Maximizing Hilton Stays: How to Get the Best Value from Your Hilton Points

When it comes to hotel chains, Hilton is often my backup plan when I can’t find availability at Hyatt properties. I love Hyatt, but Hilton’s vast footprint often comes through for us, especially when we’re traveling to National or State Parks. More often than not, there’s a Hilton property nearby, offering an excellent mix of amenities, location, and value.

Whether you’re new to the Hilton brand or a seasoned traveler, here’s why Hilton should be on your radar when planning your next adventure—and how to get the most value out of your Hilton points.

Why I Love Booking Hilton Hotels with Points

Here are some of the key benefits of booking with Hilton, especially when using points:

1. Get a 5th Night Free on Points Stays

This is a game-changer. When you book four consecutive nights with Hilton Honors points, you get the 5th night free! This can dramatically lower the average points per night for your stay, especially for longer vacations. It’s a huge perk for those looking to maximize their points!

2. A Huge Network of Properties

Hilton’s global footprint is massive. While it may not be as large as Marriott’s, Hilton still has properties in more than 100 countries, making it easy to find a Hilton hotel just about anywhere you travel. Whether you’re headed to a big city or a remote National Park, there’s often a Hilton nearby that can make your trip more convenient and comfortable.

3. Free Night Certificates with Hilton Cards

The Hilton Aspire card is one of the top premium cards in the travel world, offering an annual free night certificate each year to offset the $450 annual fee. This certificate can be used at many Hilton properties, helping you save hundreds of dollars on your stay.

Plus, you can earn additional free night certificates by meeting the spending requirements on other Hilton credit cards, like the American Express Hilton Surpass and Hilton Business cards.

4. Free Breakfast Benefits at Hilton Hotels Worldwide

When you book a Hilton property, especially outside the U.S., you’ll often get the added benefit of complimentary breakfast—a great money-saver for families or anyone who likes to start the day right. While this varies by brand, many of Hilton’s international properties provide an exceptional breakfast spread. Some Hilton brands that often offer free breakfast include:

• Waldorf Astoria (internationally)
• Conrad Hotels & Resorts
• Canopy by Hilton
• Hilton Garden Inn (international locations)

In some cases, elite status with Hilton Honors can also help unlock this perk, so checking your status level before booking is worth checking. This is especially valuable in international destinations, where breakfast can often cost a significant amount at local hotels.

Step-by-Step: How to Book a Hilton Stay Using Points

Now that you know why Hilton is a great option, here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to book a Hilton hotel using your Hilton Honors points.

Step 1: Log Into Your Hilton Honors Account

To start, make sure you’re logged into your Hilton Honors account. If you don’t have one, you can easily create one here.

Step 2: Search for Your Destination

Go to the Hilton website or the Hilton Honors app and enter your destination and travel dates. You’ll be shown a list of available hotels in your selected location.

Step 3: Filter by Points

On the search results page, you can filter your results to only show hotels that accept Hilton Honors points. You’ll see the price per night in points next to each hotel option.

Step 4: Check for the 5th Night Free

If you’re booking a stay of five nights or longer, be sure to check if the 5th night free offer applies to your booking. This could save you a significant number of points. Simply add five nights to your stay, and the free night will automatically be applied at checkout.

Step 5: Choose Your Room and Complete the Booking

Once you’ve found the hotel and dates that work for you, select your room type and proceed to checkout. You’ll have the option to pay with points or a combination of points and cash. If you have free night certificates available, you can also apply them at this stage to further reduce your costs.

Step 6: Confirm and Book

Review your booking details, confirm that your points and free night certificates (if applicable) have been applied, and complete the booking!

Aspirational Hilton Stays You Won’t Want to Miss

Hilton has some truly stunning properties, and you can use your points for incredible stays. Here are a few aspirational Hilton properties where you can book with your points:

• Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills (Los Angeles, CA): A luxury experience in the heart of Beverly Hills. This iconic property offers exceptional service and top-tier amenities.
• Conrad Maldives Rangali Island (Maldives): One of the most beautiful and luxurious destinations in the world. Stay in overwater villas with crystal-clear water surrounding you.
• Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa (French Polynesia): Another incredible overwater villa experience in one of the world’s most sought-after tropical locations.
• The Reach Key West (Key West, FL): A luxury oceanfront property located just steps from Key West’s vibrant historic district. Perfect for a beach getaway.
• Hilton Lake Taupo (New Zealand): With its picturesque location overlooking Lake Taupo, this Hilton offers both adventure and relaxation in stunning natural surroundings.

Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Hilton Honors Points

Hilton offers a wealth of opportunities to travelers looking to stretch their points further, whether you’re booking a quick weekend getaway or a long-term vacation. The 5th night free perk, combined with the many opportunities for free breakfast—especially internationally—and free night certificates, makes Hilton a fantastic option for value-conscious travelers.

By following the simple steps to book with points, you’ll be well on your way to making the most of your Hilton Honors account and enjoying memorable stays at some of the most amazing hotels around the world.

Happy travels, and I hope you get to enjoy some of these aspirational Hilton stays soon!