Hilton Honors Experiences: I had the privilege of attending the British Grand Prix with a VIP experience courtesy of Hilton.

I've always leveraged points and miles to unlock travel experiences that would usually be out of reach. This has often led me to maximize rewards for first-class flights and luxurious hotel stays. Beyond enjoying Waldorf Astoria hotels and flying on Japan Airlines' latest A350-1000 aircraft, my points can also unlock exclusive events and unique experiences.

With Hilton Honors Experiences, you can redeem points for various activities, VIP events, concerts, and more—many of which aren't tied to hotel stays. While some experiences can be directly 'purchased' using Hilton Honors points, others are available through auctions. For auctioned experiences, there's a bidding period, and at the end, the highest bidder wins the experience.

In July, Hilton Honors Experiences held an auction for a VIP chance to attend the British Grand Prix. I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation from Hilton for behind-the-scenes access to the McLaren F1 Team VIP Experience in Silverstone, giving me a firsthand look at what it's like to win one of these exclusive auctions.

You can use your points to book Hilton Honors Experiences.

As a Hilton Honors member, you can explore a variety of exclusive VIP experiences available on the website. In July, Hilton auctioned a VIP weekend package for the British Grand Prix 2024. This package for two featured VIP access to the race, entry to the exclusive McLaren F1 Experience, a Pit Lane Walk, various activities hosted by the McLaren F1 Team, access to Hilton's "Stay on the Grid" rooftop experience, and a two-night stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone, complete with breakfast.

The bidding for this particular event began at 150,000 Hilton Honors points and ultimately closed at 1,075,000 points. Based on TPG's September 2024 valuations, Hilton Honors points are estimated to be worth 0.6 cents each, which places a value of $6,450 on 1,075,000 points.

Was this lavish experience worth the price tag?

Hilton Honors Experiences: My adventure at the British Grand Prix.

For nearly two decades, Hilton has been the global hotel partner for the McLaren Formula 1 team. While Hilton provides accommodations for McLaren Racing worldwide, this exciting partnership offers much more for fans.

During my visit to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, I experienced a VIP package with McLaren and Hilton. I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Silverstone, which is located right on the racetrack and in the center of the action. The rooms are exactly what you would anticipate from a Hilton property: clean, very comfortable, and practical. It's a step up from the typical business travel hotel.

My room on the fourth floor had a balcony that offered stunning views of the racetrack, the pits, and the starting grid.

The experience also included access to the VIP box, which offered similar race views to my balcony, along with meals, snacks, and premium beverages served throughout the day.

The night before the race, Hilton hosted a grand "Stay on the Grid" rooftop party at the hotel, complete with complimentary food and drinks. U.K. artist Jess Glynne performed live, along with a DJ set from Wilkinson.

Highlights of the evening included interviews with the McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, as well as McLaren CEO Zak Brown. The atmosphere was especially charged as the drivers had just excelled in the qualifying sessions, clinching third and fifth positions on the starting grid.

Most excitingly, the night featured an interview with long-time F1 and Hilton ambassador Paris Hilton, who was mingling and enjoying the rooftop party.

With breakfast included in this VIP package, I relished a delightful morning meal on the hotel's rooftop on race day. When I remarked to the waiter that the omelet might be the best I’ve ever had, he informed me that the chef behind it had earned two Michelin stars.

Thanks to Hilton Honors Experiences, I enjoyed VIP access to the race, allowing me to experience all the race-day thrills from a suite that included food and drinks. I had an excellent view of the pre-race entertainment on the Red Bull stage, featuring a flight display by the Red Arrows, the British Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, and a performance of "God Save the King" by Hannah Waddingham, known from "Ted Lasso."

From the VIP suite, I had the ideal vantage point not only to watch the race but also to see celebrities mingling around the starting grid as the cars prepared for the lineup.

It was an unforgettable race, and Lewis Hamilton's thrilling win on home soil sent the British crowd into a frenzy.

Experiencing a Grand Prix as a VIP guest is truly unparalleled. For many, enjoying such an exclusive experience with various perks would come at a cost of several thousand dollars. Thus, having the opportunity to access unique experiences like this through points gives me even more motivation to continue accumulating Hilton Honors points.

Top credit cards for earning Hilton Honors points

If you're looking to boost your Hilton Honors points balance, here are some of our top card recommendations that come with attractive welcome bonuses.

• Hilton Honors American Express Card (no annual fee; see rates and fees): Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $2,000 within the first six months of card membership.
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card ($150 annual fee; see rates and fees): Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first six months of card membership.
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card ($550 annual fee; see rates and fees): Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership.

The information for the Hilton Aspire card has been gathered independently by Dinogo. The details presented on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Since American Express Membership Rewards points transfer to Hilton at a 1:2 ratio (1 Amex point equals 2 Hilton points), you can earn welcome bonuses on cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card. These cards provide transferable points that you can transfer to Hilton for booking a Hilton Honors Experience.

In summary

This luxurious VIP experience was truly a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Therefore, if you have accumulated Hilton points, using your rewards to secure a dream experience could be very rewarding.

Additionally, keep an eye out for Hilton and McLaren's "Join the Team" experiences, which elevate the adventure by outfitting guests in team kits and granting access to the garage during a race weekend.