While this is probably far from the top priority for anyone at this point, it’s worth noting that Hilton has extended their global promotion by several months.
I think Hilton took exactly the right approach here — in my opinion it seems kind of tone deaf to introduce a new promotion right now incentivizing discretionary travel, but I think extending an existing promotion strikes the right balance.
Of all of the major hotel chains, Hilton Honors is by far the most consistent and generous with the promotions they offer. They constantly run promotions (typically without even a day gap between them), so that’s great for members.
Hilton Honors’ Points Unlimited Promo 2020
Hilton Honors’ first major promotion of 2020 launched in early January, and was supposed to expire on May 31, but has now been extended for stays through September 7, 2020.
Hilton Honors’ promotion is called “Points Unlimited,” and this is the return of a promotion we saw from them back in 2019. This is valid for stays between January 6 and September 7, 2020. With this promotion you earn:
- 2,000 bonus points for every stay
- 10,000 bonus points after every ten nights
There are a few further things to be aware of:
- Registration is required prior to the first eligible stay, though previous booked nights qualify, as long as you stay during the promotion period
- There’s no limit to how many points you can earn
- There’s no minimum stay requirement
- All properties qualify
Personally I consider this promotion to be less lucrative than some of the double or triple points promotions that Hilton offers, especially if you’re not constantly making short stays at inexpensive properties.
Since I value Hilton Honors points at ~0.5 cents each, you’re essentially earning a $10 bonus per stay, plus an average of a $5 bonus per night, in increments of 10 nights.
Ultimately Hilton’s points earning rates are pretty good to begin with, but to me this doesn’t compare to the double to triple points promotion that they’re currently offering.
Keep in mind that you can always earn bonus points for paying for your stays with a Hilton Amex (the best credit cards for earning Hilton Honors points):
- The Hilton Honors American Express Card (review) offers 7 points per dollar spent with Hilton
- The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card (review) offers 12 points per dollar spent with Hilton
- The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card (review) offers 12 points per dollar spent with Hilton
- The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card (review) offers 14 points per dollar spent with Hilton
Hilton Promo Summary
Hilton Honors deserves a lot of credit for constantly offering promotions.
The current promotion is a return of one that they offered earlier in 2019, and it’s great for those who frequently make short and inexpensive stays, but otherwise it’s not nearly as lucrative. Still, I appreciate that the promotion is at least valid at all properties, with no cap on how many points you can earn.
It’s nice to see that this promotion has been extended through September, and I expect we’ll see lots of good hotel promos later this year.
What do you make of Hilton’s new Points Unlimited promotion?
Which of these promos (or both?) apply for a stay over the Jan 5-6 window?
Very nice reminder of the second promo. Thanks, Lucky.
@Bgriff — The Hilton website states that “Registered Hilton Honors members checking in before January 6, 2020 will receive credit for their stay if the stay is completed on or after January 6, 2020 and prior to or on May 3, 2020.” So looks like your stay is covered if you check out on or after January 6, 2020.
Does anyone know if the promotion applies for stays that are 100% on points?
@Jen historically this HAS counted for points stays.
“Their promotion in the new year is a return of one from this year that’s great for those who make short and inexpensive stays, but otherwise it’s not nearly as lucrative.”
That is exactly right, which unfortunately makes it a rather weak promo for some of us who tend to do relatively long pricey stays…
Jerry — Thank you!
This is a great one! Most all of my stays are one night, and around/under $100. I’m about to hit my milestone bonus for 80 nights this year so I don’t mind the weak double point promo since you start getting those 10k bonuses later in the year from it. Reward stays do count @Jen per the FAQs on the promo:
Will I earn Bonus Points for Reward Stays with the “Points Unlimited” promotion?
Yes – members will earn 2,000 Bonus Points per stay on reward stays. Reward stays will also count towards the 10,000 Bonus Point award.
Thanks Lucky. If booking a Hilton hotel through the Amex Hotel Collection, do you know if you still get elite benefits and access to these promotional points earning opportunities? I’ve had success with FHR in the past, but wasn’t sure if the Hotel Collection worked in the same way.
@DCS: “That is exactly right, which unfortunately makes it a rather weak promo for some of us who tend to do relatively long pricey stays…”
Funny – every time I complain about something that Hilton does that doesn’t benefit me, you basically tell me that I have no right to post said opinion. Yet again, those rules don’t apply to you, do they?
@trevor was wondering the same thing. I have several stays coming up at a Hilton but it is for work so have had to book through our Corporate provide.
Big deal. They are going to need to extend promos for 9 months and extend status for a year, by the time this is all over.
Well, when I saw the headline I expected it to be extended to something like July or September. Anyway this is not as attractive as the past 3x or 4x promos. So I would not mind if they come up with something better in Q3 or Q4. That is assuming we can resume our travels by then. I have my fingers crossed. For everyone’s benefit I really hope so.
@Lucky – what hotel is pictured at the topic of this article? Looks nice!
@GregR the building in the background could help you in your quest……
Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
@Sel, D – thanks for the reveal! Would love to see Lucky and the OMAAT team identify the hotels and resorts in pictures they use, but maybe they like to keep us guessing and crowd-sourcing the answers.
Seeing the Burj al Arab in the background gave it away. I wasn’t looking close enough. Still prefer the little old Jumeirah Beach Hilton.
2,000 Hilton points are worth roughly $10 USD, and 10,000 points are worth about $50. So while getting $10 back on every stay is nice, it shouldn’t be the main determinant in deciding whether to stay at a Hilton property or not. The location, quality and daily rate of the hotel property (plus any other perks like free breakfasts and/or upgrades) are far more important factors that should drive one’s decision.
Ben – Can you caption the banner photos where they are?
@Ben, when you use a picture of a hotel, you must caption the picture with the name of the hotel! very frustrating and you could even use an affiliate link to link to hotel. missed revenue oppurtunity. and value add for readers
i have a question, i have stayed at full service Hilton Hotels, as a Diamond, and they are not giving breakfast now, per the regulations imposed, should Hilton be giving us extra points for this? since it is a guaranteed benefit?
thank you