How to snag a hidden bargain via Hilton @Play

On Tuesday I wrote about some of the interesting auction items available for Hilton HHonors points via the Hilton @Play website.

One of the points I wanted to make is that the packages on offer are often more interesting than the headline implies.

Last night, Hilton launched the best example of this that I have ever seen.   If I’d been asked to make up a fictitious example of a headline which undersells the prize on offer I couldn’t have done better.

If you visit the Hilton @Play website, you will see this item on offer:

DATING ADVICE WITH FRED SIRIEIX – LONDON, UK – MAY 19, 2016
Opening bid: 50,000 points

For a married man with two kids, this sounds about as useful as a lecture on how to buy a skirt.  It isn’t even the sort of thing that a single friend would necessarily approve of you buying on their behalf.

When you click through the link – which, frankly, almost no-one is going to do – it is an entirely different story.

This is what you get:

Thirty minutes of dating advice from Fred Sirieix at Galvin at Windows, with a complimentary cocktail

VIP invitations for two to the Galvin at Windows 10th birthday party, including a DJ set by Fred Sirieix

One night accommodation at London Hilton on Park Lane on May 19, 2016, including daily breakfast (the small print confirms you actually get Executive Lounge access and breakfast is in the lounge)

Now we’re talking.

You get a free night at Park Lane, usually 80,000 Hilton HHonors points and which usually does not include lounge access.  You get access to what I am sure will be a pretty good party at the Galvin restaurant on the top floor, which has amazing views.  And, frankly, even if you don’t need dating advice from Fred you can join him for a cocktail and chat about his role as Maitre’D at Galvin.

This is well worth 50,000 points although the bids may go higher.  I am pretty sure it would have died a death if I hadn’t mentioned it.

(Of course, when you think about it, the package is bizarre.  If you need dating advice, you probably don’t have a +1 for the party who you’d want to share your free bed later that evening!  I suppose you could take another single friend and ask for a twin room …. or perhaps go on your own on the basis it might be a good party ….)

As it happens, I will be next door at the InterContinental Park Lane that night at an IHG event, so if a HfP reader wins I am happy to pop across to join you for a drink in the lounge.

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How to earn Hilton Honors points and status from UK credit cards (April 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.

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.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 30th April 2025, the annual fee on the basic Hilton Honors debit card is halved from £60 to £30. The sign-up bonus is also easier to earn – you need to spend £1,000 either in the UK or abroad within three months. The usual bonus rule requires you to spend the full £1,000 outside the UK.

NEW: Hilton Honors Plus Debit

10,000 bonus points, Hilton Gold status and NO FX fees Read our full review

NEW: Hilton Honors Debit

2,500 bonus points, 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 American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

The Platinum Card from American Express

80,000 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 Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

and for small business owners:

• American Express Business Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Business Platinum (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.