Turning rich limited-time Hilton card offers into 5-star stays

There are few things better in life than a summer vacation and enjoying the sunshine, school breaks and generally slower 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 closer eye on budgets this summer.

But that doesn’t mean a summer vacation is lost. You may just have to be savvy with your rewards and everyday purchases.

To that end, right now might be the best time to apply for the Hilton Honors American Express Card or the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, thanks to richer welcome offers that include not only Hilton Honors points but also free night rewards 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 inspiration for how you can use that free night reward 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 getting started on their points journey.

Through July 31, 2024, new cardmembers could earn 70,000 Hilton Honors bonus 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 an outstanding offer for this card since that free night reward can be used even on standard hotel rooms that sell for hundreds of dollars per night!

The card also provides 5 points per 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, helping you rack up points all summer and beyond.

Additionally, cardmembers earn 7 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, so you can earn even faster while traveling and staying at Hilton properties.

Speaking of Hilton properties, cardmembers automatically receive Hilton Honors Silver status, which includes perks like 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 free when you book a standard room stay entirely with points. Terms apply.

Related: Hilton Honors Amex Card review: Solid perks and no annual fee

An affordable card with plenty of perks and a reasonable fee

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

Through July 31, 2024, new cardmembers could 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 head start on your next vacation.

This card helps you earn Hilton Honors points fast thanks to great rewards rates like 6 points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. 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 a whopping 12 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio.

Cardholders automatically receive Hilton Honors Gold status, which comes with an 80% bonus on the 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, a food and beverage credit at select brands in the U.S., and complimentary breakfast at select brands outside the U.S.

In addition, you can get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with a property in the Hilton portfolio on your Surpass Card. That’s up to $200 in statement credits annually. 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 and maximize them. Hilton Honors reward nights start as low as 5,000 points per night. You can easily use any of Hilton’s booking channels to see just how far your points can take you.

We’re especially excited about the free night reward, which can be used for a standard award room at nearly any Hilton property around the globe (though there are a few exceptions). This means the free night rewards are super valuable and can be combined with nights booked on points to maximize your trip or to unlock an incredible one-night stay somewhere 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

Big value 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-beloved Tulum, Motto by Hilton Tulum is a great place to root a vacation, starting at just 33,000 Hilton Honors points per night. There you can kick it in the sun at one of two rooftop pools or make the short journey to the beach, shop local boutiques at the Hunab Lifestyle Center and spend a day exploring nearby Mayan ruins.

Nearby in Playa del Carmen, the adults-only Yucatan Playa del Carmen All-Inclusive Resort, part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, also has reward nights as low as 33,000 Hilton Honors points per night. This smaller, boutique all-inclusive resort packs a powerful punch with a rooftop pool, a Peruvian-Japanese restaurant and even a spa.

As an alternative, consider a visit to Hilton Playa del Carmen, an all-inclusive adults-only resort. This resort’s beachfront location and six restaurants make it a great contender for your getaway to Mexico and a chance to use the benefits on the Hilton Honors Surpass Card.

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

Reward yourself 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 signature perks like spacious two-room suites with separate living and sleeping areas, free made-to-order breakfast (including Embassy’s famous omelets), and a complimentary evening reception all helping to stretch your dollars further.

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

Meanwhile, right here in the U.S., Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort offers oceanfront views and space to spread out for just 80,000 points per night and is just two blocks from the boardwalk. From indoor and outdoor pools and a semiprivate beach 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 fees will be waived, saving you even more money. You can cheer for that over a free drink during the nightly evening reception.

Live the high life in Hawaii

You can also use your Hilton Honors points for a splurge-worthy property, like Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort on Maui (which recently opened the biggest spa in Hawaii). Reward nights there can frequently be found for 110,000 points.

Just don’t forget that while you’re working to meet the spending requirement to earn the welcome offer, you’ll also earn points along the way. This means you’ll actually have more points to burn once you unlock that welcome offer, so earning multiple nights at these properties may happen sooner than you think.

Bottom line

We can probably all agree that many things feel more expensive these days, including travel. But by getting and using a rewarding travel-focused card, like the Hilton Honors American Express Card or the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, you can open the door to the trip of a lifetime simply by earning rewards on the things you’re already spending money on.

Combine the perks of the cards, like statement credits and complimentary status, with the valuable limited-time offers, which end July 31, 2024, and before you know it, you might be suntanning in Aruba, splashing around on the beaches of Mexico or relaxing in the stunning spa at a Waldorf Astoria in Hawaii.

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