Race against McLaren Formula 1 driver Lando Norris with Hilton Honors Experiences

The options to use your hotel and airline points for ‘experience’ packages has been thin on the ground recently, with latest lockdown measures putting an end to large sporting events and concerts.

Long-term readers will know that Rob is a big fan of these events, especially redeeming Emirates Skywards miles for the Emirates VIP box at Arsenal and Marriott Moments points for the Marriott box at the O2 Arena.

Hilton Honors Experiences launched something new today which can be done from home.

It is giving you the opportunity to race 20-year old British Formula 1 driver Lando Norris for 25,000 Hilton Honors points. Virtually.

The 45 minute race will place on Wednesday 18th November, I assume in the evening. 15 packages are available.

You need the Codemasters F1 2020 game for PC to take part:

“Open to PC/Steam platform only. Requires a PC and a copy of Codemasters F1 2020 game to enter. Recommended that participants use a wheel and pedal set compatible with the F1 2020 game and PC platform to participate. Standard controllers also usable however less optimal to benefit from McLaren Shadow training sessions. All assists and drivers’ levels will be accommodated.”

Granted, this is a bit of a niche opportunity given the requirement to own a copy of the game (£39.99 on Amazon) but it may be worth it for you if you’re a big F1 fan and/or you want to have the opportunity to “interact with Lando himself”.

15 packages are available on a first come first served basis on the Hilton Honors website here.

Participants must be 18+.

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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.