In my travels, I have stayed at Hilton, Hyatt, Intercontinental, Holiday Inn and Marriot properties along with a few boutique selections. For the most part, Hilton has always treated me extremely well, even only as a Gold Member. With Hilton, I have always received late checkout, a wonderful environment, and an extremely welcoming atmosphere. Hilton also has an amazing loyalty program and this week, the brand announce a variety of positive changes through 2022 due to covid.
Why I Choose Hilton
I have the Hilton American Express Business Card, but it is the friendly staff and easy access to speak with a representative that pulls me to Hilton. The brand has done an exceptional job in helping me book last minute rooms for my younger especially when he was trapped in a snow storm delay in Chicago last year. While Hilton doesn’t guarantee late checkout to Gold Members, I have received this benefit every time I have stayed with the brand.
The New Updates
With these positive announcements, Hilton is reducing the requirements for obtain elite status. Hilton Gold and Diamond are the only statuses that make sense but both could also be earned by holding Hilton American Express credit cards. Hilton is also extending the expiration dates of free night certificates on those earned in 2021 to the end of 2022. With 2 free night certificates on hand and another 1 or 2 coming next year. I could have a nice small vacation planned using these certificates. Finally, points earned from Hilton credit card spend also count towards elite status and lifetime status. While lifetime status requires 2 million base points and 10 years of diamond status(can be earned from holding the Hilton Aspire Card), this could be an interesting to accelerate the points requirement for lifetime status.
My Take
Lifetime status with a brand or hotel is not really my cup of tea. While Hilton Diamond does sound nice, it can be easily attained through the Hilton Aspire Card. What I really enjoy about Hilton is the brand’s ability to be consumer friendly with the extension of free night certificates and new ways to earn lifetime points. If only some of the major airlines offered this bonus, I would probably be able to hit mid tier lifetime status with either United or Delta by the end of 2021. Hilton continues to be well run and one of my favorite brands. The chain has always treated me extremely well and Hilton properties have always impressed me. I continue to look forward to the days of traveling after the pandemic and Hilton has continued to earn my loyalty.
