After extensive feedback from its most loyal guests, Hilton Honors is getting an upgrade.
The hotel company announced a series of enhancements scheduled to begin rolling out in April, including easier points earning as well as the options to rollover nights and gift elite status.
Beginning this spring, Hilton Honors members can take advantage of new elite tier bonus rates for Silver (20 percent), Gold (80 percent) and Diamond (100 percent) status. Once members have stayed at least 40 nights in a calendar year, they'll also earn 10,000 bonus points on every 10th night.
Diamond members will earn an additional 30,000-point bonus at 60 nights in one calendar year.
No registration is required and there is no cap on the exclusive bonus offer.
In 2018, elite Honors members will also have the option to rollover qualifying nights earned beyond their current elite tier requirements so that they count towards their elite tier status the next year. Members who stay 60 or more nights in one year will be able to gift Gold status to a travel partner. Members staying at least 100 nights or more can gift Diamond status to a friend or family member.
"We have heard our Hilton Honors members loud and clear-they are looking for simple, straightforward ways to earn more points and rewards the more they stay with Hilton," the company's senior vice president and global head of customer engagement, loyalty and partnerships, Mark Weinstein said in a statement. "Now more than ever, every stay counts-there's always another milestone to reach, benefit to unlock, reward to earn."
"Last year, we introduced even more ways for members to use their points with more flexibility and ease, including Amazon Shop with points and Points Pooling," he added. "Now, in 2018, we want to give our members more ways to earn their points and show our loyalty back to our most elite members."
Last year, WalletHub recognized Hilton Honors as the best hotel loyalty program for pooling points, pointing out that the program allows members to transfer earnings to nearly 50 different travel partners, including major airlines.
Nonetheless, Hilton Honors ranked 11th in U.S. News & World Report's annual rankings of the top travel rewards programs last year. The challenge of earning a free night was one of the biggest strikes against the program. However, the impending improvements should help Hilton Honors climb the ladder.
Hilton Honors ranked third in overall satisfaction last year, trailing only Marriott Rewards and World of Hyatt.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
