6 Best Luxury Hotels for Your Hilton Free Night Certificate

Hilton is one of the world’s largest hotel chains, with more than 7,000 properties stretching across 123 countries. Along with its massive portfolio, Hilton offers a handful of different co-branded credit cards from American Express, all of which have different benefits.

Among these perks is the ability to acquire a free night certificate, which can be used at nearly any Hilton property worldwide.

Let’s look at how to earn this perk and the best places to use it.

How to get a Hilton free night certificate

Hilton free night certificates are awarded as a benefit on three different Hilton credit cards:

Terms apply.

These free night certificates have restrictions as some properties are excluded (mainly Hilton's all-inclusive resorts).

Free night certificates can not be combined with Hilton’s fifth night free policy when booking award rooms.

Best Hilton free night redemptions

1. Conrad Bora Bora Nui Resort

A favorite amongst award travelers, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui is truly a bucket list experience. Although the base level room is a suite rather than a villa, it still boasts a room size of 1,000 square feet. The hotel is on its own private island, meaning you’ll need to board a boat to arrive.

Standard room rewards for the Conrad Bora Bora can be found at 120,000 points per night, but you can redeem your free night certificate here and stay the night for free.

» Learn more: St. Regis Bora Bora vs. Conrad Bora Bora: Which is better?

2. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

The Waldorf Astoria Maldives made waves when it first opened — not just because it’s the ultimate in luxury, but because it debuted a brand new reward category for Hilton hotels.

It’s the most expensive in Hilton’s portfolio and runs 150,000 points per night, but your certificate can also be used here.

In return, you’ll stay in a 3,000-square-foot overwater villa with its own infinity pool, where you can enjoy spectacular sunsets (or sunrises) each morning.

» Learn more: 10 Stunning Maldives Resorts to Stay on Points

3. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

The original Hilton Maldives experience is still one of the best. Although not as new as the Waldorf Astoria, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island boasts the distinction of having two room types for standard room rewards. This greatly increases availability and allows you to stay in either a beach villa or an overwater villa.

Points-wise, this would cost you 120,000 Hilton points per night. The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is bookable using your free night certificate.

» Learn more: How to book a vacation to the Maldives using points and miles

4. Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort 

If you’re looking to stay a little closer to home, the Grand Wailea Maui is a fantastic option. Its base rooms are just over 600 square feet, but sleep four adults and include a balcony.

Hawaii is also much easier to access than the Maldives or Bora Bora, especially if you fly from the West Coast. There are many flights every day that’ll get you to the Grand Wailea at a much lower cost than heading to a more remote destination.

Standard rooms here go for 110,000 points per night, but you can use your free night certificate if you’re so inclined.

» Learn more: The best Hilton hotels in Hawaii to book with points

5. Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal

Looking for your own pool, butler and fireplace? Opened at the end of 2019, the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal is a statement in overabundance. Its base-level rooms book into an 850-square-foot room with ocean views, a plunge pool and a separate seating area.

This is one of the more expensive properties on this list; you’ll often find room rates exceeding $1,500 per night. You can pay 120,000 points for a night or redeem your certificate here during the weekend.

» Learn more: 6 best Hilton beach resorts

6. Waldorf Astoria Park City 

The Waldorf Astoria Park City is a little less fancy than some of our other recommendations, but it’s still one of the best places to redeem your certificate — especially in the winter. For 110,000 points or a free night certificate, you’ll find yourself in a king room with a gas fireplace.

What’s most exciting about this hotel is that it’s located steps away from skiing. Although you’ll need to walk a short distance to reach the gondola to take you up the slope, it's easy to ski back down to the property.

Room rates here vary depending on when you visit. In the peak of winter, Hilton charges more than $1,000 per night to stay at the Waldorf Astoria Park City. However, during summer months, prices can drop to $400 per night.

» Learn more: 10 best ski hotels to book with points

Recapping the best Hilton free night redemptions

There’s no denying that Hilton’s free night certificates have value.

Whether you acquired yours as a holder of the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card or earned it by spending with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, these certificates can be redeemed for some truly aspirational stays.

(Top photo courtesy of Hilton)