Hilton’s world-class guest loyalty program, Hilton Honors™, began in 1987 as an “instant win” scratch-off promotion. Since then, Hilton Honors membership has become synonymous with travel know-how. Automatic membership in the program is also one of the most-loved benefits of Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare.
Here are five ways Hilton Grand Vacations Members use their Hilton Honors Points and how membership has changed their travel.
1. Add Flexibility To Your Travels
Hilton Grand Vacations Points’ system offers Members endless flexibility, allowing them to vacation their way. For example, Gina P. first purchased timeshare because of resorts like SeaWorld® Orlando, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club. “Our kids were obsessed with Disney at the time, and we had family locally in Florida, so it seemed like a no-brainer,” Gina said.
Since then, she and her family have explored different destinations, including Hawaii. “We were able to explore two different Hilton Grand Vacations properties — and two different experiences — in a single week. It’s one of the most memorable vacations yet,” she reflected. “Each Hilton Grand Vacations location brilliantly creates experiences that our family can enjoy together — or keep children happily occupied so adults can enjoy time with each other.”
So, while Gina has enjoyed Hilton Grand Vacations’ properties, Hilton Honors membership provides an entire world to explore. For example, one of her favorite destinations is Lake Placid, New York, just a few hours from her home. “We sometimes travel where there is no Hilton Grand Vacations property, but several Hilton properties are nearby — like Lake Placid. I love that I can still enjoy the benefits of staying with a brand I trust using the flexibility of stretching and converting HGV ClubPoints,” Gina says. “That was one of the biggest selling points that convinced us to become Members.”
"Hilton Grand Vacations meets us where we are. Sometimes we like to stay at a resort. Sometimes we prefer a local hotel. Sometimes, an RCI® timeshare. With Hilton Grand Vacations, anything and everything is on the table."
2. Vacation Within Every Budget
Along with the additional destinations, Hilton Honors offers options of where to stay depending on your budget. Raeanne V. recently traveled to Bangkok and noted, “As a Hilton Grand Vacations Member, there are several places within Hilton’s portfolio in Bangkok to fit every travel style. For luxury accommodations, Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is located in Bangkok’s Central Business District and close to shopping and Lumpini Park. However, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok is centrally located and a more budget-friendly option.” The freedom to choose allows Members to customize their vacations within Hilton's global portfolio.
Hilton Honors Points can also be a great resource for travelers looking for the most bang for their buck. For Todd H., the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire credit card is his constant travel companion. For him, the travel benefits are well worth the annual fee. “Each dollar you spend is a Hilton Honors Point that counts toward a Hilton hotel stay anywhere on planet Earth. You get resort credits, flight credits and free night rewards after reaching spending thresholds — along with Diamond status at Hilton properties for even more perks.”
Plus, the Hilton Honors American Express card synergizes with Hilton Grand Vacations membership. “You earn a lot of bonus Hilton Honors Points if you meet a certain spending threshold within the first three months,” he explained. “Do you have a Hilton Grand Vacations deed or maintenance fees to take care of? Use the Hilton Honors American Express card. Not only do you earn the Hilton Honor Points, but you’re that much closer to scoring a free rewards night, and you’ve taken care of your payment once you pay your credit card bill.”
"I use the Aspire card for my monthly loan payment. Using that fiscal synergy within my Hilton ecosystem has done nothing but help my travels. I get a free night reward each year because I take care of my loan payments with my card. That perk alone is worth the annual fee as the Mrs. and I watch the sunset from a Waldorf Astoria, thanks to Hilton Honors American Express."
3. Bring Along Friends And Family
It’s no secret that Hilton Grand Vacations helps Members travel with their loved ones, whether reconnecting at a family reunion or starting new traditions with your friend group. Several Members have used their Hilton Honors membership to bring travel companions to incredible destinations.
Erin W. coordinated a European adventure with her parents, uncle, cousin and her cousin’s girlfriend, visiting Dublin, Ireland; Paris; and Edinburgh, Scotland. “I took advantage of my Diamond status with Hilton and used tons of Hilton Honors Points,” Erin recalled. “While I didn’t stay at one of Hilton Grand Vacations’ international properties, it was an amazing way to end a great summer of travel.”
Another Member, Jatara S., remembered taking trips with her cousins, who lived throughout Florida. “We took our first cousins’ trip to Orlando. What a time it was. We laughed, celebrated, reconnected and vowed to make this an annual tradition. The next year, we kept the party going in Tampa. But then life got in the way.”
Last year, she and her cousins restarted the tradition with a trip to New Orleans. “It wasn’t my first trip to The Big Easy,” she said, “but it was definitely the best I've experienced.” She booked rooms at Canopy by Hilton New Orleans Downtown, just off Canal Street, for the girls’ getaway.
"After the pandemic, we rediscovered the importance of family, so 2023 was our time to go even bigger. And as a Hilton Grand Vacations Member, I can stay with Hilton’s portfolio across the United States, including Park City, Utah; Hot Springs, Arkansas; and Memphis, Tennessee."
4. Roll Over Unused HGV ClubPoints
When the year ends, you may worry about how to save your unused ClubPoints. Converting ClubPoints to Hilton Honors Points is one of many options Hilton Grand Vacations offers to extend Points. “One year, I had unused Hilton Grand Vacations ClubPoints that I couldn’t roll over to the following year. The challenge was to use them or lose them,” said Marla S., Member since 2015. “The decision was easy when I found that Borgo alle Vigne, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Tuscany, Italy, was available for New Year’s Eve. My husband and I decided to extend the trip — this was Italy, after all. We planned to visit Milan, Verona and Pisa, ending with our stay at Borgo alle Vigne.”
Of course, Marla and her husband extended the trip to maximize their time in Italy. They added more stops to Lake Como, Lake Garda and Cinque Terra, including a stay at one of Hilton’s Italy properties, Hilton Milan.
5. Take A Once-In-A-Lifetime Bucket List Trip
An entire world of swoon-worthy destinations awaits you. LeeAnn M. and her husband took a bucket-list vacation to New Zealand thanks to her Hilton Honors membership. “My husband and I grew up in Hawaii, immersed in Polynesian culture, but we had yet to travel to the South Pacific,” LeeAnn explained. “As an Elite Premier Hilton Grand Vacations Member with lifetime Hilton Honors Diamond status, visiting New Zealand and learning more about Māori in style became our goal.”
They accumulated Hilton Honors Points during the pandemic to book hotels in Auckland, Wellington and Queenstown. “There were no surprises with our lodging. Hilton is Hilton. No quality worries there! Our upgraded Suite had outdoor space facing the harbor. We were fascinated watching commuter ferries, cargo ships and cruises come and go. We greatly enjoyed the maritime traffic and ocean air,” LeeAnn said.
Hilton was the jumping-off point for their immersion, learning how to use local transit, visiting the Auckland and Maritime Museums to learn about Māori culture, ferrying to Waiheke Island and walking the beaches. They also spent time chatting with local Kiwis and fellow international travelers. “As we had hoped, we smiled a lot on our vacations — our first exploration of the South Pacific,” LeeAnn concluded.
Another Member, Rania G., treated her fiancé to his dream vacation. “Réjean, a wonderful man who happens to be in a wheelchair, had never flown in a plane, seen the ocean or been to Florida. I figured it was time we fixed that situation, especially since I’m a world traveler.” They started in Orlando to visit Universal Studios Florida, then wanted to add a trip to the beach. “Daytona Beach, Florida, was the closest to Orlando. I booked the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort for two nights. The accessible hotel room was spacious and comfortable, with a million-dollar ocean view,” said Rania.
"No words could describe Réjean’s emotion at the sight of the majestic immensity of the Atlantic. He couldn’t get enough of it. We slept with the windows open to listen to the sound of the waves as they hit the shore. We woke up at dawn to watch the sunrise and reveled in the peaceful beauty of the moment."
Read “Go Big And Experience More: How To Use Hilton Honors Points To Upgrade Your Vacations” for more ways to use your Hilton Honors Points.