Transforming Limited Time Hilton Card Offers into 5-Star Stays

There are few things in life more enjoyable than a summer holiday and enjoying the sunshine, school holidays and slower pace of the season. However, the current reality is that things can be expensive and some travellers are tightening their belts and watching their budgets more closely this summer.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your summer vacation. You just have to be smart with your rewards and everyday purchases.

To this end, now may be the most opportune time to apply for the American Express Hilton Honors Card or the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Cardwith richer welcome offers that not only include Hilton Honors points, but also free nights that can help make your trip even more affordable and relaxing. Here’s what you need to know about these limited-time offers, plus some travel ideas on how you can use that free night and points for the ultimate rewards-filled getaway.

A card with no annual fee and 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 for those just starting out on their points journey.

Through July 31, 2024, new cardmembers can earn 70,000 Hilton Honors bonus points and a free night after spending $2,000 on eligible purchases with the card in the first six months of card membership. This is a great offer for this card since this free night can be used even on standard hotel rooms that sell for hundreds of dollars per night!

The card also earns you 5 points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants, on groceries at U.S. supermarkets and at U.S. gas stations. On all other eligible purchases, you’ll earn 3 points per dollar spent, helping you rack up points all summer long and beyond.

Plus, Cardmembers earn 7 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, helping you earn even faster when you travel and stay at Hilton properties.

Speaking of Hilton properties, cardholders automatically receive Hilton Honors Silver status, which includes perks like a 20% bonus on base points earned on paid stays, no resort fees on award stays booked using all points, and—one of the best perks—a fifth night free when you book a standard room stay entirely with points. Conditions apply.

Related: Hilton Honors Amex Card Review: Great Benefits and No Annual Fee

An affordable card with many benefits and reasonable fees

For the Hilton traveler looking for rewarding benefits and a great welcome offer, the Hilton Honors Surpass Card is a great option with a $150 annual fee (see rates and fees).

Through July 31, 2024, new cardmembers can earn 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points and a free night reward after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases with the card in the first six months of card membership. It’s a great start to your next vacation.

This card lets you earn Hilton Honors points quickly with great rewards rates, like 6 points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations, 4 points per dollar spent on U.S. online 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 at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio.

Cardmembers automatically receive Hilton Honors Gold status, which includes 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 stay booked entirely with points, food and beverage credit at select brands in the U.S. and complimentary breakfast at select brands outside the U.S.

Plus, you can earn up to $50 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly at Hilton properties with your Surpass Card. That’s up to $200 in statement credits per year. And if you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card in a calendar year, you’ll earn another free night reward. Conditions apply.

Travel inspiration to maximize your rewards

The best part about earning points is knowing how to spend and maximize them. Hilton Honors reward nights start at just 5,000 points per night. You can easily use one of Hilton’s booking channels to see how far your points can take you.

We’re especially excited about the free night reward, which can be used toward a standard room at nearly every Hilton property worldwide (though there are some exceptions). This means free night rewards are incredibly valuable and can be combined with nights booked with points to maximize your trip or unlock an incredible one-night stay at a place like the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills or the Conrad London St. James.

Related: Hilton Free Night Certificates: How to Earn Them and Maximize Their Value

Great value in Mexico

If you’re considering a tropical location and want to stay on the lower end of the points spectrum, Mexico’s Riviera Maya is a great place to start.

Located in the Instagram-favorite town of Tulum, Motto by Hilton Tulum is a great place to vacation, starting at just 33,000 Hilton Honors points per night. Guests can soak up the sun at one of the two rooftop pools or take a short trip to the beach, shop at the local boutiques at Hunab Lifestyle Center, and spend a day exploring the nearby Mayan ruins.

Near Playa del Carmen, the adults-only Yucatan Playa del Carmen All-Inclusive Resort, part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, also offers reward nights starting at 33,000 Hilton Honors points per night. This small, boutique all-inclusive resort features a rooftop pool, a Peruvian-Japanese restaurant and even a spa.

You might also want to consider checking out the Hilton Playa del Carmen, an adults-only all-inclusive resort. This resort’s beachfront location and six restaurants make it a great choice for your Mexico getaway and a chance to take advantage of the Hilton Honors Surpass card benefits.

For a truly luxurious stay in Mexico, you can combine your points and your free night award for at least two nights at one of Hilton’s luxury properties, such as the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya, which starts at 100,000 points per night.

Treat yourself to a reward at a new Embassy Suites resort

Embassy Suites is one of Hilton’s hottest brands right now, thanks to incredible new openings with a fresh design aesthetic and exclusive perks like spacious two-room suites with separate living and sleeping areas, complimentary made-to-order breakfast (including Embassy’s famous omelets) and a complimentary evening reception, all helping to make your money last longer.

If you’re looking for a Caribbean getaway, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort is available starting at 80,000 points per night and is a great choice for families. With two-room suites that sleep up to six people, the resort is connected to one of the island’s most famous beaches by a private tunnel and features an outdoor pool, cabanas, an on-site bar and restaurants while being just a short drive from nearby attractions.

Meanwhile, right here in the States, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort offers ocean views and space to relax for just 80,000 points per night and is just two blocks from the boardwalk. From indoor and outdoor pools and a semi-private beach to activities for all ages, such as crafts, wine tastings, and mermaid and animal encounters, there’s something for everyone.

And if you book with your points or free nights, your resort fee will be waived, saving you even more money. You can celebrate with a complimentary drink at the evening reception.

Live the high life in Hawaii

You can also use your Hilton Honors points for a property worth checking out, like the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria resort in Maui (which recently opened Hawaii’s largest spa). You can often find award nights there for 110,000 points.

Remember that as you work toward the spending requirements to earn the welcome offer, you’ll also earn points along the way. This means you’ll actually have more points to spend once you unlock that welcome offer, so earning multiple nights at these properties may happen sooner than you think.

In conclusion

We can probably all agree that many things seem more expensive these days, including travel. But by getting and using a great travel card, like the American Express Hilton Honors Card or the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Cardyou can open the door to the journey of a lifetime simply by earning rewards on the things you already spend money on.

Combine card benefits like statement credits and complimentary status with valuable limited-time offers, which end July 31, 2024, and before you know it, you could be sunbathing in Aruba, splashing on the beaches of Mexico or relaxing in the beautiful spa at a Waldorf Astoria in Hawaii.

For Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card rates and fees, click here.
For Hilton Honors American Express Card rates and fees, click here.