Hilton launches (another) new hotel brand – Spark

Another day, another new hotel brand is launched by a big chain. Who knows what the practical limit is, given that some of the big groups now have over 30 brands? Accor has 43 brands, and is ‘high 30’s’ even if you strip out sister brands such as ibis Budget and ibis Styles.

Today’s launch is from Hilton, which has launched Spark.

It could well be interesting. Here’s the logo:

Here are the key things you need to know about Spark:

• it is a ‘premium economy’ hotel brand, whatever that means

• it is PURELY a conversion brand – there are no plans for new hotels to be built under the ‘Spark’ brand

• it will offer all guests a simple free breakfast (coffee, juice, bagel)

• all hotels will feature a 24/7 mini market in the lobby

• there are over 100 hotels ‘in development’ although the bulk appear to be in the US at present

Looking at the images, Spark appears to be aimed at the Travelodge end of the market. This is a space dominated by Wyndham and Choice in the US, and where Hilton, Marriott and IHG have tended to steer clear.

Called ‘a compelling investment option for owners’, Spark aims to provide ‘a simple, reliable and comfortable stay’ for every guest at an ‘accessible’ price.

Core brand characteristics will include ‘colourful statement walls’ and ‘energizing artwork’ in public areas and lots of ‘multi-functional seating, including rocking chairs’.

Room features include open wardrobes, a fridge, a ‘bright’ bathroom and a ‘multi-purpose work table’. The image below shows a table swinging out to increase in size:

Interestingly, Hilton claims that Spark will bring ‘consistency’, which is the factor it feels is missing from the economy end of the hotel market at present. This is interesting given that all Spark hotels will be conversions – with little ability to bring consistency to things such as room size – and implies that a substantial level of upgrading will be required.

Of course, if all hotels have to be refurbished before opening, they will be consistent in terms of ‘newness’ – although after a few years there will clearly be gaps opening up between the state of older and newer Spark hotels. There is no sign yet of when the first Spark will open.

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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.