This is the first installment in a new series about the different Hilton Honors status levels. You can check out the other guides here:
When you join the Hilton Honors loyalty scheme, you start off with the entry-level Member status.
There’s no cost to join their rewards scheme, but it’s worth doing as it can provide some useful and valuable benefits, even if you rarely stay at any of the Hilton brands.
Here’s a guide to all the benefits you’ll receive for being a Member of Hilton Honors, as well as how to register for an account.
Important Note: You’ll only receive these benefits when you book a hotel stay directly with Hilton, either on their website, mobile app or by phone. If you book a stay using an OTA (Online Travel Agency) like Expedia, you’re not eligible to receive any of these benefits.
Hilton Honors Member Status Benefits
1) Earn Points & Points Or Points & Miles
The Hilton Honors reward scheme works a little differently to reward schemes from other hotel chains. Most other chains give you the option of either earning points with that chain or earning miles with an airline.
Hilton give you two options which they call ‘MyWay Earning Style’. This offers the choice of earning Points & Points or Points & Miles. If you choose Points & Points, you’ll earn 10 base points per dollar at most of their hotel brands (5 points per dollar at Home2 Suites and Tru), as well as 5 bonus points per dollar (2.5 points per dollar at Home2 Suites and Tru).
If you go for Points & Miles, you’ll still earn the 10 base points per dollar (or 5 points as above). Rather than bonus points though, you’ll earn 1 mile per dollar for the airline loyalty scheme of your choosing. Home2 Suites & Tru also earn 1 mile per dollar, but you’re limited to 100 miles per stay at those brands. i.e. if you spend more than $100 per stay, you’ll still only earn 100 miles.
2) Guaranteed Discount
All members of Hilton Honors have access to a discounted, changeable and refundable rate. This certainly has the potential to save you a few dollars on your stay – here’s the nightly cost at the DoubleTree Norfolk Airport in VA:
The discounted rate would save you $8 per night on the corresponding flexible rate. However, always check what other rates are available.
As the image above shows, there’s a dropdown to see “More prices from $116”. Click on that and you’ll see the following:
If you’re willing to pay in advance (i.e. choose a rate that’s not changeable or refundable) you’d save an additional $25 per night. As a Hilton Honors Member, you’re still getting a slightly lower price than the standard Advance Purchase rate ($116 per night rather than $119).
3) Complimentary In-Room And Lobby Standard Internet Access
Many hotels provide free internet access to all guests regardless of how they book. With this benefit though, you at least have the peace of mind that you’ll never have to pay at the hotels that do still charge for internet.
4) Late Check-Out
Many hotel loyalty schemes only offer late check-out to members who have attained a higher level of status. It’s therefore nice that Hilton Honors offer it for free to all members.
You have to request this benefit and it’s subject to availability, but most hotels will try to accommodate your request.
5) Digital Check-In
This provides the opportunity to check-in and choose your room 24 hours before your stay. You can also make additional requests, such as asking for extra towels if you think you might need them.
6) Express Check-Out
No one likes to wait in line to check-out of their room, so this benefit saves you time.
7) Second Guest Stays Free
This might seem like a strange benefit, especially in the US where I don’t remember ever seeing a charge for having a second guest. It can be more common overseas though, so it’s worth bearing this in mind if you’re planning a trip outside the US.
8) Quick Reservations & Check-In
Once you’ve registered for the Hilton Honors loyalty scheme, you can complete your profile to list your room preferences. This can speed up the check-in process if you don’t want to check-in online beforehand.
How To Get Hilton Honors Member Status
It’s simple to get Member status with Hilton Honors – all you need to do is register here.
Once you’ve signed up, be sure to complete your profile. That’ll enable you to set your Points & Points or Points & Miles preference, as well as provide the information needed for quick reservations, room preference, etc.
Summary
Considering how this is the lowest status level, Hilton Honors Member status gives some surprisingly good benefits. Getting a discount can be valuable, especially if you’re paying for hotels out of your own pocket. Getting late check-out simply for registering is also a no-brainer.
Next up, we’ll explain how to get Silver status with Hilton Honors.
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