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 (April 2024)

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

Do you know that 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.

Did you know that the Virgin Atlantic credit cards are a great way of earning Hilton Honors points? Two Virgin Points can be converted into three Hilton Honors points. The Virgin Atlantic cards are the only Visa or Mastercard products in the UK which can indirectly earn Hilton Honors points. You can apply here.

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)

and for small business owners:

• American Express Business Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Business Platinum (40,000 bonus Amex points)

The conversion rate from American Express to Hilton 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. 

(Want to earn more hotel points?  Click here to see our complete list of promotions from the major hotel chains or use the ‘Hotel Offers’ link in the menu bar at the top of the page.)