There are few things better in life than taking a summer vacation and enjoying the sunshine, school breaks and slower pace of the season. However, the reality is that things can get expensive, and some travelers are tightening their purse strings and keeping a closer eye on their budgets this summer.
But that doesn’t mean summer vacation is lost. You just have to be smart with your rewards and everyday purchases.
For that purpose, now may be the best time to apply. Hilton Honors American Express Card or Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Cardwith more generous welcome offers that include not only Hilton Honors points but also free night rewards that can make your trip more economical and relaxing. Here’s what you need to know about these limited-time offers, along with some travel inspiration on how you can use those free night rewards and points to make the most of your trip.
No annual fee card with great rewards
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is a great card for people who want to earn Hilton Honors points without paying an annual fee (see prices and fees) or maybe people who are just starting their points earning journey.
Through July 31, 2024, new cardholders can earn 70,000 Hilton Honors points plus a free night reward after spending $2,000 on eligible purchases on the card in the first six months of card membership. That’s a great deal for this card because that free night reward can even be used on standard hotel rooms that sell for hundreds of dollars a night!
The card also offers 5 points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations. On all other eligible purchases, you’ll earn 3 points per dollar spent, which will help you rack up points throughout the summer and beyond.
Plus, cardholders will earn 7 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Hilton hotels and resorts, so you can earn points faster when you travel and stay at Hilton properties.
Speaking of Hilton hotels, cardholders automatically receive Hilton Honors Silver status, which includes perks like a 20% bonus on base points earned when paying for stays, no resort fees when booking award stays with all points, and—one of the best perks—a fifth night free when you book a standard room entirely with points. Terms apply.
Related: Hilton Honors Amex Card Review: Great Benefits and No Annual Fee
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An affordable card with great benefits and reasonable fees
For Hilton travelers looking for rewarding perks and a great welcome offer, the Hilton Honors Surpass Card is a valuable option with a $150 annual fee (see prices and fees).
Through July 31, 2024, new cardholders can earn 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points plus a free night reward after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases on the card in the first six months of card membership. That’s a great start to your next vacation.
This card helps you earn Hilton Honors points quickly thanks to 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 retail purchases; and 3 points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. Finally, you’ll earn up to 12 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Hilton’s portfolio of hotels and resorts.
Cardholders will automatically receive Hilton Honors Gold status, which comes with an 80% bonus on base points earned when paying for stays, available room upgrades at select properties, a fifth night free when booking a standard room entirely with points, food and beverage credits at select U.S. brands, and free breakfast at select brands outside the U.S.
Additionally, you can earn up to $50 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with a Hilton portfolio property on your Surpass Card. That’s up to $200 in annual statement credits. And if you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your card in a calendar year, you’ll earn another free night reward. Terms apply.
Trip inspiration to maximize your rewards
The best part of earning points is figuring out how to spend them and maximize them. Hilton Honors reward nights start at just 5,000 points per night. You can easily use any of Hilton’s booking channels to see how far your points can get you.
We’re especially excited about the free night reward, which can be used for a standard room at almost any Hilton property globally (although there are a few exceptions). This means that free night rewards are extremely valuable and can be combined with nights booked with points to maximize your trip or to unlock a great night’s stay somewhere like Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills Hotel or Conrad London St. James.
Related: Hilton Free Night Certificates: How to Earn Them and Maximize Their Value
Great Value in Mexico
If you’re thinking of a tropical destination and want to stay on the lower end of the price spectrum, Mexico’s Riviera Maya is a great place to start.
In Tulum, an Instagram favorite, Hilton Tulum Motto is a great place to start your vacation, starting at just 33,000 Hilton Honors points per night. There, you can sunbathe at one of two rooftop pools or take a short walk to the beach, shop at local boutiques at the Hunab Lifestyle Center, and spend a day exploring nearby Mayan ruins.
Nearby in Playa del Carmen, adults only Yucatan Playa del Carmen All Inclusive Resortpart of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, also offers reward nights for just 33,000 Hilton Honors points per night. This smaller, luxury all-inclusive resort has strong appeal with a rooftop pool, Peruvian-Japanese restaurant, and even a spa.
As an alternative, consider visiting Hilton Playa del Carmen Hotelan adults-only all-inclusive resort. Its beachfront location and six restaurants make it a great choice for your trip to Mexico and a great way to utilize the benefits of your Hilton Honors Surpass Card.
For a truly luxurious stay in Mexico, you can combine your points and free night rewards for at least two nights at one of Hilton’s luxury properties, like Conrad Tulum Riviera Mayastarting at 100,000 points per night.
Treat yourself at the new Embassy Suites resort
Embassy Suites is one of Hilton’s hottest brands right now, thanks to its stunning new projects with fresh design aesthetics and signature perks like spacious two-room suites with separate living and bedroom areas, complimentary breakfast on request (including Embassy’s famous omelettes), and complimentary evening receptions, all of which help you save extra money.
If you are looking for a Caribbean vacation, Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort Starting at 80,000 points per night, the resort is perfect for families. Featuring two-room suites that can accommodate up to six guests, the resort is connected to one of the island’s most popular beaches via a private tunnel and features an outdoor pool, cabanas, on-site bar and restaurant, while nearby attractions are just a short drive away.
Meanwhile, right here in the United States, Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort Offering ocean views and space to spread out for just $80,000 a night and just two blocks from the boardwalk, from indoor and outdoor pools and a semi-private beach to activities for all ages, like crafts, wine tastings, and mermaid and animal encounters, there’s something for everyone.
And if you book with points or a free night reward, your resort fee will be waived, saving you even more money. You can celebrate it with a free drink at the nightly evening reception.
Live the Luxury Life in Hawaii
You can also use your Hilton Honors points to purchase a prized property, such as Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria resort in Maui (where Hawaii’s largest spa just opened). Often reward nights there cost 110,000 points.
Just don’t forget that while you’re working to meet the spend requirement to earn the welcome offer, you’ll also be earning points along the way. This means you’ll actually have more points to burn once you unlock that welcome offer, so racking up nights at these properties could happen sooner than you think.
Last line
We can probably all agree that many things seem more expensive these days, including travel. But by getting and using a travel-focused rewards card, like Hilton Honors American Express Card or Hilton Honors American Express Surpass CardYou can open the door to the trip of a lifetime simply by earning rewards on the things you spend money on.
Combine card benefits like statement credits and fee-free status with limited-time offers that expire July 31, 2024, and before you know it, you could be sunbathing in Aruba, frolicking on the beaches of Mexico, or relaxing at the gorgeous spa at the Waldorf Astoria in Hawaii.
For rates and fees for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, click here.
For Hilton Honors American Express Card rates and fees, click here.
