Huge warning over Hilton Honors rewards program: ‘It is a joke’

The Hilton Hotel’s rewards program is under fire.

Gary Leff, from View From The Wingcriticized Hilton Honors as “a low-value program,” explaining that points are typically worth just 0.4 cents.

He also noted that while Hilton hands out large numbers of points to guests, the cost of redeeming them – even for mid-range properties – can be “stratospheric.”

Hilton’s competitors often offer a better return on points earned per stay, he said.

Leff states that Hilton gets away with this weak offering by having promotions that “keep you on the treadmill.”

Hilton Honors customers have also expressed their frustrations on Reddit one saying: ‘I feel like it’s a joke. What do I actually get, a few extra points if I stay that are pretty much worthless.”

Even elite members face frustrations.

According to Leff, Hilton Honors’ Diamond status does not guarantee suite upgrades even when they are available – a key benefit offered by many competing loyalty programs.

Also, there is no guaranteed late check-out or even breakfast, only a food and beverage credit which may not be enough to fully cover the costs.

The one benefit of Hilton Honors, Leff said, is that the points can be redeemed for stays at Small Luxury Hotels, a group of individual luxury hotels and boutique hotels around the world.

Most SLH member hotels accept Hilton membership points under a partnership between the two groups.

Hilton free night certificates can be redeemed at these hotels and according to View From The Wing, all Hilton elite members get their 5th night free upon redemption.

Additionally, Gold and Diamond members receive complimentary breakfast at SLH properties.

Points programs are becoming increasingly popular among consumers, whether it’s airline miles or credit card rewards.

Americans can now earn rewards points when they buy a home, as we reported last month.

However, the constant urge to earn more points means that more people end up in debt.

Experts have warned those with credit card balances to prioritize paying down debt, as the cost of high interest rates on card balances far outweighs the value of any rewards.

The Hilton Hotel points program is considered “low value” by one travel expert

Trying to cash back and earn airline miles while paying high interest on credit card debt is like “running on a backwards moving treadmill.” according to Bankratewho conducted the research.

Rewards programs and the associated credit cards are extremely popular among Americans.

Any change that removes benefits, provides worse value, or makes it harder to claim status will face customer backlash.

Last June, American Airlines reversed a controversial decision that would have made it much more difficult to earn airline miles.

The airline planned to limit which tickets purchased through third parties – such as travel agents or online booking sites – were eligible to earn AAdvantage miles and loyalty points.

Such a move would have prevented flyers from earning points when they book with many third-party travel sites, which can be cheaper.

In September 2023, Delta Air Lines was also forced to make an about-face after a controversial decision to restrict its rewards program and access to airport lounges last year.

The airline previously caused a major backlash when it announced plans to limit the number of entries into its lounges and tighten the qualification criteria for customers to earn frequent flyer status.

CEO Ed Bastian admitted that the airline has “gone too far” with the proposed changes.

But even the watered-down changes – which will take effect on February 1 this year – are causing unease among frequent customers.