What I found inside Hilton’s ‘Innovation Gallery’ in Washington

Just outside Washington DC, just off the lobby in the Hilton McLean Tysons Corners hotel – directly next to the Hilton global HQ – is the Hilton Innovation Gallery.

Opened late last year, it is a 4300 sq ft space where Hilton highlights its new ideas.  These are not necessarily things which are destined to make it into hotels in the future, but it showcases new ideas and new ways of thinking.  It also highlights new projects currently underway in the group.

I had a tour of the space last week.  Here are a few things from the Hilton Innovation Gallery which I personally found interesting.  The first two are already happening, whilst the bottom three are just concepts at the moment which may never be used.

Amazon Lockers

These are already in place at 100 Hilton properties in the US, allowing guests to receive packages.  The real value is for resort properties.  Why travel with nappies, baby milk, sun cream etc when you can order it via Amazon Prime and have it waiting for you at your arrival?

Five Feet To Fitness

This is a ‘hotel gym in a room’ concept which is currently being trialled.  Your bedroom is, basically, a gym with specially designed equipment which won’t disturb your neighbours.  The idea is that a hotel will have a couple of these rooms as part of their overall inventory.

Natural Walls

The picture below isn’t very obvious.  It is a hotel bedroom with the wall made of Swedish moss.  It does not require watering, drawing moisture from the air.  It improves air quality in the room.

The Chest Which Becomes A Table

We were quite impressed by this one.  I should have taken a ‘before’ picture too.  The seat area of the table below pushes back into the cabinet.  Similar, the table top splits into two and swings back against the wall, creating a 2nd top and side for the cabinet unit.  Voila – you have a dining table for two or four which takes up virtually no extra space than the cupboard unit.

Projector

Hotel TV sets may now be thin, but do you need them at all?  This hotel bedlight doubles up as a wi-fi projector.  It can project a TV picture onto the wall opposite, or content from your mobile device.

There is a lot more going on which I didn’t photograph, including in-room cocktail makers.  Some of it is more simple, such as wireless charging units for smartphones built into desktops or table tops.

It isn’t all ‘tech’, reflecting the fact that simple innovations like the Amazon lockers can also make a difference.  Hilton has also installed a virtual reality simulator which gives potential franchisees or developers views of typical rooms.

You can’t, unfortunately, just walk in to the Innovation Gallery if you are in McLean on business.  If you book into the hotel, however, you might find some of the ideas being tested out in your room, and if you speak to the staff they may let you take a peek.

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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.