You have three new high-end Hilton hotel options in Sardinia (one with just 22 rooms)

The Italian island of Sardinia is becoming a hot spot for Hilton and Hilton Honors.

A couple of weeks ago, the group added The Local Porto Rotondo and Baia di Chia Resort, both of which joined Curio Collection by Hilton.

It has also signed the hotel which will become Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia from next Summer.

The Local Porto Rotondo, above, could well be the smallest Hilton hotel in the world with only 22 rooms. It is a 15 minute drive from Olbia airport.

It is described as:

“nestled on a tranquil hillside with beautiful views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and is just minutes away from the white sandy beaches of the sought-after Costa Smeralda. Its location will offer easy access to hiking trails, outdoor excursions, golf clubs, cultural attractions and entertainment venues and is just a few kilometres away from charming Porto Cervo.”

It is not a new hotel but joined Curio after a renovation. It is:

“the perfect accommodation for travellers wanting an intimate, authentic experience in a peaceful setting, away from the hustle and bustle of busy tourist spots. Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed into modern and minimalistic guest rooms, many of which offer spacious ocean view terraces.”

I am struggling to find any reward space for this Summer – at most, it will obliged to make one room per night available. Given the €500+ room rates it will be excellent value even at the maximum 95,000 points.

The Local Porto Rotondo website is here.

The second new opening, and the upcoming Conrad, are also conversions and are both based at the same resort called Chia Laguna.

Baia di Chia – see its independent website here and photo above – was named “Mediterranean’s Leading Family Resort 2020”. It also has its own Hilton website which is here.

The hotel does not seem to have undergone any sort of refurbishment before relaunching as a Curio.

The Conrad will take over what is currently the 5-star Hotel Laguna. It will receive:

“an extensive renovation that will update and enhance all guest rooms, common areas, restaurants and bars to be in line with Conrad’s refined yet contemporary brand aesthetic”

…. before reopening in 2022.

As you can see above, it also looks pretty good.

Historically, the big hotels brands have struggled to manage properties which only open for short Summer seasons. We need to see how these work out for Hilton.

The Hilton branding should deliver more conference and incentive business which could allow the season to extend. Both Chia Laguna hotels are surprisingly small with under 200 rooms between them.

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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.