New Marriott and Hilton ‘experiences’ redemptions available

It has been great to see the major hotel groups bringing back their ‘experiences’ redemptions in recent months.

My wife and I had a lovely day at the Hurlingham Club recently watching Rafa Nadal and other tennis players in the Giorgio Armani Classic tournament.

This was an excellent event with full VIP hospitality which cost us just 27,500 Marriott Bonvoy points for two people.

I also made two trips to the Accor Live Limitless dining experience at Taste of London – one with my wife, one with Rhys (different chefs!) – where we got a champagne reception and a meal with paired wines for just 3,000 Accor Live Limitless points for two. Frankly, the goodie bags alone – packed with high-end foodstuffs – were worth 3,000 Accor points.

The following events came up for booking yesterday at the O2 in London via Marriott Bonvoy:

• Christina Aguilera on 5th August (50,000 points for two people in the Bonvoy suite)

• Diljit Dosanjh on 12th August (30,000 points for two people in the Bonvoy suite)

• Prof Brian Cox on 31st August (30,000 points for two people in the Bonvoy suite)

The Marriott Moments website is here.

If you want to learn more about the programme, our full review of Marriott Bonvoy is here.

Hilton Honors has also added a VIP package auction for the first day of the England vs South Africa test match on 25th August to its current cricket auctions – see here. This is at Old Trafford in Manchester, image above.

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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.