6 Best Hilton Beach Resorts
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Are you looking for the best Hilton beach resorts in the world? Happily, Hilton offers more than a few options for beach hotels. These run the gamut from overwater villas on stunning atolls to apartment-style accommodations steps away from the sand.
Here's a look at six of the best Hilton hotels on the beach, including several options located in the U.S.
It’s impossible to talk about fabulous Hilton beach resorts without talking about the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. Featuring a 2,000-foot-long pool and 40 acres of tropical gardens, this stunning hotel is located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
As is fitting for a high-end resort, room rates here are expensive; you can expect to pay upward of $1,400 per night for a standard king bed room.
However, you can also choose to redeem your Hilton Honors points for this hotel. In this case, you’ll be paying 110,000 points per night for the same room. At this rate, you’ll be redeeming your Hilton points for a value of 1.27 cents each, more than double our valuation of 0.5 cent per point.
If you’re looking for a less expensive option in Hawaii, you may also want to consider the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. Rooms can be had for $360 or 70,000 points per night.
» Learn more: Your guide to booking award nights with Hilton Honors
One of Hilton’s newer hotels and another Waldorf Astoria property, you’ll find easy flight connections to this Mexican resort. Although it’s perched on a cliffside, sandy beaches are still steps away. Even better? Each room comes with its own plunge pool — no upgrade required.
The high-end touches don’t end there, however. At a sprawling 856 square feet, the standard king bed room also features its own personal concierge, fireplace and complimentary tequila gift.
This property is more expensive than the Grand Wailea; after taxes and fees, you’ll be looking at a rate of more than $2,100 per night.
Redeeming points here is also possible; you’ll pay 120,000 points per night for a room, which comes with all the amenities mentioned above. At this rate, you’ll be redeeming your points for a value of 1.81 cents each.
» Learn more: What’s the value of Hilton points?
Looking for somewhere a little closer to home? Located in South Miramar Beach, Florida, this Hilton resort provides an excellent backdrop to the refreshing waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Featuring four golf courses and an award-winning spa, there isn’t much you’ll be missing here.
The Hilton Sandestin is more affordable than both of the above properties, coming in at just above $400 for a beach view room, including resort fees. These same rooms will otherwise cost 80,000 points per night, though be aware that resort fees are waived when redeeming points for a stay.
» Learn more: Hilton credit cards: Which one should you get?
No Hilton beach resort list is complete without the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. As expensive as it is luxurious, room options here include villas situated above reefs or directly over the water, each with an infinity pool. Spanning more than 3,000 square feet, each villa includes expansive bathrooms, an overwater hammock and accommodations for up to two adults and two children.
After taxes and fees, rooms cost over $3,000 per night, but you can also choose to redeem 150,000 Hilton points for a stay here. At this rate, you’ll be redeeming your Hilton points for a value of 2.07 cents per point, more than triple NerdWallet’s valuation.
The Maldives is a pretty far-flung destination, so it’s better to stay here longer if you can. When redeeming points, take advantage of Hilton’s 5th night free benefit to pay for four nights while staying for five.
The Waldorf isn’t the only Hilton resort in the Maldives; the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island also features overwater villas and allows you to redeem points. For a villa located on the beach, you’ll need to pay 120,000 points per night — though these rooms aren’t as luxurious as those at the Waldorf Astoria.
» Learn more: Which hotels offer an extra free night on award stays?
If Myrtle Beach is more your style, there are several beachfront options from which to choose. Among these, the Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean 22 stands out for its apartment-style accommodations. With 777 square feet of space, the one-bedroom king suite includes a full-sized kitchen, washer and dryer and a separate living room.
Rooms here can be affordable, especially considering you’re right on the water. Depending on when you’re traveling, you can book a suite for as low as $260 per night.
In contrast, using points at this resort won’t give you the greatest value. We didn't find any standard room rewards during our search, and premium room rewards begin at 104,000 points per night. At this rate, you’re redeeming your Hilton points for a value of just 0.25 cent each, half of what they’re worth.
» Learn more: How to earn and redeem Hilton free night certificates
Of course, we can’t forget to mention one of the world’s most famous beach resorts — which also is a Hilton property. The Hotel Del, as it’s affectionately called, has hosted guests such as Charlie Chaplin, President William Taft and Marilyn Monroe in its over 130 years of history.
Defined by its iconic red roof, rooms at this resort in San Diego can cost more than $900 per night. However, standard room rewards are available and can be had from just 95,000 points per night, netting you a redemption rate of 0.95 cent per point.
» Learn more: How to pool Hilton points to earn stays faster
Credit cards that earn Hilton points
If you're short on Hilton points, the quickest way to get them is to apply for a co-branded Hilton credit card and earn the welcome offer. In addition to the influx of points, the cards offer a lot of perks, from automatic elite status to free night awards, which you can also use at the above mentioned properties.
Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 6/5. Terms Apply.
$0.
$150.
$550.
$195.
• 7 points per $1 on eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• 5 points per $1 at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations.
• 3 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
• 12 points per $1 on eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• 6 points per $1 at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations.
• 4 points per $1 on U.S. online retail purchases.
• 3 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
• 14 points per $1 on eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• 7 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies.
• 7 points per $1 at U.S. restaurants.
• 3 points per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
• 12 points per $1 on eligible purchases with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• 5 points per $1 on other purchases made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year, 3 points per $1 thereafter.
Terms apply.
• Automatic Silver status, which gives you a 20% bonus on Hilton Honors base points as well as a fifth night free whenever you use points to book five or more nights at a Hilton property.
• Path to Gold status. Get an upgrade to Gold if you spend $20,000 or more on the card in a calendar year.
Terms apply.
Learn more about elite status levels with our guide to the Hilton Honors program.
• Automatic Gold status, which gives you an 80% points bonus, as well as complimentary breakfasts at select hotels and room upgrades at select properties where available.
• Path to Diamond status. Get an upgrade to Diamond if you spend $40,000 or more on the card in a calendar year.
• $200 annual statement credit for eligible Hilton purchases on your card (doled out in $50 statement credits per quarter).
• Potential free night. Earn a weekend night reward after you spend $15,000 on purchases on your card in a calendar year.
Terms apply.
• Automatic Diamond status, which gives you such perks, such as double bonus points on all base points you earn, room upgrades when available, premium Wi-Fi, late checkout and more.
• Free nights. Get one free night reward with the card each year. Earn an additional night after you spend $30,000 on purchases in a calendar year and another after you spend $60,000 in a calendar year.
• Flight credit. Get up to $50 in credit each quarter on flight purchases made directly with an airline or through American Express.
• $200 annual resort credit. Get up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually for eligible purchases at participating Hilton Resorts.
• Travel protections such as rental car insurance, coverage for lost luggage, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and trip delay insurance.
Terms apply.
• Automatic Gold status, which gives you an 80% points bonus, as well as complimentary breakfasts at select hotels and room upgrades at select properties where available.
• Path to Diamond status. Get an upgrade to Diamond if you spend $40,000 or more on the card in a calendar year.
• Potential free nights. Earn a free night reward after you spend $15,000 on purchases on your card in a calendar year and a second when you spend an additional $45,000 in the same calendar year ($60,000 total).
• Airport lounge access. Ten complimentary Priority Pass visits each year. Enrollment is required.
Terms apply.
If you want to stay at a Hilton beach resort
Hilton has quite a few beach resorts to its name, including luxurious options scattered all across the world. Whether you’re willing to schlep to the Maldives for your own private infinity pool, or you’re looking to stay more local in a Myrtle Beach apartment, you’ll find a variety of offerings within Hilton’s portfolio.
Although many of the resorts listed here are expensive, you can redeem points for your stays — just be sure to take advantage of waived resort fees and Hilton’s 5th night free policy to maximize your vacation.
All photos courtesy of Hilton.
Insurance Benefit: Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance
Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Insurance Benefit: Baggage Insurance Plan
Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
Insurance Benefit: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance
The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Insurance Benefit: Trip Delay Insurance
Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024, including those best for:
Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
on Chase's website
1x-5x
Points60,000
Points
2x-5x
Miles75,000
Miles
2x-10x
Miles75,000
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