The ultimate Hilton Honors and Formula 1 points redemption

I often write about how some ‘experiences’ redemptions offered by the hotel groups go very cheaply because they are not well described in the headline, and the real value only emerges when you drill down.

There is one of those going at the moment.  If you search Hilton Auctions, you will see (click for the direct page) “MCLAREN VIP EXPERIENCE IN SILVERSTONE: SUNDAY RACE DAY + MCLAREN THEMED ROOM“

On the face it, interesting but not exceptional. 

This is what you actually get:

You and your guest will fly to the Silverstone Circuit in a private helicopter, where you will be hosted in the premium McLaren hospitality suite, situated above the team’s garage, with the best view in motorsport of the pit-lane and start/finish straight. There is no better place to see and hear the cars up close as they fly by at speeds in excess of 200mph, and the teams perform their pit stops a couple of meters below your feet. Your ultimate VIP experience with McLaren will also include a tour of the McLaren garage where you will be able to have your photo taken next to the cars, as well as driver appearances and access to pit-lane walks. 

You’ll also be treated to a stay in a themed room at The Trafalgar St James, London decorated with McLaren memorabilia, including race overalls, drivers’ helmets, steering wheels, tires and model cars, as well as much more! This iconic hotel offers chic urban spaces, is located directly on Trafalgar Square and has a popular Rooftop bar with incredible views of London. 

This package for two (2) includes:
– Access to the Rolex British Grand Prix race on Sunday, July 8, 2018
– VIP hospitality with the McLaren Formula One Experience
– Pit-lane access
– Tour of the McLaren garage to see the cars up close
– Driver appearance
– Private round-trip helicopter transportation to and from Silverstone Circuit on July 8, 2018
– Two night stay in McLaren themed room at The Trafalgar St. James London, Curio Collection by Hilton from July 7-9, 2018, including daily breakfast

Not bad.  At the time of writing the highest bid is 550,000 Hilton Honors points.  OK, that sounds like a lot – it is a lot – but you would only get £1,800 of free hotel rooms for that.

I doubt that you could actually buy the package I detailed, but I’m sure if you could you would be looking at £10,000+.  Private helicopter charter doesn’t come cheap.

Bidding closes on 30th May.

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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.