5 New Hilton Hotels You Can Visit in 2017 for Free

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When is the last time you found time to get away and enjoy a vacation? If you had to stop and think, that is the perfect sign it’s time to book your next trip. And if you have a stockpile of Hilton Honors points, you might want to check out of these recently opened or upcoming Hilton hotels. You may have enough for a free night at some of these great new hotels. (Not a loyal Hilton visitor? You can check out hotel stay hacks at Hyatt properties here.)

1. Hilton Brooklyn New York

If you are heading to New York City, consider a stay at Hilton Brooklyn New York. Located in the heart of Brooklyn, you will be close to the Barclays Center if you are visiting during the season when you can catch a Brooklyn Nets game (or one of the other countless events at the arena). You will also have easy access to the Brooklyn Bridge to get into Manhattan.

Booking a room at the Hilton Brooklyn New York on June 16, 2017, would start at 65,000 points per night.

2. Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa, California

If you’re after relaxation, a trip to Palm Springs and a stay at the Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa may be a perfect choice. Part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, this resort has quickly become known for its 12,000-square-foot Well Spa. Conde Nast Traveler has rated it one of their top-100 resort spas in the world. Plus, you will want to make sure you reserve a table at the Grove Artisan Kitchen to enjoy their farm-to-table cuisine.

A search for rooms at Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa for July 7, 2017, showed rooms starting at 41,000 points per night. Award rates at this property tend to be lower during the summer than the winter.

3. Conrad Bora Bora Nui, French Polynesia

Bora Bora is a destination many people dream about visiting. If you are lucky enough to do so, make sure you check out the Conrad Bora Bora Nui. This property, which recently reopened, had been the Hilton Bora Bora Nui until Conrad took over and renovated. During your stay, you will have four different restaurants to choose from, including an overwater lounge.

A search for rooms at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui for Nov. 10, 2017, shows rooms going for 266,000 points per night.

4. Hilton Sanquingshan Resort, China

You will find the new Hilton Sanquingshan Resort in China’s Mount Sanquin National Park. Inside you can enjoy modern and traditional Chinese architecture and a meal in one of three restaurants. The resort is within walking distance of a cable car that takes you to the top of Mount Sanquin.

We searched for rooms at the Hilton Sanquingshan Resort for May 26, 2017 and they started at 10,000 points per night.

5. Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, California

The Waldorf Astoria is one of Hilton’s iconic brands, and starting in June 2017 you have the chance to stay at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. This hotel will have 170 rooms, including 51 with oversized balconies. During your stay, do not miss the chance the enjoy a meal at the hotel restaurant. It will feature Michelin-star chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

A search for rooms at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills for July 21, 2017 showed rates starting at 344,000 points per night.

Earning Hilton Honors Points

Anyone looking to boost the balance on their Hilton Honors account will be excited to see the abundance of credit cards offered. You can choose from Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve card, Hilton Honors Card from American Express, Citi Hilton HHonors Visa Signature card and the Hilton Honors Card from American Express.

Of the four options, our favorite is the Hilton Honors American Express Card. Not only does it give you excellent earning potential, but it also comes with no annual fee. When you sign up you receive 75,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $1,000 in the first three months. When you use your card at Hilton Hotels, you receive seven points per dollar. Additionally, you can earn five times points when you use the card at U.S. grocery stores, U.S. restaurants and U.S. gas stations. All other purchases earn three points per dollar.

Each year that you spend at least $1,000 at Hilton hotels, you receive a 10,000-point bonus. Plus, as a cardholder, you automatically receive silver status. This gives you a 15% bonus on your earnings, your fifth night free on Hilton stays and more. On top of that, if you spend $20,000 or more in a calendar year, or have four stays within 90 days of opening your account, you will be upgraded to gold status. You’ll need excellent credit for the Hilton HHonors Visa Signature Card, so be sure to check your scores before you apply. To get an idea of your chances of qualifying, you can view two of your scores free, updated every two weeks, on Credit.com.

Changes to the Hilton Honors Program

Hilton has made three changes Honors program, taking effect summer 2017, that may make it more attractive to travelers. (You can get ideas for how to save for your next big adventure here.)

Points & Money: Instead of only being able to book Hilton hotel rooms with points or cash, you can now book with points and any amount of cash. The more points you pay for a room, the less it will cost in cash.

Pooling Points: By April 2017, you will have the opportunity to share your points with family members so you can reach a reward night faster.

Amazon Shop With Points: In July 2017, you will be able to use your Hilton points to shop on Amazon.com.

To go along with these three features that are being added for every Hilton Honors member, Diamond reward members will have the opportunity to bank their elite status. If you are planning a life change, like a new job, an addition to the family or something else that will cause you to not requalify for elite status, then you will have the chance to extend your existing status once by a period of one year.

Image: Geber86

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At publishing time, the Citi Hilton HHonors Reserve Card, Hilton Honors Surpass Card from American Express, Citi Hilton Honors Visa Signature Card and the Hilton Honors Card from American Express are offered through Credit.com product pages, and Credit.com is compensated if our users apply and ultimately sign up for this card. However, this relationship does not result in any preferential editorial treatment. This content is not provided by the card issuer(s). Any opinions expressed are those of Credit.com alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the issuer(s).

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