News: IHG 5x points rumour, Hilton loses hotels in Glasgow, Maidstone and Arundel

News in brief:

Rumour of massive IHG bonus next week

If you are an IHG Rewards member, you will have had a cryptic email about a big Cyber Monday promotion.

The landing page is here but doesn’t say much. It does talk about a ‘biggest member event’ (cue laughter from our teenage male readers).

A couple of online forum comments are suggesting that IHG Rewards will be offering 5x bonus points for bookings on Monday and Tuesday. There is no link to the source of this, although it may be from a private IHG online community.

Based on our 0.4p valuation per IHG point and the earning rate of 10 points per $1 at most brands (13.4 per £1), 5x base points would mean that you’d be earning 27p of points per £1 of pre-tax spending. Status bonuses and promo bonuses would increase that further.

For clarity, this is purely a rumour at this point but you may want to hold off making any IHG bookings until Monday just in case.

Keep checking this page for more information.

Hilton to lose three UK hotels at the end of the year

Three Hilton-branded properties in the UK have announced that they are leaving the brand at the end of 2021.

The most significant is Hilton Glasgow Grosvenor, which is an iconic property in the city.

The second is one which I’d never actually heard of, although it looks like it could be attractive with some investment. Hilton Avisford Park in Arundel (89 acres of land including a golf course) is leaving the group on the same day, 31st December.

Finally, Hilton Maidstone in Kent will depart.

There is no word yet as to whether these hotels will operate independently or will be joining another group.

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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.