Key Takeaways
Hilton’s portfolio includes 23 brands, from the luxury Waldorf Astoria and Conrad Hotels and Resorts to mid-scale Tru by Hilton.
Hilton Honors members can earn and redeem points across all brands, providing flexibility and value for loyal guests.
American Express offers 3 personal credit cards and 1 business card, allowing you to earn Hilton Honors points directly.
As one of the largest hotel chains in the world, Hilton Worldwide has more than 7,500 properties in over 120 countries and territories. For those who travel, specifically those who redeem Hilton Honors points, there are so many options to choose from that it can be overwhelming.
To make things easier, we’re going to take a look at Hilton’s 23 different brands so that you can decide which one is right for you. The newest brands, Motto by Hilton, has opened its first micro hotel locations in the Hilton family, and Spark was just announced. Additionally, 2 new brands, Signia by Hilton and Tempo by Hilton, are on the horizon.
Hilton Brand Overview
Hilton has a massive portfolio of hotel brands that stretch across several tiers: luxury, upper upscale, upscale, upper midscale, midscale, and timeshare. Here’s a quick breakdown.
With so many types of hotel properties, you’re bound to find one that fits your needs.
American Express Hilton Credit Cards
American Express is the exclusive credit card issuer for Hilton, offering 3 personal credit cards and 1 business credit card that earn Hilton Honors points directly.
Recommended Hilton Cards
Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status, plus great earnings at Hilton, U.S. gas stations, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. restaurants!
Learn More(at Amex’s secure site)Apply With Confidence
Know if you’re approved with no credit score impact
If you’re approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status, plus great earnings at Hilton, U.S. gas stations, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. restaurants!
UP’s Bonus Valuation*:
$400
APR
20.99%-29.99% VariableGood to Excellent (670-850)Why We Like This Card
You can’t beat a comfy king-sized bed and room service. For many travelers, it’s the hotel that really makes or breaks an experience. If you’re one of those people, you’ve probably stayed at a Hilton hotel.
Whether your visits are for work or pleasure, the Hilton brand has you covered with more than 6,200 locations in 100 counties and territories.
To enjoy a host of great benefits, you may want to apply for the Hilton Honors American Express Card.
Card Highlights Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Earn 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio. Earn 5X Points per dollar on purchases at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations. Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card. Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Gold status through the end of the next calendar year. No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad. No Annual Fee. Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
APR: 20.99%-29.99% VariableForeign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center
Hilton Honors Loyalty Program
Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
An excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.
Learn More(at Amex’s secure site)Apply With Confidence
Know if you’re approved with no credit score impact
If you’re approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
An excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.
UP’s Bonus Valuation*:
$650
APR
20.99%-29.99% VariableGood to Excellent (670-850)Card Highlights Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Get up to $200 back each year on eligible Hilton purchases after you use your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card. Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio. Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations. Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases. Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card. Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors ™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card. Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status through the end of the next calendar year. Enjoy complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status. Enrollment in the complimentary Emerald Club® program is required. Terms apply. No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad. $150 annual fee. Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
APR: 20.99%-29.99% VariableForeign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center
Hilton Honors
Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.
All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.Apply With Confidence
Know if you’re approved with no credit score impact
If you’re approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.
UP’s Bonus Valuation*:
$750
APR
20.99% – 29.99% VariableGood to Excellent (670-850)Why We Like This Card
The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
Paying hundreds of dollars for an annual fee on a co-branded hotel card might seem ridiculous, but you should know that the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is much more than your run-of-the-mill hotel credit card.
The Hilton Aspire card is not only a phenomenal card for Hilton Honors loyalists, but even those who visit Hilton hotels just a few times a year can still get excellent value out of all the benefits that are packed into this card.
So let’s have a look at what makes the card so valuable to travelers.
Terms Apply / Rates & Fees
An excellent option for business owners and business travelers who stay at Hilton properties often and want perks like Hilton Honors elite status.
Learn More(at Amex’s secure site)An excellent option for business owners and business travelers who stay at Hilton properties often and want perks like Hilton Honors elite status.
UP’s Bonus Valuation*:
$650
APR
20.99% – 29.99% VariableGood to Excellent (670-850)Why We Like This Card
For frequent business travelers who regularly stay in Hilton hotels, The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a great option.
Not only will the card help you earn more points on all of your Hilton stays, but you’ll also receive automatic elite status and travel protections.
Here’s a detailed look at all the benefits this card offers so that you can determine if it’s a good fit for you.
Card HighlightsWelcome Offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership. Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible Hilton purchases. Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on other purchases made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year, 3X points thereafter. Enjoy up to $240 back each year for eligible purchases made directly with Hilton. Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card. With Hilton Honors Gold status, you can enjoy benefits at hotels and resorts within the Hilton Portfolio. As a Gold member, earn an 80% Bonus on all Base Points you earn on every stay getting you to free nights faster. You may receive an upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the calendar year if the total eligible purchases on your Card Account during a calendar year reach $40,000 or more. Enjoy complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status. Enrollment in the complimentary Emerald Club® program is required. Terms apply. Terms apply.
Financial Snapshot
APR: 20.99% – 29.99% VariableForeign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center
Hilton Honors loyalty program
Not only can you earn a ton of Hilton Honors points when you use one of these cards at Hilton properties, but you have several useful bonus categories that can really boost your earning.
You automatically receive Gold status when you have the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card. One of the best parts about Gold status is that you’ll get free breakfast every morning during your stay and space-available upgrades to nicer rooms. You also get your fifth night free on award stays of 5 nights or more.
The Hilton Honors American Express Card provides Silver status to the cardholder. Like Gold status, Silver status provides the fifth-night free benefit on award stays.
Hot Tip: Check out our comparison of the benefits and perks of each Hilton Honors credit card for more details.
Hilton Honors Loyalty Program
The Hilton Honors loyalty program no longer uses award charts like other major hotel loyalty programs, such as World of Hyatt and Marriott Bonvoy.
Prices fluctuate by season and occupancy, with maximum standard award prices supposed to be set at 120,000 points per night. We have just seen 2 properties pricing at 120,000 to 150,000 points per night for standard awards: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi and Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal.
Ultra-opulent hotels like the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi can be booked for 120,000 Hilton Honors points per night. Image Credit: Hilton
Hilton has provided an online tool that allows you to see the minimum and maximum number of Hilton Honors points an award stay can cost at each property around the world. You can expect Hilton to charge the maximum during its respective busy seasons or whenever prices are higher for paid stays.
When standard awards are not available, premium awards are priced according to the cash price of rooms and can cost hundreds of thousands of points per night.
23 Hilton Hotel Brands
With 23 hotel brands, it’s no surprise that Hilton has a massive global footprint. However, each Hilton brand seeks to offer a distinct experience to fit the different desires of travelers.
Let’s take a look at what you can expect when staying at each brand.
1. Canopy by Hilton
Get a feel for the neighborhood during your stay at the Canopy by Hilton Reykjavik City Centre. Image Credit: Hilton
The first Canopy by Hilton was opened in Reykjavik, Iceland in mid-2016. There are now 12 more Canopy locations with a bunch more scheduled to open in 2021 and beyond.
These upscale properties are being designed to blend into their local neighborhoods with food and drink to match. We look forward to seeing more of these properties open down the road.
2. Conrad Hotels & Resorts
Enjoy a luxury stay at the Conrad Bali where you can relax in style. Image Credit: Hilton
Conrad Hotels & Resorts is another luxury brand offered by Hilton. While Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria brand is known for its traditional luxury experience, its Conrad properties are a more modern take on luxury.
There are only 39 Conrad properties. While they don’t have the same name recognition as the Waldorf Astoria, they offer some fantastic luxury options.
If you’re looking for an amazing place to stay in Bali, Indonesia, Conrad Bali is a beautiful place to relax. Stays can be booked for 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
3. Curio Collection by Hilton
After a fun day in Chicago, check out the bar at the LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton. Image Credit: Hilton
Curio Collection by Hilton is another of Hilton’s upper-upscale brands. These properties provide a boutique hotel experience with the benefit of Hilton’s broader platform.
Hilton describes Curio Collection by Hilton as “for travelers who seek local discovery and one-of-a-kind experiences.”
4. DoubleTree by Hilton
DoubleTree even has allergy-friendly cookies! Image Credit: Hilton
DoubleTree by Hilton is classified as an upscale hotel and is marketed to both business travelers and those looking for a place to stay on vacation. There are 620 DoubleTree by Hilton properties across the globe, giving you plenty of opportunities to try one.
It is known for the famous warm chocolate chip cookies (now available in an allergy-free version) that guests receive at check-in. These cookies are amazing, but don’t take our word for it … book a stay and try one yourself!
5. Embassy Suites by Hilton
For a family vacation to Chicago, check out the Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Magnificent Mile. Image Credit: Hilton
If you want a guaranteed suite with space to stretch out while on vacation, Embassy Suites by Hilton is a solid choice. There are 259 of these upper-upscale properties across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.
Every Embassy Suites by Hilton provides a complimentary made-to-order breakfast. In the evenings, you can enjoy a complimentary happy hour with food and drinks.
With so much space in each of these suites, these hotel properties are great for family vacations.
6. Hilton Club – Coming Soon
7. Hampton by Hilton
See the sunrise from the Hampton by Hilton Bar Harbor. Image Credit: Hilton
Hilton classifies Hampton by Hilton as an upper-midscale brand. With over 2,682 locations, Hampton by Hilton not only has accessible prices but is available in many cities you might visit. This brand also includes Hampton Inn & Suites hotels if you want to book a suite for your stay.
While not made-to-order, each property does provide a complimentary hot breakfast. Additionally, you will have access to complimentary Wi-Fi.
Thanks to its amazing views, the Hampton by Hilton Bar Harbor in Bar Harbor, Maine is a very popular Hampton property.
8. Hilton Garden Inn
If you need a hotel in Vienna, Austria, the Hilton Garden Inn Vienna South can be a great deal. Image Credit: Hilton
Hilton Garden Inn is a massive brand with 906 hotel properties across the globe. Hilton says this brand “strives to ensure today’s busy travelers have what they need to be productive on the road.”
Hilton promotes its made-to-order breakfast and fitness centers in addition to business centers that are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hilton Garden Inn also offers handcrafted cocktails, shareable small plates, as well as flexible meeting space, wireless printing, and free Wi-Fi.
Hilton Garden Inn is perhaps the most well-recognized leader in combining budget-friendly accommodations with a reliable brand and an emphasis on tasty food.
9. Hilton Grand Vacations Club
Hilton Grand Vacations is Hilton’s timeshare arm. Ocean Tower by Hilton Grand Vacations. Image Credit: Hilton
Hilton Grand Vacations is Hilton’s timeshare brand. There are 56 locations that timeshare members can use. Members can use ClubPoints or Hilton Honors points to book stays.
For those earning Hilton Honors points or other hotel points, timeshares don’t usually make much sense as they require a significant cash investment with a very limited number of destination options.
10. Hilton Vacation Club – Coming Soon
11. Hilton Hotels & Resorts
The Seychelles is a dream destination, and the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa is the perfect place to stay. Image Credit: Hilton
Hilton is one of the most (if not the most) well-known hotel brands in the world, and Hilton Hotels & Resorts is the flagship brand with good reason. This is an upper upscale brand that makes up more than 20% of Hilton’s hotel rooms across the world.
These full-service properties include restaurants, event spaces, swimming pools, and more.
Hot Tip: A few Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties are included in our list of best Hilton redemptions.
12. Home2 Suites by Hilton
Stay at the Home2 Suites by Hilton Eugene Downtown University Area while you visit Eugene, Oregon. Image Credit: Hilton
Home2 Suites by Hilton is basically the midscale version of the upscale Homewood Suites by Hilton. It is designed for the cost-conscious extended-stay traveler. This brand has grown to 478 properties.
Home2 Suites by Hilton “offers complimentary continental breakfast, integrated laundry and exercise facility, recycling and sustainability initiatives, and a pet-friendly policy.”
Hot Tip: Traveling with Fido? You’ll be pleased to know that many Hilton brands are pet-friendly.
13. Homewood Suites by Hilton
Enjoy a long vacation in Fort Collins, Colorado at the Homewood Suites By Hilton Fort Collins. Image Credit: Hilton
Homewood Suites by Hilton is an upscale hotel brand designed for travelers on long business trips or extended vacations. Rooms are designed to feel residential with a full-size fridge, kitchen, bedroom, and living room area.
Each of the 516 Homewood Suites by Hilton properties attempts to create a home-like atmosphere.
14. LivSmart Studios – Coming Soon
15. LXR Hotels & Resorts
The Biltmore Mayfair, LXR Hotels & Resorts is a top-notch 5-star hotel located in London’s prestigious Grosvenor Square. Image Credit: Hilton
LXR Hotels & Resorts is an upper upscale collection of independent hotels that are now under the Hilton Brands portfolio.
There are 5 locations in total:
The Biltmore, Mayfair — London, England
Habtoor Palace Dubai — Dubai, U.A.E.
Oceana — Santa Monica, California
Susona Bodrum — Bodrum, Turkey
Zemi Beach House — Anguilla
16. Motto by Hilton
Motto draws inspiration from the hostel concept. Image Credit: Hilton
Motto is a new format, micro-hotel in urban locations. The first property, Motto by Hilton Washington, D.C. City Center opened in mid-2020, and the second property, Motto Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square, joined shortly after.
Motto by Hilton is designed to be smaller and has a more efficient footprint, complete with state-of-the-art connectivity. Uniquely, there are common areas for casual mingling, known as Motto Commons.
17. Signia by Hilton
Signia is Hilton’s full-service brand emphasizing meetings and events. Signia by Hilton Indianapolis. Image Credit: Hilton
Signia by Hilton is a new full-service brand announced in February 2019. It will focus on hosting large meetings and events.
The Signia by Hilton brand has an emphasis on large, open, grand spaces meant to nullify bumping shoulders with others during large events, conferences, and meetings. Signia by Hilton features ultra-modern furnishings, destination-based dining, innovative technology, and premium wellness amenities.
Classified as upper upscale, Signia by Hilton’s selected competitors are Fairmont, Grand Hyatt, and JW Marriott.
Hot Tip: Did you know that you can earn lots of Hilton points by booking events and meetings? Signia by Hilton is a perfect brand for racking up Hilton points!
18. Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) Partnership
Small Luxury Hotels of the World partners with some of the most exclusive luxury properties, like Le Grand Bellevue in Switzerland. Image Credit: Le Grand Bellevue
Hilton has a marketing partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World, often abbreviated as SLH. This partnership gives Hilton Honors members access to many (but not all) of SLH’s properties.
SLH consists of over 590 properties across 90 countries, though it doesn’t manage any of them. You can earn and redeem points at around 400 participating SLH hotels, as well as enjoy awesome benefits like:
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Daily complimentary continental breakfast
Room upgrade (1 category at check-in, if available)
Early check-in (12 p.m., based upon availability at check-in)
Late checkout (2 p.m., based upon availability at check-in)
Unlike SLH’s previous partnership with Hyatt, Hilton Honors elite members will be able to enjoy benefits at SLH properties.
Notable properties include Topping Rose House in The Hamptons, Calala Island in Nicaragua, and more.
19. Spark by Hilton – Coming Soon
A Spark by Hilton guest room. Image Credit: Hilton
Spark is a new budget-friendly brand from Hilton that’s set to debut by the end of 2023. Designed to be fun, simple, and reliable, Spark is categorized as a premium economy brand. Bright and cheerful accent colors will aim to bring a warm welcome to guests, while convenient amenities like a multi-purpose work area and mini-fridge will be central in the guest rooms. A complimentary breakfast, including a bagel bar, will also be served at Spark hotel locations.
20. Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Tapestry Collection by Hilton is a rapidly expanding brand across the U.S. Fort Sutter Hotel. Image Credit: Hilton
Tapestry Collection by Hilton is an upscale brand of independent hotels that seeks to create a unique experience at each property. There are now 57 Tapestry Collection by Hilton locations.
Each Tapestry Collection by Hilton property has a unique personality, with a huge focus on experiential, upscale authenticity.
21. Tempo by Hilton
Tempo is focused on technology and wellness. Image Credit: Hilton
Tempo by Hilton is Hilton’s newest brand. It emphasizes stylish and wellness-focused business accommodations.
It was created to appeal to those fast-moving business travelers to “enjoy elevated amenities and inspiring spaces, from wake-up to wind-down. Find your focus at the Coffee Fuel Bar or power down with mindfulness rituals from Thrive Global. No matter how you travel, Tempo by Hilton is designed to keep up with your pace.”
The new brand will feature elevated rooms, stylish spaces, local and inspired menus, and tools to fire up and wind down your day.
22. Tru by Hilton
Tru by Hilton is a midscale brand for budget-conscious travelers. Image Credit: Hilton
Tru by Hilton has grown quickly to 116 properties in the U.S. and Canada. This is a hotel brand attempting to capture the cost-conscious, millennial market.
Hilton says that “by focusing on the brand’s 3 key tenets of simplified, spirited, and grounded in value, every detail of the property is crafted for operational efficiency and to drive increased guest satisfaction — from the activated, open lobby to the efficiently designed bedrooms.”
23. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
The Waldorf Astoria Park City is an amazing luxury property. Image Credit: Hilton
Hilton describes Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts as “inspirational environments and personalized attention that are the source of unforgettable moments.” It’s no wonder that these famous properties are known throughout the world for providing a luxury experience from start to finish.
This luxury brand has approximately 34 properties scattered across the globe. These properties are highly sought-after by those who want to relax at a spa, enjoy world-class restaurants, and have access to amazing concierge services.
Stays at a Waldorf Astoria property typically cost 80,000 to 150,000 Hilton Honors points per night for standard room awards. Ultimately, Waldorf Astoria properties in international cities like Panama and Chengdu often fetch cheaper points prices — think 35,000 to 50,000 points per night.
In contrast, the ultra-luxe Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi costs 120,000 tp 150,000 Hilton Honors points per night for a standard room.
Bottom Line: Waldorf Astoria is the flagship brand of Hilton for luxury travelers. Half of our best Hilton luxury hotels to book with points are Waldorf Astoria properties!
Final Thoughts
With so many properties, Hilton Worldwide is a popular choice for travelers. For those with Gold or Diamond status, the perk of free breakfast helps Hilton build a loyal following and makes traveling just that little bit easier for loyal Hilton Honors members.
The toughest part about Hilton is the number of Hilton Honors points that can be required to book luxury and upper-upscale properties. Even some of the mid-scale properties can cost quite a few points when booked during a busy season or near a popular event!
With that being said, some of Hilton’s high-end properties are spectacular. The Conrad Koh Samui, Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, and Conrad Bali are fantastic properties that can be booked with Hilton Honors points, and there are many more great properties from which to choose.
Fortunately, the co-branded Hilton Honors credit cards provided by American Express can help you earn points extremely quickly. If you have paid Hilton stays in the future, you’ll earn tons of points by using your Hilton credit card. Thanks to solid bonus categories, you can also earn plenty of points on your daily spending.
All in all, Hilton Honors is not a perfect program. The variable award pricing is very concerning since there’s nothing to stop Hilton from pricing all awards at the maximum rate all the time. However, there are some great properties to try — so don’t write off Hilton Honors points too quickly!
The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Card, click here.
For rates and fees for The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, click here.
