Hilton has possibly the most flexible and easy to use free night certificates of any major hotel chain. You can use them for a standard room at almost any Hilton property worldwide, regardless of what the nightly cost is in cash or points. Originally, these certs were only applicable towards weekend stays, but during the pandemic, Hilton made them available for use any day of the week, a change that was made permanent in 2022.
Some of my most memorable hotel stays of the last few years have involved Hilton free night certificates. Last year, my wife and I were finally able to go to the marvelous Zemi Beach House in Anguilla, perched by itself on a stunning stretch of Caribbean beach on which we could sometimes walk for a mile without seeing another soul. A couple of years before that, we spent an idyllic week at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, where we swam with whale sharks and watched reef sharks swim beneath our overwater plunge pool. There’s many more great opportunities out there.
This post aims to serve as resource for folks looking for ideas on the best places to use their free night certificates. Outside of a couple of historic properties, each hotel in this list has a Tripadvisor and/or Google reviews rating of 4.5 or above. I also didn’t include any properties whose standard rooms price below 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night. Most of the comments included below come from members of our Frequent Milers Insiders group while the unattributed ones are mine. We will update this page regularly to include new opinions, bottom line reviews and additional properties.
How to earn Hilton free night certificates
The Hilton credit cards below all offer various paths to free night certificates. These certs are highly valuable since they can be used at almost any Hilton property in the world. However, these certificates can only be used for a standard room reward…regardless of the points price, they cannot be used towards a Premium Room Reward. It also should be noted that standard room award availability can be very hard to find at some properties.
Hilton Aspire
Earns at least one free night every year. The first certificate is awarded 8-12 weeks after approval. Additional free nights after $30K and $60K spend in a calendar year.
| Card Offer and Details |
|---|
Limited Time Offer: 175K Points + free night certificate ⓘ Friend-Referral 175K after $6K spend in first 6 months. Free night certificate every year - first certificate is awarded 8-12 weeks after approval. Terms apply. (Offer Expires 7/31/2024)$550 Annual Fee After clicking through, be sure to select the card you want on the next page. Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. FM Mini Review: This card is loaded with valuable perks that are more than worth the card's annual fee if you stay in Hilton resorts at least twice per year. Earning rate: ✦ 14X Hilton spend ✦ 7X US restaurants, flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, select car rental companies ✦ 3X on all other eligible purchases ✦ Terms & Limitations Apply. Card Info: Amex Credit Card issued by Amex. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: Additional free night awards after $30K and $60K spend in calendar year Noteworthy perks: ✦Annual Free Night Reward every year upon renewal ✦ Free Diamond Status ✦ Up to $400 Hilton Resort Credit per membership year ($200 semi-annually) ✦ $200 Flight Credit ($50 per quarter for purchases directly with airlines or via Amex Travel) ✦ $100 on-property credit w/ Aspire Card package ✦ Terms Apply. See Rates & Fees See also: Amex Hilton Aspire In-Depth Review |
Hilton Surpass
Earns a free night after $15K spend each calendar year.
| Card Offer and Details |
|---|
Limited Time Offer: 130K points + Free Night Certificate ⓘ Affiliate 130K points + free night certificate after $3K spend within the first 6 months. Terms apply. (Offer Expires 7/31/2024)$150 Annual Fee After clicking through, be sure to select the card you want on the next page. Recent better offer: None, this is the best that we've seen. FM Mini Review: Easy way to secure Hilton Gold status (which offers free breakfast among other perks). Those who want Diamond status may be better off with the Aspire card. Earning rate: ✦ 12X Hilton spend ✦ 6X U.S. restaurants, US Supermarkets, and US gas stations ✦ 4X U.S. Online Retail Purchases ✦ 3X on all other eligible purchases Base: 3X (1.44%) Dine: 6X (2.88%) Gas: 6X (2.88%) Grocery: 6X (2.88%) Shop: 4X (1.92%) Brand: 12X (5.76%) Card Info: Amex Credit Card issued by Amex. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: ✦ Free night award after $15K spend in calendar year ✦ Diamond elite status with $40K calendar year spend ✦ Terms apply Noteworthy perks: Free Gold status. Diamond status w/ $40K spend. ✦ Up to $200 in Hilton credits ($50 per quarter) ✦ Terms Apply. (Rates & Fees) |
![](http://cdn.nextinsure.com/imaging/opt/0fb236dd-aecb-49ed-9f28-94aaf0efd9a2.png?w=300" alt="Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card" />)
Hilton Business
Earns a free night after $15K spend in a calendar year and another after $60K spend.
| Card Offer and Details |
|---|
130K Points ⓘ Affiliate 130K after $6K spend in first 6 months. Terms apply. $195 Annual Fee Recent better offer: 175K points after $8K spend in 6 months [Expired 6/5/24] FM Mini Review: Easy way to secure Hilton Gold status (which offers free breakfast among other perks). Amex business cards do not count towards 5/24 status so will not hurt chances of applying for Chase cards. Earning rate: ✦ 12X Hilton spend ✦ 5X on other eligible purchases (on the first $100K in purchases per calendar year, 3X thereafter). ✦ For eligible purchases made from March 28, 2024 through June 30, 2024: 6X on Select Business & Travel Purchases (flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel; car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies; US restaurants; US gas stations; wireless telephone services purchased directly from US service provider; US shipping purchases) Card Info: Amex Credit Card issued by Amex. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: Eligible purchases made through June 30, 2024 will count toward a Free Night Award after $15K spend within a calendar year and another Free Night Award after $60K spend. This benefit will no longer be available after June 30, 2024. Diamond elite status with $40K calendar year spend Noteworthy perks: ✦ Free Gold status. Diamond status w/ $40K spend. ✦ Up to $240 in annual credits for Hilton purchases (Up to $60 per quarter) ✦ National Car Rental Executive Status ✦ Terms Apply. (Rates & Fees) |
![](http://cdn.nextinsure.com/imaging/opt/a5e33401-8d6f-4ae8-b471-5da085075406.jpg?w=300" alt="The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card" />)
Best Uses for Hilton Free Night Certificates in the U.S.
(in parentheses is standard room points price/peak season cash price; $=less than $500/night, $$=$500-1000/night, $$$=$1000+/night)
Arizona
- Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (90,000/$$)
- “Fabulous. A lot of things to do on property from the pool, spa, pickle ball, golf and really happening outdoor bar. Got upgraded to a junior suite as a Diamond. Short Uber ride to Old Town.” – reader Marc
- Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Curio Collection (95,000/$)
- I stayed here years ago on a long weekend with my wife and liked it a lot. Standard rooms are separate cottages with woodburning fireplaces and it really feels like you’re in the middle of the Arizona rocks.
California
- Conrad Los Angeles (90,000/$-$$)
- Hilton Santa Monica (80,000/$)
- Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection (95,000/$-$$)
- “I don’t recommend the Hotel Del Coronado. We had an expiring cert so decided to use it up locally. They had opened a restaurant that we wanted to try. It was excellent. Otherwise, the stay was a disappointment. Our room was tight and parking was expensive. My memory says parking was somewhere between $40 and $50. The room was sufficiently disappointing that we went home.” – reader Carol
- “I am glad I am not the only one who thinks the same about Hotel Del Coronado. I have stayed there 4 times for an 5 nights each time before and after Hilton took it under their umbrella. Yes, it’s a historic hotel and it truly is amazing…but I was in an “updated” premium room with a huge balcony/terrace with direct view of the famous red roof and pool. The view was spectacular and the bathroom was nice…but the room was just average and kinda musty. I was given the option to pay for an upgrade to this room each time and I took it, only for the view. The last time I was there was 2018 so maybe they updated since. Especially at those prices. I do love historic hotels and maybe I should have stayed in the main building.” – reader PJ
- Oceana Santa Monica (105,000/$$$)
- “$1300 and up plus resort fees. FNC or points is beyond value to be ocean front on Santa Monica.” – reader Carmelita
- “Nice little LXR boutique in Santa Monica, suite upgrade over a weekend, fairly expensive for F/B but that’s the way the cookie crumbles. Very comfortable and had a peekaboo view of the Pacific.” – reader Robert
- “It’s a small, relaxed property, with spacious, comfortable rooms and an elegant feel; walking up to the lovely, ivy-strewn exterior feels like you’re entering a private club. That said, if I was paying $900 or 105,000 points per night to stay here, I couldn’t help but be underwhelmed; it feels like a hip, stylized renovation of an older motel. While I wouldn’t call it a destination to seek out, it was nice for a short getaway, and a decent place to burn some free night certificates.” – Read our full Bottom Line Review
- Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills (120,000/$$$)
- Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach (95,000/$$)
- This is a very nice and well run resort. We had a nice stay, but this style of resort isn’t really my thing: it’s very large (~400 guest rooms) and too perfectly manicured for my tastes. Everything at the resort, including the surrounding Dana Point area, was Disney-like perfect, but I prefer the more rugged beauty found in nature (like in Big Sur, for example). Still, the Waldorf Astoria resort (which used to be a St. Regis) did a great job of doing what they do (i.e. catering to the rich who like this sort of thing).” – Read our full Bottom Line Review here
Florida
- Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection (90,000/$$)
- Casa Marina Key West, Curio Collection (95,000/$-$$)
- Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach (95,000/$$)
- Hilton Bentley Miami South Beach (95,000/$-$$)
- Hilton Marco Island (95,000/$-$$)
- “Their award availability is usually pretty good and it’s right on the beach. The rooms are in good shape even if the bones of the place are old. Many of the restaurant/bar staff have been there 20+ years which tells me they treat them pretty well.” – reader Paul
- Waldorf Astoria Orlando (90,000/$$)
Georgia
- Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead (90,000/$-$$)
- “Double upgraded, wonderful staff, honored all diamond benefits even for the second night that was booked through FHR.” – reader Daniel
Hawaii
- Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort (110,000/$$-$$$)
- “It’s got a fantastic pool complex, a nice beach and on the Wailea beach path/trail. That one night by itself paid for the full year’s AF on the Hilton card.” – reader James
- “I was going to be in Maui on vacation anyway and space opened up at Grand Wailea. It’s got a fantastic pool complex, a nice beach and on the Wailea beach path/trail. That one night by itself paid for the full year’s AF on the Hilton card.” – reader James
Illinois
- Waldorf Astoria Chicago (95,000/$$)
- “Fabulous hotel. We got upgrade to a suite, but base level room is also lovely. Id recommend it in the winter because every room has a beautiful fireplace. Spa, gym, pool are as nice as you can imagine!” – reader Vincent
New York
- Conrad New York Downtown (90,000/$-$$)
- “I’ve used 2 expiring FNC at the Conrad New York City Downtown (midtown was not available) and had terrible service experiences. These were a few years apart and under different management, but the lackluster stays were pretty consistent especially with the F&B in the restaurant. Follow up complaints went unanswered so took it to Hilton Corp. customer service. Midtown was unavailable so was stuck with this one. Never again…probably the most disappointing Conrad out there.” – reader matthewsf
- “I had the opposite experience, actually. Stayed at Downtown for my birthday in December. Staff was great, and the food in the bar wasn’t bad at all. Locations wasn’t ideal but it worked for us. We spent a lot of time in LES & Brooklyn, and the huge Revel credits they honored meant we had free Tesla rides everywhere, even to JFK from the hotel!” – reader veeRob
- Conrad New York Midtown (90,000/$$)
- Stayed at the midtown over Thanksgiving ‘22 and it was fantastic We used FNCs for 3 nights such a great location and they upgraded us to a suite.” – reader Michael
South Carolina
Utah
- Cliffrose Springdale, A Curio Collection (90,000/$)
- Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection (80,000/$)
- Waldorf Astoria Park City (110,000/$$$)
- “Rooms were $1,100 during ski season. Incredibly perfect ski hotel with a lift right out the back door and across the street.” – reader David
Washington, D.C.
Best Uses for Hilton Free Night Certs outside the U.S.
Mexico and the Caribbean
- Zemi Beach House- LXR Anguilla (110,000/$$-$$$)
- “We absolutely loved Zemi Beach House. This doesn’t feel like a Hilton in the best way possible and the fact that it’s bookable on points is incredible. The service is outstanding, full of unique touches that made us feel like we were constantly being cared for. I feel like a fanboy, but I can’t recommend Zemi enough. This place is great.” – Read our full Bottom Line Review here
- Hilton Rose Hall All-inclusive – Jamaica (95,000/$-$$)
- Conrad Punta de Mita (95,000/$$-$$$)
- Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya (100,000/$-$$)
- Hilton Aruba (80,000/$$)
- Hilton Cancun, All-inclusive (100,000/$$)
- Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe, All-Inclusive (100,000/$$)
- Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya, All-inclusive (80,000/$$)
- “The joy of free that came from booking my family of 4 at an All-Inclusive for no additional costs/fees beyond redeeming the certificates at the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-inclusive was great (and no extra points like some competitors)” – reader Brian
- Waldorf Astoria Cancun (110,000/$$)
- Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal (120,000/$$$)
- “The Waldorf Astoria Pedregal is a great property by almost any estimation. The location on the cliffside is stunning and it seems completely separate from the hubbub of Cabo San Lucas. The standard rooms are bigger than most suites, with balconies, private plunge pools and “fireplaces.” The service is exceptional. It probably goes without saying that I’d never even consider paying the cash price to stay here. However, it’s a terrific property overall and one that most folks who book with points or free night certificates will undoubtedly enjoy.” – Read our full Bottom Line Review here
- “Every room has an ocean view and a private pool!” – reader Adam
- “Average nightly rates are around $1500-2k/night. Rooms were spacious and service was immaculate. ” – reader Marianne
Africa and Middle East
- Mango House Seychelles, LXR – Seychelles (110,000/$$)
- Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa – Seychelles (95,000/$$)
- Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa – Seychelles (90,000/$-$$)
- “Visited the Hilton Labriz in the Seychelles in Feb 2023 for 5 nights. Had a great stay, good diving, lots of hikes on the island. Diamond breakfast was excellent, restaurants were pretty good, although I think we would have been a little bored with dining options if staying longer than 5-6 nights. Seemed to be family friendly, lots of kids in the pool every day.” – reader Kristin
- Katara Hills Doha, LXR (120,000/$$$)
- Maysan Doha, LXR (110,000/$$-$$$)
- Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah (80,000/$)
- We stayed in the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah in Feb 2023. Nice property but a bit generic, could have been anywhere in the world. Lovely pool, attentive staff, excellent breakfast spread. It’s pretty far out on the ‘palm’ so not the best location if you are visiting other parts of Dubai.
- Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem (95,000/$$)
- Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island (150,000/$$$)
Asia
- Conrad Bora Bora Nui (120,000/$$$)
- Conrad Koh Samui (95,000/$$-$$$)
- “Beautiful location, food is amazing, friendly staff and the views!” – reader Carmelita
- Conrad Maldives Rangali Island (120,000/$$$)
- “Conrad Maldives for our honeymoon was fantastic. It was during Covid and they upgraded us to a grand overwater villa for free which was insane” – reader Andrew
- Conrad Tokyo (95,000/$$)
- Hilton Maldives Amingiri (110,000/$$$)
- Hilton Tahiti (80,000/$-$$)
- Roku Kyoto, LXR (110,000/$$$)
- “Peak Cherry Blossom season. Rates were going for around $2300/night and I was able to get $150 in property credit as a Diamond member on top of getting $500 worth of resort credits from my 2 Aspire cards.” – reader Marianne
- Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi (150,000/$$$)
- Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund (80,000/$)
Europe
- Conrad London St James (80,000/$$)
- Stayed here several years ago and found it to be a wonderful property. Stylish rooms, terrific club lounge and the location is tough to beat. Service was on-point.
- Hilton Lake Como (90,000/$$)
- Le Hameau des Pesquiers Ecolodge & Spa, Curio Collection (90,000/$)
- “Near the southernmost point of the French Riviera, just east of Toulon. Based on TripAdvisor reviews, I expected it to be nice, but it is even nicer than I expected. It is family owned. The attention to detail and the service here are amazing. It is a unique, artsy hotel. It is small (less than 20 cars in the parking lot). Tip; If you like flowers come in late June through early August to see the lavender fields.” reader Gary P
- Maison Astor Paris, Curio Collection (80,000/$-$$)
- Roma Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel (80,000/$$-$$)
- Sea Breeze Santorini, Curio Collection (120,000/$-$$)
- Trafalgar St James, Curio Collection (80,000/$$)
- Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam (110,000/$$$)
- “Unbelievable hotel. Great location, amazing free breakfast as a Hilton Gold (access to buffet as well as one menu item), room was decadent. That stay was my gateway drug to bougie hotels.” – reader Andrea
- “Wonderful grounds and afternoon tea. Excellent breakfast. The first time I ever experienced heated floors!” – reader Julie
- “Never have had such luxury, from the moment we stepped inside to a sit down check in with refreshments and a cool towel. Incredible location and large room with heated bathroom floor. The history of the hotel itself is amazing as it is a combination of 6 monumental canal houses from the 1600’s.” – reader Iliana
- Waldorf Astoria Edinburg – The Caledonian (95,000/$$)
Frequently Asked Questions
What properties can a free night certificate be used for?
The value of a free night certificate is not limited, and can be used at almost any Hilton property worldwide. However, these certificates can only be used for a standard room reward. Keep in mind that at some of the most popular properties, like the Conrad Bora Bora and Waldorf Astoria Maldives, standard room rewards can sometimes be very difficult to find…but they do exist.
Can Hilton free night certificates be used any time?
In years past, credit card free night certificates were limited to weekend night use, but that changed during the pandemic (initially on a temporary basis and then eventually it became a permanent change). Now Hilton free night certificates can be used any night of the week. This additional flexibility makes them significantly more valuable.
What’s the best way to find standard award nights?
If you want to find periods where you can book nights at the standard award rate, Hilton makes that easy. When selecting your dates, choose any period but also select the ‘My Dates are Flexible’ check box. 
Then, under “special rates,” click the box that says “use points.”
On the search results screen, click ‘View Available Dates’ and the booking calendar will show you a monthly calendar displaying the nightly cost for the property that you choose. Many starting dates go for more than the standard cost per night due to Premium Room Rewards being the only option available, but you’ll be able to see the days where there is a standard room award.
How do I find Hilton free night certificates in my account?
Free night certificates can now be found on your main account dashboard when you log in at Hilton.com. You simply need to sign in and go to “My Account”. You may need to scroll down to find the section where free night certificates are displayed, including certificate numbers and expiration dates. This can be very handy as you will need the certificate number to book a reservation with your certificate.
Can I extend an expiring Hilton free night certificate?
Hilton free night certificates are valid for one year from date of issuance. The stay must be completed by the expiration date on the certificate (the expiration date is not just a “book by” date but rather a “consume by” date).
However, in 2022 we began receiving reports of some members getting extensions to free night certificates. Length of extensions have varied from a couple of weeks to a couple of months depending on the agent and situation. If you have a use in mind for your certificates beyond their current expiration dates, it may be worth calling to ask for an extension. More details can be found in this post: Got an expiring Hilton free night certificate? Maybe it can be extended (YMMV).
Reader Suggestions?
Have you stayed in any Hilton that’s a great value with a free night certificate and which you’d recommend? Have you stayed in any of these properties that we don’t have comments for (or that we do)? This post will grow and be updated based on readers who contribute their thoughts and experiences. Please comment below!
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[…] Let’s stay on the same track, the free night certs that is. The Hilton free night certs are much better, no category restrictions so go big! 60+ best places to use a Hilton Free Night Certificate worldwide. […]
Great article! Will be getting the FNC from Hilton via the Hilton Business card here by June of 2024 and was looking at Oceania as we can visit our son and stay there, but now I have a huge other list to look through. Thanks for the awesome content Tim!
Biltmore London is no longer with Hilton.
Thanks. Fixed.
Sooooo I was going to sell mine but since the hilton biz certs are getting nerfed I might enjoy one last blast. P2 and I mostly like off the beaten path areas when we travel or not at all (airbnbs or camping).
I have no idea where we should go any suggestions? Most of the stuff above is resorty which is just not our style
I love Hotel del Coronado… for a free walk. Great vibe. Save your FNC for somewhere truly luxurious.
Can we still use Hilton free night certificate to book for someone else? Have no success lately
what about Canada?
Most San Diegans get a little worked up when someone criticizes the Del too heavily, but the reality is, it’s a quirky place. I like it, but it isn’t going to be for everyone and staying there isn’t exactly vendoming. Indeed I could see how some would probably like it more to stay at something like the Hilton Bayfront and take the ferry over for the day to enjoy the public spaces.
You’re in an 1880’s Victorian that (in the original building at least) wouldn’t have had ensuite bathrooms originally (thus they’re kind of smashed in), oddities like floors that aren’t totally level, very non-standard floorplans from room to room, and arranged around a courtyard meaning only a subset of rooms have an ocean view.
For history buffs, another disappointment is that aside from the the lobby, the corridors and rooms themselves have very little historic detail. Indeed the hallways were designed to be quite spartan. The elevator is now automatic as well.
The good news is the Victorian building is in the latter stages of a remodel, whereas before a lot of the rooms had rather tired decor from a 1990s refresh.
Kauai Hyatt at Poipu Beach is also a nice place to redeem points for a free stay
I completely agree! This post is only about using Hilton Free Night Certificates, though. 🙂
I think I would add the Hilton in Dubrovnik. Thank you for this list.
Add Conrad Orlando that just opened.
The WA Beverly Hills is the best Hilton option in California IMO. Great rooms and views, excellent service. The food prices are through the roof, but my P2 enjoyed spotting NY celebrities at breakfast, ymmv. The rooftop pool is very nice and for guests only. Recommend uberring (using your Amex coupons) rather than renting a car and paying the steep valet prices.
I’ve never found a hotel that I would never ever go back to, until I spent a few days at the WA Amsterdam. From housekeeping spraying perfume on your pillow during downturn service to the breakfast waitstaff all but bowing when greeting us, we felt like we were in a church. It was all too much. There is such a thing as being too deferential. Yes, at 1200+ euros/night it is a good use of free night certificates. But if we could have checked out after the first night and gotten our certificates back, we would have. We knew we’d skip the remaining breakfasts once the waiter breathlessly told us the honey was from the beehive in the garden.
Guest composition was interesting. 9/10ths were Russian Oligarchs and their girlfriends. 1/10th were miles/points bros. Oligarchs/girlfriends sported uber expensive clothing/jewelry. Miles/points bros sported backpacks.
Sometimes there’s freedom in going against conventional wisdom.
I’ve learned that simply putting in a multiple date range is not good enough to see if FNCs will work. You have to check each night of your stay individually to ensure it still shows as standard award availability. I learned this trying to book Conrad London – they had standard availability for the full 6 days I wanted in June, but when the agent went to book, they couldn’t use FNCs cause when they tried to book each night individually, standard rooms went away. Complete shenanigans by Hilton on that front.
Just stayed at Hilton Mar Caribe All Inclusive, would never return. The management team is horrible, and the service is disgusting. Rooms are small and dirty. As a comparsion, we stayed at Hilton Cancun All Inclusive in 2021, and it was great. I heard Hilton Cancun’s service went down a bit now, but it is no where near the level of service Mar Caribe is at. Stay away.