Bits: Hilton Weekends sale on, good Marriott Moments events launched

News in brief:

Hilton weekend sale now on for Hilton Honors members

Hilton has launched a week-long pre-sale event of its major ‘Weekends’ sale for Hilton Honors members.

You can see full details on the Hilton website here.

The main sale kicks off on 14th November and will be accompanied by heavy advertising.  Hilton Honors members – and if you’re not a member, you can join for free at hilton.com – can book the European hotels (not the African or Middle East hotels) now before the PR push.

Here are the headline details:

Valid for participating hotels in the UK and Europe

Discounts are up to 25% off ‘Best Available Rate’ and ‘Best Available Rate With Breakfast’

Bookings are non-changeable and non-refundable (so, let’s be honest, it isn’t a full 25% discount as a non-refundable rate is usually 10% cheaper anyway)

You must book at hilton.com here 

Bookings valid for WEEKEND STAYS at any point between now and the end of 2018

Given that you can book for the whole of next year, you may be able to lock in a deal for any weddings or other events which you know are coming up.

We will take another look at the sale when it opens up and adds the Middle East and Africa properties next week.

The photo below is the new Hilton Tallinn Park which we reviewed here.

PS.  American Express has launched a new Hilton cashback deal, offering £50 back when you spend £250 at selected UK and European hotels.  More on this tomorrow, but if you are booking today then look in the ‘Offers’ section of your online Amex statement first to see if you have it and can opt in.  It is, in theory, only valid on ‘pay on departure’ rates though.

A couple of Marriott Rewards Moments of interest

Marriott Rewards Moments, the ‘special events’ redemption option, has added a couple of London events which might be of interest.

First up is a high value New Years Eve package.  This won’t go cheap but, at 150,000 Marriott Rewards points at the time of writing (it is an auction item) it is arguably decent value.

You’re bidding on a New Year’s Eve champagne reception and five course dinner with paired wines at the Marriott County Hall, a room for two nights with a Big Ben view, in-room breakfast, afternoon tea and a bottle of champagne on arrival.  You will also, of course, have an outstanding view of the New Year’s Eve fireworks display.

The second package is far sillier but has a hidden extra benefit.  For 30,000 Marriott Rewards points – this is a fixed price – you get a private hour-long cookery class for two people at the Marriott County Hall to learn how to make the perfect Christmas Pudding!

The package also comes with a champagne afternoon tea (the champagne is ‘unlimited’) for two people before the lesson.  I would value 30,000 Marriott Rewards points at £150.  Given that the afternoon tea would usually cost £92 including service for two people, it isn’t a bad package overall.

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How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (March 2025)

There are various ways of earning Marriott Bonvoy points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

The official Marriott Bonvoy American Express card comes with 20,000 points for signing up, 2 points for every £1 you spend and 15 elite night credits per year.

You can apply here.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express

20,000 points for signing up and 15 elite night credits each year Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points by converting American Express Membership Rewards points at the rate of 2:3.

Do you know that holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Marriott Bonvoy Gold status for as long as they hold the card?  It also comes with Hilton Honors 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 Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly:

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

and for small business owners:

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

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 8th April 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Business Gold is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 60,000 points. You receive 40,000 points when you spend £6,000 within three months and a further 20,000 points if you spend on the card between Month 14 and Month 17. Points convert 1:1 into Avios and many other programmes. Click here to apply.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 8th April 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Business Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to 120,000 points. You receive 80,000 points when you spend £12,000 within three months and a further 40,000 points if you spend on the card between Month 14 and Month 17. Points convert 1:1 into Avios and many other programmes. Click here to apply.

The conversion rate from American Express to Marriott Bonvoy points is 2:3.

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