Bits: new InterContinental London The O2 now bookable, see Madonna with Hilton

News in brief:

Bookings open for the new InterContinental London The O2

The new InterContinental London The O2 is now taking bookings from 19th December.

This is a slightly risky hotel project but the owners have had the sense to include what they are calling ‘one of the largest column-free ballrooms in Europe’.  This should guarantee them the conference and exhibition business that will keep the 453 bedrooms full.

With five food and beverage outlets, including a panoramic ‘sky bar’, and what looks like an impressive – albeit small – swimming pool (does any other IHG hotel in London have a pool except for Holiday Inn Wembley?), it certainly has a lot to offer without the guest needing to leave the building.

Surprisingly, it is not offering any opening deals for redemptions as you often see with new IHG hotels.  From Day 1, it will cost 50,000 points per night.  This is a pretty bad deal given that the cash cost is under £150 from what I can see.

I am hoping to check the hotel out with a Head for Points review early in the New Year.  You can find out more at the dedicated website here.

See Madonna with Hilton HHonors points

Finally, Hilton @Play still has some tickets left to see Madonna in Birmingham on 16th December and in Glasgow on 20th December.

The cost is 75,000 Hilton HHonors points for two ‘premium’ tickets.  It is not a giveaway at that price but, if you have Hilton points you are struggling to use, it would make a pleasant change.  The Hilton @Play site is here.

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How to earn Hilton Honors points and status from UK credit cards (June 2025)

There are various ways of earning Hilton Honors points from UK credit and debit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

There are two dedicated Hilton Honors debit cards. These are especially attractive when spending abroad due to the 0% or 0.5% FX fee, depending on card.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th August 2025, the sign-up bonus on the Hilton Honors Plus debit card is TRIPLED to 30,000 Hilton Honors points. You will also receive Gold Elite status in Hilton Honors for as long as you hold the card. Click here for our full card review and click here to apply.

You also receive FREE Hilton Honors status for as long as you hold the debit cards – Gold status with the Plus card and Silver status with the basic card. This is a great reason to apply even if you rarely use it.

We reviewed the Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card here and the Hilton Honors Debit Card here.

You can apply for either card here.

NEW: Hilton Honors Plus Debit

30,000 bonus points (to 14th August), Hilton Gold status and NO FX fees Read our full review

NEW: Hilton Honors Debit

2,500 bonus points, 50% fee discount, Hilton Silver status and 0.5% FX fees Read our full review

There is another way of getting Hilton Honors status, and earning Hilton Honors points, from a payment card.

Holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Hilton Honors Gold status for as long as they hold the card.  It also comes with Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status.

We reviewed The Platinum Card from American Express in detail here and you can apply here.

The Platinum Card from American Express

50,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

You can also earn Hilton Honors points indirectly with:

• American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• The American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)

and for small business owners:

• The American Express Business Gold Card (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• The American Express Business Platinum Card (50,000 bonus Amex points)

The conversion rate from American Express to Hilton Honors points is 1:2.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which can be used to earn Hilton Honors points.