Hilton opens a Warner Brothers hotel in Abu Dhabi

An interesting new Hilton property has opened in Abu Dhabi, as part of Hilton’ ‘Curio Collection’. Curio is a group of upmarket independent hotels which want to benefit from the reach of the Hilton ‘system’ and agree in return to offer Hilton Honors points and respect elite member benefits.

Hilton is having success at attracting hotels which I assumed wouldn’t actually want to be linked to a big chain.

In Las Vegas, the new Virgin Hotel is actually part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, which technically makes it part of two chains at once.

The WB Abu Dhabi

Based on Yas Island, ‘The WB Abu Dhabi’ lets you ‘step into the world of Warner Brothers’. If you look at the website you’ll see plenty of Bugs Bunny, Batman and other memorabilia scattered across the rooms and public areas.

It is described as:

“Play or relax, with a ‘dive-in’ theatre, spa, kids club, splash pad, two pools, and five dining outlets. Keep an eye on popular characters. Perfectly located across the plaza to Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, we are next door to Yas Waterworld and five minutes’ drive from Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Daily access to Yas Island theme parks is included with your stay.”

With theme park tickets included, this could be a good base for anyone with young children. You could potentially mix and match with a beach hotel for the rest of your stay.

Full details of The WB Abu Dhabi are on the Hilton website here.

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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.