared to cash rates!
Pro Tip: Use the Hilton free night reward certificate for even greater savings.
How To Earn Hilton Honors Points
- Co-Branded Credit Cards From American Express (Amex)
- Hilton Honors: earn 70,000 bonus points + a Free Night Award
- Hilton Honors Surpass: earn 130,000 bonus points + a Free Night Award
- Hilton Honors Aspire: earn 175,000 sign-up bonus points
- Hilton Honors Business: earn 175,000 sign-up bonus points
- Hilton Points Sale Promotion Details
- This promotion allows members to purchase points with a 100% bonus.
- Members can buy points for 0.5 cent per point until March 14, 2025.
- Members can buy up to a maximum of 240,000 points (netting a total of 480,000 points after the 100% bonus) per calendar year.
Key Takeaways For You As Families
Through various searches, there are four key takeaways I ‘d love to share for your success:
- Book In Advance: Secure Choice & Hilton redemptions early for the best availability, especially in peak seasons.
- Take Advantage Of Points Sale Promotions: Hilton’s 100% bonus and Choice’s 30% off points sale promotion make these points even more valuable.
- Use Free Night Reward Certificates Wisely: Pair them with high-value hotels like SLH properties.
- Use “5th night free” perks when booking the Hilton Hotels and SLHs to stretch your Hilton points.
Final Thoughts
With Hyatt’s uncertain availability and Marriott Platinum Elite status offering limited perks, Choice Privileges and Hilton Honors became our go-to hotel rewards programs for Italy. Their generous promotions and strategic partnerships turned a costly trip into a luxury vacation on points.
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