First Time Enjoying My Hilton Honors Gold Status Membership
When it comes to hotels, there is another world of rewards, loyalty programs, and exclusivity. Some of these rewards can be hidden in plain sight, such as through a door to a private sky lounge in a Hilton Hotel that you may have glimpsed when someone was walking in or out.
If you want access to these behind-the-scenes, exclusive rooms and available sky lounges, you need to look into the Hilton Honors program.
This program is free to join, and you can build up to various status levels.
Enter The Hilton Honors Program
When you join the Hilton Honors program, you gain access to lower member rates, free Wi-Fi, the ability to earn and use points, exclusive app features, member benefits, and the ability to earn free night stays.
There are different status tiers, each with its own benefits:
Hilton Honors Member Level Status
Requirements: signup for program (0-6 nights)
Even if you just sign up on the website, you can enjoy perks right away. These include a discounted rate when booking through the Hilton website, points accumulation, free Wi-Fi, and access to curated experiences that elevate your stay. Digital check-ins and check-outs make it easy when you’re on the go, as does the digital key for participating hotels.
Hilton Honors Silver Member Status
Requirements: 7+ nights
If you accumulate a week’s worth of stays, you’ll move up to the next level of rewards. This includes earning 20% more bonus points, receiving free bottles of water, getting a fifth night free, enjoying elite rollover nights, and all the perks available at the Member level.
Hilton Honors Gold Member Status
Requirements: 28+ nights
At this level, you’ll experience even more added benefits. You can earn 80% more bonus points on stays, helping you accumulate points faster. If rooms are available, you’re eligible for a free upgrade. Additionally, you could enjoy daily food and beverage credits or complimentary continental breakfast at non-U.S. hotels.
Hilton Honors Diamond Member Status
Requirements: 42+ nights
If you travel frequently for work or personal reasons and achieve Diamond status, your experience becomes even more exclusive. At this level, you get milestone bonuses, 100% bonus points on earnings, room upgrades, access to executive lounges, diamond status extensions, premium Wi-Fi, 48-hour room guarantees, and elite status gifting.
As you can see, the more nights you stay, the higher you climb on the status ladder, unlocking more benefits.
Looking to Fast-Track to Hilton Honors Gold?
There’s a simple and easy way to do it: Apply for the right credit card. Who knows? You might already have the right one without realizing it, and you could be missing out on a great opportunity to enhance your travel experience.
How To Fast-Track to the Hilton Honors Gold Status
Simply put, if you are looking to fast-track right to Gold Status, you are going to need the right credit card partner.
The quickest way that I have personally found that gets your Hilton Honors’ Gold Status is by applying for an American Express Platinum Credit Card or an American Express Business Platinum Card in Canada.
Click the link to sign up for your American Express Platinum Card
Step-By-Step Guide To Sign Up For A Hilton Honors Gold Status through your American Express Platinum Card
Step 1. Sign up and receive your American Express Platinum Card
Step 2. Register now to join the free Hilton Honors program and after you create your account, you will receive a Hilton Honors membership ID number.
Step 3. Head to the American Express Hilton Honors Gold Status Benefit Page and use the copied ID membership number and enrol in the program.
It could take a few business days to fully be accepted into the Hilton Honors Gold Status program, so if you’re planning to use it for an upcoming trip, allow up to three business days before booking your travel.
How to Book a Hotel For Your Trip as a Hilton Honors Gold Member
If you want to book a hotel room for your upcoming trip and ensure you’re earning points on future stays, always book through the Hilton website while logged into your Hilton Honors account. Most third-party websites won’t offer the same perks, as you’re considered a customer of the third party, not Hilton.
Book Your Hotels The Hilton Website To Earn Points and Rewards
It’s best to always book through the Hilton website if you are looking to gain points, nights toward your next status level and perks.
My First Experience As a Hilton Honors Gold Status Member
I was traveling to London, UK, for the week and decided to explore Manchester. I’ve always wanted to go—its rich and competitive sporting history, music scene, hospitality, sights, and sounds make it an exciting destination. I would definitely recommend it, especially if you enjoy the nightlife.
So, I took the train into Manchester to stay at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate for the night.
Upon arrival, I noticed a separate check-in desk for Hilton Honors members. The line was much shorter, and I quickly checked in.
The first thing they mentioned was that, given the hotel’s current capacity, I was upgraded to an Executive Suite located on the 20th floor out of 23 floors. That was perfect because, before exploring the city, I wanted to take in the view. Being 20 floors up gave me a great perspective of the city.
They also informed me that with my status, I had access to the exclusive Eros 23 members lounge on the 23rd floor, where soft drinks and small snacks were available. Around 6:00 pm, alcoholic beverages were served with light fare. I’m sure most guests didn’t even know about the members lounge on the 23rd floor.
They also offered me late check-out at 2:00 pm and a free buffet breakfast—fantastic!
The Eros23 Members Lounge at The Hilton Manchester Deansgate
Imagine being 23 floors up, swiping your keycard and being greeted by a friendly staff member, and enjoying some refreshments and snacks while taking in the view. I had a glass of refreshing Prosecco to celebrate my arrival, accompanied by chicken skewers and a vegetable platter. It instantly helped me relax and forget the long commute from London.
The lounge was a perfect place to unwind, take loved ones, or even conduct business. I was able to make calls and respond to emails in a comfortable setting.
The lounge was open until 8:00 pm and reopened at 7:00 am for coffee and small bites. I spent my morning writing articles, snapping pictures of the view, and enjoying my lungo espresso.
After a great night’s sleep, I spent some time in the pool and hot tub before exploring more of Manchester.
Before my three-hour train ride back to London the next day, I felt refreshed, energized by the buffet breakfast, and ready for a full day of sightseeing.
An Unexpected and Pleasant Addition To The Trip
If you travel often, Hilton Honors Gold Status is a fantastic travel companion. It not only elevates your stay but truly enhances the experience. The Hilton Honors program feels like a more holistic experience, from lounge access and water in your room after a long day of travel to stunning views and free continental breakfast to fuel your day ahead.
Will every hotel have the same experience?
Likely not, every hotel will be slightly different. Some of the Hilton Hotels offer various different experiences.
Some may have these particular lounges in the sky, some may not. It’s on a case-by-case basis. Either way, it makes me look forward to booking and staying at Hilton hotels in the future to see what exclusive experiences they have as well. It was a very enjoyable experience and something I definitely recommend to travellers that are in a place to obtain or already have the exclusive American Express Platinum Card.
If you would like more information about the Hilton Honors Gold Status program, be sure to visit their website.
If you would like to sign up for American Express Platinum Card so you can fast-track your status to a Gold Status, sign up now.
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