DoubleTree Westminster re-opens as The Westminster, Curio Collection

Hilton’s DoubleTree Westminster re-opened yesterday with a new name, The Westminster, and a new Hilton brand – Curio Collection.

The hotel has been fully refurbished during its closure (room photo above).

All 464 rooms now come with 50 inch TV’s, high-pressure rainfall showers and Nespresso machines.

The restaurant will be replaced on 1st June by the second London branch of STK, a fine dining steakhouse with its own bowling alley! Guests also have the option of visiting Bao Yum Café, which serves steamed bao buns and Taiwanese small plates.

The new website is here.

The Westminster is the fourth Curio Collection hotel in London alongside The Trafalgar St James, 100 Queens Gate and Lincoln Plaza. (EDIT: either Hilton can’t count or something is up – they forgot to include the Hart in Shoreditch.)

Curio is a brand focused on high-end, often independently managed, hotels which want to be part of the Hilton ‘system’ without diligently following every rule in a brand manual.

In general we have been impressed by the Curio hotels we have seen although the portfolio seems to have a high level of churn – independent hotels seem to try it for a couple of year and, if it isn’t adding value, pull out.

You can find out more on this page of hilton.com.

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How to earn Hilton Honors points and status from UK credit cards (August 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 reviewed the Hilton Honors Debit Card here.

You can apply for either card here.

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 The Platinum Card from American Express in detail here and you can apply here.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th October 2025, the sign-up bonus on The Platinum Card from American Express is increased to 80,000 Membership Rewards points. This would convert to 160,000 Hilton Honors points! The spend target is changed to £10,000 within SIX months of approval. T&C apply. 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 Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• The American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th October 2025, the sign-up bonus on the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card is doubled to 40,000 Membership Rewards points. This would convert to 80,000 Hilton Honors points! The spend target is changed to £5,000 within SIX months of approval. T&C apply. Click here to apply.

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)

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th October 2025, the sign-up bonus on The American Express Business Gold Card is TRIPLED to 60,000 Membership Rewards points. This would convert to 120,000 Hilton Honors points! The spend target is changed to £6,000 within three months of approval. The card remains free for the first year. T&C apply. Click here to apply.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th October 2025, the sign-up bonus on The American Express Business Platinum Card is increased to 120,000 Membership Rewards points. This would convert to 240,000 Hilton Honors points! The spend target is changed to £12,000 within three months of approval. T&C apply. Click here to apply.

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.