Transforming exclusive, limited-time Hilton Honors card offers into luxurious 5-star experiences

Few experiences rival the joy of a summer getaway filled with sunshine, school breaks, and the leisurely vibe of the season. However, with rising costs, many travelers are being mindful of their budgets this summer.

Yet, a summer vacation is still within reach. You may just need to be strategic with your rewards and everyday spending.

Now could be the perfect opportunity to apply for the Hilton Honors American Express Card or the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card. These cards come with generous welcome bonuses that include Hilton Honors points and free night rewards, making your travel more affordable and enjoyable. Here’s everything you need to know about these limited-time offers, along with some travel inspiration to maximize your free night and points for a dream getaway.

A no-annual-fee card with an enticing bonus

The Hilton Honors American Express Card is perfect for anyone eager to accumulate Hilton Honors points without an annual fee (see rates and fees), especially for those just starting their rewards journey.

Until July 31, 2024, new cardholders can earn 70,000 Hilton Honors bonus points and a free night reward after spending $2,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of membership. This is a fantastic offer, as the free night can be redeemed for standard hotel rooms that often cost hundreds of dollars per night!

Cardholders earn 5 points for every dollar spent at U.S. restaurants, on groceries at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations. For all other eligible purchases, you’ll earn 3 points per dollar spent, making it easy to accumulate points throughout the summer and beyond.

Moreover, cardholders receive 7 points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases directly with Hilton hotels and resorts, allowing you to earn points even faster while traveling and staying at Hilton properties.

When it comes to Hilton properties, cardholders automatically enjoy Hilton Honors Silver status, offering benefits such as a 20% bonus on base points earned during paid stays, waived resort fees on reward stays booked with points, and one of the best advantages — a free fifth night when booking a standard room stay entirely with points. Terms apply.

An economical card packed with numerous benefits and a manageable fee

For those who frequently stay at Hilton properties and seek attractive perks along with a generous welcome offer, the Hilton Honors Surpass Card is an excellent choice, featuring an annual fee of $150 (see rates and fees).

Until July 31, 2024, new cardholders can earn 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points and a free night reward after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months. This provides a fantastic jumpstart for your next vacation.

This card allows you to quickly accumulate Hilton Honors points with impressive rewards rates: 6 points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations; 4 points per dollar for U.S. online retail purchases; and 3 points per dollar on all other eligible transactions. Additionally, you’ll earn an incredible 12 points per dollar spent on qualifying purchases made directly at Hilton hotels and resorts.

Cardholders are granted Hilton Honors Gold status, which includes an 80% bonus on base points earned during paid stays, potential room upgrades at select locations based on availability, a free fifth night when booking a standard room stay entirely with points, a food and beverage credit at select U.S. brands, and complimentary breakfast at certain brands outside the U.S.

Moreover, you can receive up to $50 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly at Hilton properties using your Surpass Card, totaling up to $200 in annual credits. Plus, if you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, you’ll earn an additional free night reward. Terms apply.

Ideas for trips to make the most of your rewards

The most rewarding aspect of earning points is discovering how to use them effectively. Hilton Honors reward nights can start at just 5,000 points per night, and you can easily explore Hilton's booking channels to see how far your points can take you.

We’re particularly thrilled about the free night reward, which can be redeemed for a standard award room at nearly any Hilton property worldwide (with a few exceptions). This makes the free night rewards extremely valuable, allowing you to combine them with nights booked on points to enhance your trip or secure a remarkable one-night stay at places like the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills or the Conrad London St. James.

Great value in Mexico

If you’re dreaming of a tropical getaway and want to keep your points expenditure low, the Riviera Maya in Mexico is an excellent choice.

In the Instagram favorite Tulum, Motto by Hilton Tulum serves as an ideal vacation base, starting at just 33,000 Hilton Honors points per night. Here, you can relax at one of two rooftop pools or take a quick trip to the beach, explore local boutiques at the Hunab Lifestyle Center, and spend a day visiting nearby Mayan ruins.

Just a short distance away in Playa del Carmen, the adults-only Yucatan Playa del Carmen All-Inclusive Resort, part of Hilton's Tapestry Collection, offers reward nights starting at just 33,000 Hilton Honors points per night. This intimate, boutique all-inclusive resort features a rooftop pool, a Peruvian-Japanese restaurant, and even a spa.

Alternatively, you might consider Hilton Playa del Carmen, another all-inclusive adults-only resort. With its prime beachfront location and six dining options, it’s an excellent choice for your Mexican getaway and an opportunity to utilize the benefits of the Hilton Honors Surpass Card.

For a truly luxurious experience in Mexico, you can combine your points and free night reward for a minimum of two nights at one of Hilton's upscale properties, such as the Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya, which starts at 100,000 points per night.

Treat yourself at a new Embassy Suites resort

Embassy Suites is currently one of Hilton's most sought-after brands, featuring exciting new openings with a modern design aesthetic and signature perks like spacious two-room suites with separate living and sleeping areas, complimentary made-to-order breakfast (including Embassy's renowned omelets), and a free evening reception, all designed to make your budget go further.

For a Caribbean escape, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort starts at 80,000 points per night and is an excellent choice for families. With spacious two-room suites accommodating up to six guests, the resort offers a private tunnel walkway to one of the island's most renowned beaches, along with an outdoor pool, cabanas, an on-site bar, and restaurants, all while being just a short drive from local attractions.

Back in the U.S., the Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort provides stunning oceanfront views and ample space for only 80,000 points per night, located just two blocks from the boardwalk. With both indoor and outdoor pools, a semi-private beach, and activities for all ages—like crafts, wine tastings, and mermaid meet-and-greets—there's something for everyone.

Plus, when you book with points or your free night rewards, you’ll have your resort fees waived, saving you even more. You can toast to that over a complimentary drink during the evening reception.

Experience luxury living in Hawaii

You can also redeem your Hilton Honors points for a luxurious stay at the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort in Maui, which recently unveiled Hawaii's largest spa. Reward nights there are often available for 110,000 points.

Just remember, while you’re working to meet the spending threshold to qualify for the welcome offer, you’ll also accumulate points along the way. This means you'll have more points to use once you unlock that welcome offer, making it possible to earn multiple nights at these properties sooner than you think.

In summary

We can likely all agree that many things, including travel, seem to be more expensive these days. However, by obtaining and utilizing a travel-focused rewards card, like the Hilton Honors American Express Card or the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, you can pave the way to a dream vacation simply by earning rewards on your everyday spending.

By leveraging the benefits of the cards, such as statement credits and complimentary status, along with the enticing limited-time offers ending on July 31, 2024, you could soon find yourself basking in the sun in Aruba, playing in the waters of Mexico, or indulging in the luxurious spa at a Waldorf Astoria in Hawaii.