Ready to start getting rewarded for traveling? With Hilton Honors (HH), it’s as easy as making a Hilton Honors account, booking at Hilton hotels, and heading out! And if you’re already a Hilton Grand Vacations owner, you can use your Hilton points to unlock even more benefits of ownership! In this blog, we’ll cover the ins and outs of this top-tier loyalty program, including the perks, benefits, and different levels of membership. Let’s dive in.
- What Is Hilton Honors?
- Is Joining HH Free?
- Hilton Honors Membership Tiers and Benefits
- How to Earn HH Points
- Using Hilton Honors Points
- Are Hilton Honors Points Refundable?
- Hilton Honors App and Credit Card
- Hilton Grand Vacations ClubPoints vs. Hilton Honors Points
- How to Become a Hilton Grand Vacations Club Member
What Is Hilton Honors?

Like many other popular loyalty programs, it’s all about earning points for spending. As a loyalty travel program, Hilton Honors (HH) allows members to gain exclusive benefits and free stays at properties in the Hilton portfolio. What’s more, this points-based rewards program lets users redeem the points they earn for free nights, exclusive experiences, and more. All you have to do is log in to your account and book through the Hilton website to start racking up points toward free stays.
Hilton Worldwide is the parent company of all Hilton brands, including Hilton Grand Vacations Club timeshares. As of 2024, the company’s portfolio includes over 8,000 properties across 118 countries and 24 unique brands. Undoubtedly, Hilton has become a household name. If you already enjoy traveling with Hilton, Hilton Honors may be the perfect addition to your travel lifestyle.
Many savvy travelers find that loyalty programs are a great way to take advantage of saving money while traveling more. With an impressive 118 million members in the club, you’ll find the perks are equally impressive. The benefits of HH add to the many reasons we believe that buying a Hilton timeshare is worth it!
Is Joining HH Free?
Hilton Honors is free for anyone to join at the Blue Member level. Upon signing up, you’ll begin receiving points when you book using your HH account as a Blue Member. In fact, you’ll even receive a welcome bonus of 1,000 bonus points and an additional 2,000 bonus points after two stays. The only initial cost is the money you spend to book your stays, but you do get points back to use toward your next stay.
Hilton Honors Membership Tiers and Benefits
There are four Hilton Honors membership tiers, ranging from Blue Member to Diamond. Upon joining, you will automatically become a Blue Member. As a Blue Member, you will automatically receive free Wi-Fi, digital check-in capabilities, points towards free nights, and lower booking prices. Below is each Hilton Honors membership level and the benefits at every tier.
HHonors Benefits | Member 0-10 nights | Silver 10+ nights | Gold 40+ nights | Diamond 60+ nights |
Hilton Honors Discount rate | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Points toward free nights | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
No resort fees on reward stays | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Digital Check-in | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Your room choice | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Digital Key | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Free Wifi | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Exclusive HHonors Experiences | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
20% points earning bonus on stays | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
Free bottled water | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
Fifth nights free | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
Elite rollover nights | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
80% points earning bonus on stays | ✔ | ✔ | ||
Space-available room upgrades | ✔ | ✔ | ||
Daily food & beverage credit or Continental breakfast | ✔ | ✔ | ||
Milestone bonuses | ✔ | ✔ | ||
100% points earning bonus on stays | ✔ | |||
Room upgrades | ✔ | |||
Lounge access | ✔ | |||
Diamond status extension | ✔ | |||
Premium Wifi | ✔ | |||
48-hour room guarantee | ✔ | |||
Elite status gifting |
What Should You Know About Elite Status Benefits and Their Consistency?
While Hilton Honors offers enticing perks at each tier, there are a few key details to keep in mind as you aim for those elite benefits:
- Award Prices Can Vary: Hilton uses a dynamic pricing system for award nights, so the number of points required can change depending on your selected hotel, dates, and demand. At top-tier properties, the points needed for one night can go quite high.
- Elite Benefits May Differ by Property: Although elite status unlocks benefits like upgrades and bonus points, these perks aren’t always guaranteed at every location. Some hotels offer more generous perks than others, so your experience might vary from stay to stay.
- Points Pooling and Transfers: Sharing or moving points between accounts is possible, but new members may need to wait before taking advantage of this feature. There are also limits to how many points you can transfer or pool each calendar year.
Keeping these factors in mind will help you make the most of your Hilton Honors experience and manage your points wisely as you plan future getaways.
Hilton Honors Status Match and Challenge
Curious about fast-tracking your way to higher Hilton Honors tiers? That’s where a status match or challenge comes in. Essentially, Hilton Honors offers travelers who hold elite status with other major hotel loyalty programs—like Marriott Bonvoy, IHG One Rewards, or World of Hyatt—the opportunity to match their status and enjoy Hilton perks without having to start from scratch.
Here’s how it works: You’ll need to provide proof of your elite status with another hotel program, usually by submitting documentation through Hilton’s online portal. Once your request is approved, you’re granted Hilton Honors Gold status for an initial trial period of 90 days.
But that’s not all! During this 90-day window, if you complete eight qualifying nights at Hilton hotels, your Gold status is extended all the way through the next official status year (currently March 31, 2027). Want to go a step further? Stay 14 nights within that same period, and you’ll be bumped up to Diamond status for the remainder of the cycle.
This is an excellent way for frequent travelers—already well-versed in elite benefits with other hotel chains—to enjoy everything Hilton Honors has to offer with a jump start on earning even more perks.
Hilton Honors Blue Member Benefits
This is the base level of the program, where everyone starts when they sign up. With each dollar spent, including room charges, Hilton Honors Blue Members receive 10 base points. These basic members receive:
- Resort fees on reward stays
- Room choice
- Digital key and digital check-in/out
- Access to exclusive HH experiences
- Guaranteed HH discounts
Hilton Honors Silver Member Benefits
HH members who stay ten nights, have four stays, or earn 25,000 base points are eligible for the Silver status. Since it is a tiered program, you’ll still get all of the Blue level benefits, plus a few more. Silver members also receive 12 points for every dollar spent on their stay. As a Silver Hilton Honors member, you receive:
- 20 percent bonus on all points you earn
- 15 percent off at all-inclusive Hilton spas
- Every fifth night free for standard room reward stays of five nights or more
- Elite rollover nights
- Two complimentary bottles of water each trip
A Closer Look at Elite Rollover Nights
One of the more underrated perks for Silver members is the ability to roll over qualifying nights beyond what was needed to achieve your current elite status. That means if you finish the calendar year with more qualifying nights than required for Silver (or higher), those extra nights are automatically carried over to help you qualify for elite status the following year.
It’s important to note that rollover nights only count toward earning status—not toward Milestone Bonuses or elite status gifting. The calculation is straightforward: Hilton takes your total qualifying nights at year-end (including any rollover nights from the prior year), subtracts last year’s rollover nights, and then subtracts the number of nights required for your current status. For example, if you carried over 20 nights from last year and ended this year with 85 qualifying nights, you’d carry over five nights into the next year.
This benefit makes it easier to maintain or climb the elite ladder, especially if your travel patterns vary from year to year.
Hilton Honors Gold Member Benefits
Next, Gold Hilton Honors members receive 18 points per dollar spent on Hilton property stays. To reach the Gold status of Hilton Honors levels and benefits, you must stay 40 nights, have 20 stays, or have 75,000 base points. You can also achieve Gold member status by holding the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card or the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card. Once you’re a Gold member, your Blue and Silver benefits remain in addition to:
- 80 percent bonus on all points earned
- Daily food and beverage credit or continental breakfast
- Upgrades/preferred rooms (based on availability)
- Milestone bonuses (earn 10,000 bonus points every 10 nights after you’ve stayed 40 times in a year)
Hilton Honors Diamond Member Benefits
The highest level in the Hilton Honors program is Diamond. In order to reach Diamond status, you’ll need 60 nights, 30 stays, or 120,000 base points. Alternatively, holding the Hilton Honors Aspire Card also garners your Diamond elite status. Diamond Hilton Honors members can also receive 20 points per $1 spent on stays. All previous benefits accumulate. What’s more, if Diamond members don’t meet the requirements to requalify for the next year, they have the option to request that their status remain anyway.
You’ll progress up the Hilton Honors membership tiers based on your qualifying nights, stays, or base points within a calendar year. Once you achieve Diamond—or any other Hilton Honors tier—you’ll keep those benefits for the rest of the calendar year in which you earned them, plus the entire following calendar year. There are also alternative ways to reach elite status, such as select American Express cards or through status matches, making it even more accessible for frequent travelers seeking top-tier perks. Additionally, Diamond members get:
- 100 percent point bonuses
- 48-hour room guarantee for late bookings
- Access to executive floor lounges
- 24/7 access to member services
- Elite status gifting
Earning Lifetime Hilton Honors Diamond Status
If you’re in it for the long haul, Hilton Honors rewards true loyalty with lifetime Diamond status. So, how do you unlock this coveted milestone? In short, you’ll need to hold Diamond status for at least 10 years (these years don’t have to be back-to-back) and, on top of that, either rack up 1,000 nights (paid or reward stays both count) or amass 2 million base points throughout your membership. It’s the ultimate recognition for Hilton aficionados who make Hilton hotels feel like a second home.
Milestone Bonuses and Gifting Elite Status
Hilton Honors rewards its most loyal members with milestone bonuses and the unique perk of gifting elite status to friends or family. Here’s how it works:
- Milestone Bonuses: For every 10 eligible nights you stay after your 40th night within a calendar year, you’ll snag 10,000 bonus points. Hit 60 eligible nights in a year, and you’ll rack up an extra 30,000 bonus points—a nice boost toward your next weekend getaway or bucket-list trip.
- Gifting Elite Status: As your nights add up, so do your gifting powers. If you reach 60 eligible nights in a calendar year, you earn the ability to give Gold status to another Hilton Honors member of your choosing—perfect for sharing the love with a frequent travel buddy or your favorite family member. If you push to 100 nights in a year, you unlock an even bigger perk: the chance to gift Diamond status. Just remember, you need to let Hilton Honors know who should receive the gifted status by January 31 of the following year, and the recipient will enjoy their upgraded tier for a full 12 months.
So, not only do you benefit from your loyalty, but you can also pay it forward and introduce someone else to the world of elite Hilton perks.
How to Earn HH Points

Anyone can begin earning Hilton Honors points as soon as they sign up. You can earn points by staying at over 7,000 hotels/resorts worldwide. With a Hilton Honors membership, you can earn additional points on dining, Lyft rides, qualifying credit card spends, promotions, and other eligible purchases. What’s more, you can pool your points with up to eleven other members, so you and your loved ones can take even better vacations!
Pooling and transferring points is refreshingly flexible. Hilton Honors allows you to pool or transfer points in increments of 1,000—up to 500,000 points sent and up to 2 million points received per calendar year. Each member can make up to six transfers and six pooling transactions annually, making it easier than ever to combine points for a big trip or special occasion.
A few things to note: New Hilton Honors members can pool, transfer, or receive points 30 days after enrollment if there’s account activity, or after 90 days with no account activity. So, whether you’re planning a family reunion at a beach resort or splitting points with friends for a group getaway, Hilton Honors makes it simple.
For Hilton Grand Vacations Club owners, you can even convert your HGV ClubPoints into Hilton Honors points. Instead of banking or borrowing points, some HGVC owners choose to convert their timeshare points into Hilton Honors points to redeem for free nights at qualifying hotels and other rewards. Moreover, you are always able to purchase points (up to 80,000 per year) online. This way, you can stop waiting to take that dream trip and get traveling!
Waiting Periods for Pooling or Transferring Hilton Points
If you’re a newly enrolled Hilton Honors member, there are a couple of rules to keep in mind before you can start pooling or transferring points with others. To use these features right away, you’ll need to have some account activity—like earning or redeeming points—within your first 30 days. If your account stays idle, you’ll need to wait at least 90 days from the date you sign up before you can pool, transfer, or receive points. This ensures that the system stays secure and that only active members can take advantage of these options.
Points Earned Per Dollar at Hilton Brands
When staying at Hilton properties, the number of points you earn per dollar can vary depending on the brand:
- LivSmart Studios: Earn 3 points for every dollar you spend.
- Tru by Hilton and Home2 Suites: Rack up 5 points per dollar spent at these select service brands.
- All Other Hilton Brands: Enjoy 10 points per dollar spent when you stay at any other participating Hilton brand, from the Waldorf Astoria to DoubleTree.
No matter where your travels take you within the Hilton family, your everyday spending quickly builds up your rewards balance, making it even easier to reach that next vacation.
For Hilton Grand Vacations Club owners, you can even convert your HGV ClubPoints into Hilton Honors points. Instead of banking or borrowing points, some HGVC owners choose to convert their timeshare points into Hilton Honors points to redeem for free nights at qualifying hotels and other rewards. Moreover, you are always able to purchase points (up to 80,000 per year) online. This way, you can stop waiting to take that dream trip and get traveling!
Understanding Hilton Honors Point Value
Before rushing to buy Hilton Honors points, it’s smart to understand exactly what they’re worth. On average, Hilton Honors points are valued at about 0.6 cents apiece. This means that, unless there’s a special promotion offering points at a better rate, buying points might not stretch your dollars as far as using cash for hotel stays.
While it can be tempting to purchase points to top off your balance, it’s typically best to only buy them when there’s a sale that makes the cost per point lower than their usual value—especially if you need just a few more points to secure an award night or access a great redemption option. Seasoned travelers often weigh the math to ensure they’re truly getting good value before making a purchase.
In essence, treat purchasing points as you would any smart travel investment: do the math, watch for sales, and only buy when it genuinely saves you money or unlocks a stay you couldn’t otherwise book.
Earning Points on Points & Money Bookings
When making a Points & Money reservation at a participating Hilton property, you won’t miss out on earning rewards. For the portion of your stay that you pay for with cash, you’ll still collect Hilton Honors points just like you would with a standard paid booking. This means you get to enjoy flexibility—redeeming some points to reduce your out-of-pocket costs, while continuing to rack up points on the amount you spend. It’s a win-win, letting you make the most of every dollar during your stay.
Non-Hotel Options for Earning and Redeeming Hilton Honors Points
Hilton Honors isn’t just about hotel stays—there’s a surprising array of non-hotel ways to both rack up and spend your points. Beyond booking nights at Hilton’s 7,000+ properties, members can earn additional points through activities like dining at partner restaurants, riding with Lyft, or using a Hilton Honors-affiliated credit card for everyday purchases.
But what about redeeming? If you’re low on wanderlust (or just have enough towels at home), your points are still flexible. Hilton Honors allows you to redeem points for a variety of experiences and rewards beyond hotel rooms, such as booking car rentals, shopping with retail partners, or even snagging tickets to concerts and events. You can also use your points to purchase merchandise or gift cards, so there’s plenty of opportunity for both travel and non-travel rewards. This versatility makes it easy to get value from your points, even when your passport is collecting dust.
Earning Points with Hilton Honors Dining
Hilton Honors members can earn even more points by making the most of the Hilton Honors Dining program. Here’s how it works: simply register your credit or debit card with your Hilton Honors account, then use it to pay at participating restaurants, bars, and clubs across the country. Every time you dine, you’ll automatically earn bonus Hilton Honors points—no extra steps or codes required.
To maximize your rewards, be sure to check if your favorite local spots, or even that sushi place you’ve been meaning to try, are participating. Some promotions offer additional points for frequent diners or new program sign-ups, so keep an eye out for those opportunities to boost your balance.
And remember, these Dining points are on top of what you already earn from hotel stays and other partnerships, like eligible car rentals with companies such as Alamo, Enterprise, and National, or even your next Lyft ride. With all these ways to accumulate points, that next getaway might be closer than you think!
Hilton Honors Event Planner Program
Planning a meeting, conference, or special event at a Hilton property? The Hilton Honors Event Planner program makes it easy to rack up extra points while you organize. When you book eligible events—such as weddings, business meetings, or family reunions—you’ll earn 2 Hilton Honors points for every dollar spent on guest rooms, meeting space, and other qualifying event charges, up to $100,000 per event. This means that not only can your attendees enjoy everything Hilton has to offer, but you’ll also get closer to your next vacation or reward faster just by making your event happen.
Transferring Credit Card Rewards to Hilton Honors
In addition to traditional earning methods, you can also boost your Hilton Honors balance by transferring points from select credit card rewards programs. For example, American Express Membership Rewards points can be converted to Hilton Honors at a rate of 1,000 Amex points for 2,000 Hilton Honors points. If you’re a Bilt Rewards member, you can transfer those points at a straight 1:1 ratio—so each Bilt point becomes one Hilton Honors point.
Keep in mind, you may want to maximize flexibility by holding your Amex or Bilt points until you’re ready to use them for a specific Hilton stay. This approach can help ensure you’re getting the best value when redeeming your rewards.
When to Transfer Amex or Bilt Points to Hilton Honors
While you have the flexibility to transfer points from programs like American Express Membership Rewards or Bilt Rewards to Hilton Honors, it’s not always the most rewarding option. Generally, you’ll find that transferring these points to airline partners or other hotel programs can offer greater value.
However, transferring your Amex or Bilt points to Hilton Honors can make sense in specific situations. If you discover an excellent redemption opportunity at a Hilton property—such as an aspirational resort stay, last-minute availability, or a points sale sweetening the deal—transferring your points can help bridge the gap to secure a free night. It’s wise to wait until you’re ready to book before initiating a transfer, since these conversions are typically one-way and cannot be reversed.
Additionally, keep an eye out for periodic transfer bonuses offered by Amex or Bilt to Hilton Honors, which can stretch your points further and tip the scales in favor of a transfer.
In short, only transfer your Amex or Bilt points to Hilton Honors when you’ve found a specific Hilton redemption you want to book, or when a special bonus increases your conversion value. Otherwise, you’ll likely get more travel for your buck by exploring other options.
Using Hilton Honors Points
There are so many benefits to actively earning and spending HH points. In fact, the benefits of the different Hilton Honors membership levels include tons of rewards on travel, shopping, dining, and other exclusive experiences. For starters, you can use points for free nights without any blackout dates. Or if you’re looking for some excitement, spend points on VIP access to concerts or even sporting events. Not to mention, HH points come in handy when you’re traveling and need to book airline tickets or car rentals. This way, you save money on travel by traveling!
But the perks don’t stop there. One of the more unique ways to redeem your Hilton Honors points is through Hilton Honors Experiences. These can range from spa packages and gourmet dinners for two in destinations like India, to exclusive behind-the-scenes tours and once-in-a-lifetime adventures around the globe. It’s always worth checking the Experiences platform for opportunities that might coincide with your travel plans—sometimes you can snag a memorable experience for far fewer points than you’d expect. Just remember to compare the cash price before booking to make sure you’re getting the best value for your points.
Whether you’re planning a luxurious getaway, a family adventure, or simply want to try something new in your own city, Hilton Honors points open up a world of possibilities beyond just hotel stays. Here’s a closer look at some of the best ways to redeem them:
Enjoy Free Night Awards
The classic—and often most valuable—way to use your points is for free hotel stays. Book standard room rewards for five nights or more, and if you have Silver status or higher, every fifth night is free. That’s right: five nights for the price of four! Hilton uses dynamic pricing, so the number of points needed can change, but standard awards at even the most luxurious hotels usually cap out at 150,000 points per night. For a helpful hack, you can use the Points Explorer tool on Hilton’s website to check point ranges at different properties and spot the best deals.
Points & Money Rewards
If you’re a few points shy of a dream vacation, don’t worry. Hilton lets you mix and match points with cash to book your stay—so you don’t have to wait to rack up your balance. Plus, you’ll still earn points on the money portion of your booking. It’s a great way to stretch your rewards even further.
Pool or Transfer Points
Traveling with family or friends? Hilton Honors makes it easy to pool your points together with up to eleven other members, making those big getaways easier to plan. You can send or receive points in increments of 1,000 (up to 500,000 points sent and 2 million received per year), all at no extra charge. Just keep in mind that new members may need to have some account activity or wait a bit after joining before pooling or transferring.
Unique Experiences
If you’re after something a little different, HH points can unlock access to exclusive experiences—think spa days, gourmet dinners, or once-in-a-lifetime adventures in cities around the globe. These special rewards pop up regularly, so keep an eye out for opportunities at your next destination.
No matter how you choose to redeem your points, the flexibility and variety of options make Hilton Honors a rewarding program for every kind of traveler.
Award Nights: No Set Chart, but Know the Limits
Wondering how much a free night will cost in points? Hilton Honors doesn’t stick to a standard award chart—instead, they use dynamic pricing, so the number of points required for a stay can shift based on demand, location, and season. That said, there typically is an unofficial maximum amount you’ll pay in points at any given property. For now, standard rooms at even Hilton’s most extravagant hotels generally won’t set you back more than 150,000 points per night. Just keep in mind, these caps can change with little notice as the program evolves.
What Is the Points & Money Rewards Option?
Let’s say you’re eyeing that dream Hilton getaway but find yourself a little short on points—don’t worry, you’re not benched! The Points & Money rewards option is your ticket to flexibility. With this feature, you can mix and match whatever Hilton Honors points you have with cash to book your stay.
Here’s how it works:
- Choose any combination of points and cash that fits your balance and budget.
- For example, if a two-night stay costs 90,000 points but you only have 45,000, you can simply cover the rest with cash.
- Just use the slider or options at checkout to find your perfect mix.
Plus, you’ll earn points on the cash portion of your stay at participating Hilton hotels and resorts—so you’re still building your next vacation fund even when paying partially with cash. This means more flexibility, fewer missed trips, and plenty of ways to maximize your Hilton Honors membership.
Understanding Hilton’s Dynamic Award Pricing
Hilton Honors employs a dynamic award pricing system, meaning that the number of points needed for a free night can fluctuate depending on the hotel, the location, demand, and specific travel dates. Instead of sticking to a fixed chart, Hilton adjusts the redemption rate in real-time—so the points required for your stay might go up or down.
Generally, standard room rewards for the most luxurious Hilton properties currently max out at around 150,000 points per night. Many hotels require fewer points, especially at mid-range and budget-friendly brands, but it’s always a good idea to check current rates before booking. Keep in mind that while there isn’t a public chart listing all the possible rates, you can quickly see the required points by searching your preferred hotel and travel dates through Hilton’s website or app.
This flexible system opens up opportunities to maximize your points at off-peak times—or splurge for a special experience at a Waldorf Astoria or Conrad when it’s worth it!
Using Points Explorer to Find Great Deals
Navigating Hilton’s dynamic award pricing might seem tricky at first, especially since there’s no fixed chart to reference. That’s where the Points Explorer tool comes in handy. Rather than guessing what a stay might cost in points, simply use Points Explorer to view point ranges at thousands of Hilton properties. You can quickly compare potential redemption rates over the next 30 days and spot those sweet deals—whether you’re dreaming of a city escape or a tropical getaway.
If your travel dates are flexible, this tool can help you snag free nights at sought-after luxury hotels for fewer points than expected, making your points stretch further. It’s a simple way to ensure you’re maximizing every reward.
Challenges of Getting the Most Value From HH Points
While earning Hilton Honors points is a breeze—especially with bonus opportunities and cobranded credit cards—redeeming those points for top value does take a bit of strategy. Sometimes, the points stretch far and open the door to luxurious stays, dreamy suites, or unique VIP experiences. Other times, though, the redemption rates at certain properties might seem less impressive, meaning your points don’t go quite as far as you’d hoped.
It’s also important to note that some elite perks can vary between locations. For instance, one Hilton property might roll out the red carpet with upgrades and lounge access, while another may offer fewer extra frills, even for high-level members. Because Hilton Honors covers a vast range of hotels worldwide, the value and benefits can sometimes feel inconsistent from one stay to the next. With a little research and some flexible travel plans, however, you can maximize the perks and enjoy memorable stays using your hard-earned HH points!
Tips for Maximizing the Value of Hilton Honors Points and Elite Status
Now that you know how easy it is to earn and use Hilton Honors points, let’s talk strategy—because who doesn’t want to squeeze every last bit of value out of those hard-earned perks?
1. Stretch Points Further with Free Nights and Fifth Night Free
The most straightforward way to get the most value from your Hilton Honors points is by redeeming them for free nights, especially during peak travel seasons or high-demand destinations. And here’s a pro tip: When booking a standard room reward stay of five consecutive nights or more, you get every fifth night absolutely free. That’s like finding a bonus dessert at the end of your meal.
2. Level Up with Elite Status Perks
Each elite tier unlocks its own treasure chest of benefits. For example:
- Silver Members: Benefit from 20% more points on each stay, early check-in, and that all-important fifth night free on rewards stays.
- Gold Members: Score free daily breakfast or food credits, space-available room upgrades, and a whopping 80% bonus on points earned.
- Diamond Members: Enjoy executive lounge access, guaranteed room availability (even when everyone else is scrambling), 100% point bonuses, and the power to extend your status.
As you move up the tiers, remember to make the most of milestone bonuses—not only do you receive extra points for frequent stays, but at the highest levels, you can even gift elite status to someone else. Talk about sharing the love!
3. Take Advantage of Rollover Nights
If you go above and beyond in stays but don’t quite reach the next elite level, qualifying nights above your current threshold can roll over to the next year. This makes it easier to maintain or climb the ranks year after year without starting from scratch.
4. Stack Promotions and Partner Earning Options
Be on the lookout for Hilton’s limited-time promotions. Often, you can earn extra points for stays, specific destinations, or partner bookings. Plus, earning Hilton Honors points isn’t just limited to hotel stays. Racking up additional points is possible through dining partners, ridesharing with Lyft, and by using eligible credit cards that reward you for everyday spending.
5. Pool and Share Points with Family or Friends
Why vacation alone when you can bring the whole crew? Pool your Hilton Honors points with up to eleven other members. This collective approach means reaching those dream redemptions even faster—great for family reunions, group getaways, or simply making your points stretch further.
6. Redeem Points for More Than Just Stays
Beyond hotel nights, HH points offer flexibility. Redeem them for event experiences, concert tickets, car rentals, or even airline miles. With a little creativity, you’ll save on more than just your next trip to Orlando or Paris.
Following these tips ensures you’re not just earning points, but amplifying their value at every turn—helping you unlock new adventures, upgrades, and experiences on your terms.
Best Practices for Maximizing Hilton Honors Point Redemptions
To truly make the most of your Hilton Honors points, it pays to be strategic when it’s time to redeem them. While there are endless ways to put your points to work, some redemptions stretch your Hilton currency further than others.
1. Book Standard Room Rewards for Maximum Value
Hands down, your best bet is to redeem Hilton Honors points for standard room rewards at Hilton hotels and resorts. Not only do you skip blackout dates, but if you have Silver status or higher, you’ll even get the fifth night free when you book stays of five nights or more using points. This can mean substantial savings—especially in pricey destinations and during peak travel seasons.
Keep in mind, Hilton uses dynamic pricing, so the number of points needed per night shifts depending on the property and the dates. While there’s no official award chart, you’ll usually find more value at higher-end hotels or during expensive periods. Take advantage of Hilton’s Points Explorer tool to scout point ranges and spot the sweet spots for redemptions.
2. Mix Points & Money for Flexibility
If you’re a little short on points, consider using the Points & Money option. This lets you blend points with cash to cover your stay, opening up more flexibility—especially if you’re planning a longer trip or eyeing a higher-tier property. Plus, you’ll even earn some points back on the cash portion of your booking, so it’s a win-win.
3. Pool or Transfer Points With Friends and Family
Traveling as a group or looking to help someone else take a dream trip? Hilton Honors makes it easy to pool or transfer points with up to eleven other members—at no extra cost. Just remember to transfer in increments of 1,000 points, and keep a cap on transactions to stay within annual limits. Pooling points is an excellent way to collectively unlock premium stays or bigger rewards that might otherwise be out of reach.
4. Explore Unique Experiences and Extras
If you’re itching for more than just accommodations, keep an eye on exclusive Hilton Honors Experiences. From spa days in unique destinations to once-in-a-lifetime event access, there’s a world of unique rewards to redeem your points for. Before booking, be sure to compare the cash price—sometimes using points for experiences makes better sense, especially when rates are high.
5. Choose Carefully With Alternative Redemptions
While it can be tempting to use points for things like car rentals, ride shares, or even shopping on Amazon, these options generally offer lower value per point. Stick to hotel stays and exclusive experiences if you want to make your points go further.
Pro Tip: Always check the cash price before redeeming points. If the rate is low, you may prefer to pay cash and save your points for a larger reward down the line.
By following these best practices, you’ll unlock more memorable vacations and perks—all while making your Hilton Honors points work harder for you.
Do HH Points Ever Expire?
Unfortunately, Hilton Honors points do expire after twelve months of inactivity on your account. That means you have to actively be spending or redeeming points in order to keep the ones you’ve collected. So, be sure to stay up to date with Hilton, as all Elite levels are subject to change at its discretion.
Are Hilton Honors Points Refundable?
Depending on each hotel’s cancellation policy at booking, most Honors points can be refunded as long as you cancel 48 to 72 hours before arrival. But in certain cases, you may not be able to get your points back at all. So, be sure to read the cancellation policy before booking if you’re concerned you may not need your reservation.
Hilton Honors App and Credit Card

If you want even more convenience during your next vacation, take advantage of the Hilton Honors app. This app allows you to book your room whenever you want, wherever you want! You’ll also be able to manage your reservation and see which services are available at your hotel, as well as the best things to do in the area of your chosen destination. Plus, the app allows you to book exclusive offers, track your Honors points, and even access your Hilton Honors card. With everything the app offers, it’s safe to say that it’s worth downloading if you’re part of the program.
What’s more, Honors members may be interested in a Hilton Honors American Express card membership. Leisure travelers may enjoy the personal card, while members who travel mainly for business will prefer the business card. Upon card membership and a qualifying dollar amount of purchases, members can earn up to 175,000 bonus points! Additionally, using your card earns you points. Earn points for Hilton purchases, flights booked directly with airlines, restaurants, gas stations, and more. Moreover, when engaging in international travel, some card options offer zero foreign transaction fees. However, higher card tiers do charge an annual fee for tier membership, so make sure to fully explore your options.
Hilton Surpass vs. Hilton Aspire: Elite Status Perks
If you’re weighing your options between the Hilton Honors Surpass and Hilton Honors Aspire credit cards, the key difference comes down to the level of elite status they offer in the Hilton Honors program. With the Hilton Surpass card, you’ll automatically earn Gold status, unlocking perks like free breakfast (at select hotels), space-available room upgrades, and bonus points on your stays. It’s a great way to enjoy enhanced benefits without going to the very top tier.
Opt for the Hilton Aspire card, and you’re instantly upgraded to Diamond status—the highest elite level Hilton offers. This means even more exclusive perks, such as executive lounge access in participating hotels, premium WiFi, and further-advanced room upgrades (including suites, when available). Both cards earn bonus points in a variety of categories, but if you’re someone who wants the royal treatment during every stay, Aspire’s Diamond status delivers the ultimate VIP experience.
Whether you’re looking for the solid perks of Gold or want to go all-in with Diamond, both cards can elevate your Hilton stays.
Is the Hilton Aspire Card Worth the Annual Fee?
Wondering if the Hilton Aspire Card is worth its annual fee? For many travelers, the answer is yes—especially if you make the most of the card’s premium perks. With each purchase at Hilton properties, you’ll rack up points at one of the highest rates available—making every stay, meal, or activity go further toward your next vacation.
But the real value comes from maximizing the extra benefits. Cardholders can take advantage of an annual free night reward (perfect for a luxurious getaway), and there’s an up-to-$400 Hilton resort credit every year that can be used toward room charges, dining, or even a spa visit at participating resorts. These perks alone can outweigh the cost of membership for those who travel frequently or plan at least one special trip per year.
However, if you’re not likely to use the resort credits or take advantage of the free night, you might want to consider whether the card fits your lifestyle. Occasional travelers or those who prefer to stay outside the Hilton network might not find it as rewarding. But for devoted Hilton guests and savvy vacation planners, the Aspire Card’s benefits can easily surpass its annual fee, making it a smart choice for getting more out of your travels.
Hilton Grand Vacations ClubPoints vs. Hilton Honors Points



As a Hilton Grand Vacations Club owner, you automatically have Elite status in the Hilton Honors program. So, when you become an HGVC owner, it’s important you sign up for Hilton Honors, as well, to get the most value out of your vacation ownership. With all of the different ways you can earn points on vacation, you’ll be able to get amazing reward benefits for years to come.
With HGVC ClubPoints, having enough points to make it to your chosen resort is crucial. So, when planning out your vacations for the year, keep in mind when and where you are traveling, how long your stay will be, and if there are other trips you will want to take that year. Moreover, Hilton timeshare owners can bank and borrow points to maximize their vacation time. So, if this year you want to take one big vacation, you may need to borrow points from the following year and take shorter vacations that year instead.
This is also where converting your HGVC ClubPoints can come in handy. Some owners will decide to use their smaller allotment of ClubPoints by converting them to Hilton Honors points and using them at Hilton Honors hotels. Hotel room accommodations are normally smaller and don’t have all of the same amenities as an HGVC resort, but can still be great for quick getaway vacations.
Boosting Your Hilton Honors Points Balance
If you’re looking to top off your Hilton Honors account for an upcoming stay, there are a few ways to do it beyond your usual stays and credit card spend:
- Transfer Points from Partner Programs: You can transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio—meaning every 1,000 Amex points becomes 2,000 Hilton Honors points. Bilt Rewards Points can also be transferred at a 1:1 ratio. However, keep in mind that you’ll often get more value from using these points with other travel partners, so consider your options carefully.
- Timing Your Transfers: If you do transfer points, it’s usually best to wait until you’re ready to book your stay. This way, your points are put to use right away, and you won’t have unused Hilton Honors points sitting in your account.
- Buying Hilton Honors Points: If you’re just shy of the points needed for a dream vacation or a special occasion, Hilton does allow you to purchase points directly. Typically, it’s most beneficial to buy points when they’re on sale, since the regular price per point may not always translate to a good value.
So, whether you’re planning to bank, borrow, transfer, or buy, there’s a flexible way to make sure you have the points you need for your next adventure.
How to Become a Hilton Grand Vacations Club Member

When you combine Hilton Honors membership with Hilton Grand Vacations Club ownership, you unlock countless vacation possibilities and a wealth of savings. But how do you become an owner? Fortunately, the answer is simple! To become a Hilton Grand Vacations Club owner, you need to buy a timeshare at any HGVC resort. From there, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of being an owner, as well as an Elite Hilton Honors member.
Plus, you’ll have access to a great network of resorts through Hilton Grand Vacations. Not to mention, you’ll also be able to trade in your Hilton Grand Vacation points for vacations at resorts around the world through RCI, a vacation exchange program HGVC is affiliated with. So, if you’re interested in ownership, check out our marketplace. We have listings for resorts from Hilton Grand Vacations, Westgate, and more. If you have any questions, call us at 1-888-520-5759 or email us at [email protected].
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