Few things in life are better than summer vacations and enjoying the sunshine, school holidays, and generally slowing down the pace of the season. However, the reality right now is that things can be expensive, and some travelers are tightening their belts and keeping a close eye on the budget this summer.
But that doesn’t mean summer vacation is lost. You just have to be smart with your rewards and everyday purchases.
Therefore, now may be the best time to apply for this Hilton honors the American Express Card Or Hilton honors the American Express Surpass® Card, thanks to rich welcome offers that include not only Hilton Honors points but also free night awards that can help make your trip more affordable and comfortable. Here’s what you need to know about these limited-time offers, plus some travel inspiration for how you can use that free night award and points for the ultimate rewards-fueled getaway.
A no-annual-fee card offering a big bonus
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is a great card for those looking to earn Hilton Honors points without paying an annual fee (see rates and fees) or perhaps those just starting their points journey.
Through July 31, 2024, a new card member can earn 70,000 Hilton Honors bonus points plus a free night award after spending $2,000 on eligible purchases on the card in the first six months of card membership. It’s an outstanding offer for this card because that free night award can even be used on standard hotel rooms that sell for hundreds of dollars per night!
The card also offers 5 points per dollar spent on groceries at US restaurants, US supermarkets and US gas stations. For all other eligible purchases, you’ll earn 3 points per dollar spent, helping you earn points over the summer and beyond.
In addition, cardmembers earn 7 points per dollar spent on qualifying purchases made directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, so you can earn faster when traveling and staying at Hilton properties.
As for Hilton properties, card members automatically get Hilton Honors Silver status, which includes a 20% bonus on base points earned on paid stays, no resort fees on reward stays booked using all points and — one of the best perks — a fifth night. Stay perfect with free points when you book a standard room. Conditions apply.
Related: Hilton Honors Amex Card Review: Solid Benefits and No Annual Fee
Daily newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily Newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for the latest news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts
An affordable card with plenty of benefits and reasonable fees
For the Hilton traveler looking for rewarding benefits and great welcome offers, the Hilton Honors Surpass Card is a valuable option with an annual fee of $150 (see rates and fees).
Through July 31, 2024, new card memberships will be able to earn 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points plus a free night award after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases on the card in the first six months of card membership. It’s a great start to your next vacation.
This card helps you earn Hilton Honors points faster, thanks to great rewards rates like 6 points per dollar spent at US restaurants, US supermarkets and US gas stations; 4 points per dollar spent on US online retail purchases; and 3 points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. Finally, you’ll earn 12 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio.
Cardholders automatically earn Hilton Honors Gold status, which comes with an 80% bonus on base points earned on paid stays, space-available room upgrades at select properties, a fifth night free with a standard room fully booked with points, meals and U. Beverage credit on select brands in the U.S. and free breakfast on select brands outside the US
Additionally, you can earn up to $50 in statement credits each quarter on your Surpass Card for purchases made directly with properties in the Hilton portfolio. That’s up to $200 in annual statement credits. And if you spend $15,000 in eligible purchases on your card in a calendar year, you’ll earn another free night award. Conditions apply.
Trip inspiration to maximize your rewards
The best part of earning points is figuring out how to spend and maximize them. Hilton Honors award nights start at 5,000 points per night. You can easily use any of Hilton’s booking channels to see how far your points can take you.
We’re especially excited about the free night award, which can be used toward a standard award room at almost any Hilton property worldwide (although there are A few exceptions). This means free night awards are very valuable and can be combined with nights booked on points to maximize your trip or unlock incredible one-night stays. Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills Or Conrad London St James.
Related: Hilton Free Night Certificates: How to Earn Them and Maximize Their Value
Great price in Mexico
If a tropical location is on your mind and you want to stay on the lower end of the points spectrum, Mexico’s Riviera Maya is a great place to start.
In Instagram-favorite Tulum, Quote by Hilton Tulum A great place to root for vacations, starting at just 33,000 Hilton Honors points per night. There you can kick it up in the sun at one of the two rooftop pools or take a short trip to the beach, shop local boutiques at the Hunab Lifestyle Center and spend a day exploring nearby Mayan ruins.
Adjacent to Playa del Carmen, adults only Yucatan Playa del Carmen All-Inclusive Resort, part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, also has award nights as low as 33,000 Hilton Honors points per night. This small, boutique all-inclusive resort packs a powerful punch with a rooftop pool, Peruvian-Japanese restaurant and a spa.
As an alternative, consider visiting Hilton Playa del Carmen, an all-inclusive adults-only resort. The resort’s beachfront location and six restaurants make it a great contender for your trip to Mexico and the opportunity to use the benefits on the Hilton Honors Surpass Card.
For a true luxury stay in Mexico, you can combine your points and free night rewards for a minimum of two nights at a luxury Hilton property, such as the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya, which starts at 100,000 points per night.
Reward yourself at the new Embassy Suites Resort
Embassy Suites is one of Hilton’s hottest brands right now, thanks to an incredible new opening with a fresh design aesthetic and signature perks like two-room suites with separate living and sleeping areas, complimentary breakfast (including Embassy’s famous omelets), and complimentary evening welcome for your dollar. Helps to stretch more.
If you’re looking for a Caribbean getaway, Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort start at 80,000 points per night and are a perfect choice for families. With two-room suites that sleep up to six guests, the resort is connected to one of the island’s most famous beaches by a private tunnel walkway and features an outdoor pool, cabanas, an on-site bar and restaurant. Quick drive to nearby attractions.
Meanwhile, here in the US, Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort For just 80,000 points per night, it offers coastal views and sprawling space, and is just two blocks from the boardwalk. From indoor and outdoor pools and semi-private beaches to activities for all ages, such as crafts, wine tastings and mermaid and animal meet-and-greets, there’s something for everyone.
And if you book with points or your free night rewards, your resort fee will be waived, saving you even more money. You can cheer for him over free drinks during the nightly evening reception.
Live the high life in Hawaii
You can also use your Hilton Honors points for splurge-worthy properties, such as Grand Valea, Waldorf Astoria Resort on Maui (which recently opened the largest spa in Hawaii). There award nights can often be had for 110,000 points.
Just don’t forget that while you’re working to meet the spending requirement to get the welcome offer, you’ll also earn points along the way. This means you’ll actually have more points to burn once you’ve unlocked that welcome offer, so earning multiple nights at these properties can happen sooner than you think.
Bottom line
We can all probably agree that many things seem more expensive these days, including travel. But by getting and using a rewarding travel-focused card, eg Hilton honors the American Express Card Or Hilton honors the American Express Surpass cardYou can open the door to the trip of a lifetime by earning rewards on things you’re already spending money on.
Combine card benefits like statement credits and complimentary status, with valuable limited-time offers that expire July 31, 2024, and before you know it, you could be frolicking in Aruba, cruising the beaches of Mexico, or at a stunning spa at the Waldorf Astoria in Hawaii. relax
For Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card rates and fees, click here.
For Hilton Honors American Express Card rates and fees, click here.