[Disclosure: I get a referral if you apply for a Citi Hilton credit card using the links on the blog. Emily and I are always grateful for your support!]
I’ve been asked for feedback on the new Citi Hilton Reserve credit card, and Citi has graciously donated 1 membership year of free Hilton Gold Status to one lucky blog reader!
Hilton Gold elite status is extremely valuable because you get:
- Free internet and free breakfast which will save you at least $20 or more per day of your stay
- A shot at upgraded rooms
- 25% more points on paid stays
You normally need 16 stays or 36 nights or 60,000 base points during any calendar year to earn Hilton Gold elite status, but you can get it for free with the Citi Hilton Reserve credit card or with this blog giveaway!
I shared my thoughts on the Citi Hilton Reserve card earlier, but here are the top two things which I like and dislike most about the Citi Hilton Reserve.
I Like Gold Elite Status. I like getting free Gold elite status, free breakfast, & free internet just by having the Citi Reserve card. It is fairly easy to earn Hilton points via credit card sign-up bonuses or by spending so getting free breakfast and internet as a benefit of Gold elite status will save time and money when you use your Hilton points.
I won’t cancel my Citi Hilton Reserve card (after I apply for it) for as long as it offers Hilton Gold status and Hilton Gold status continues to save me time and money. The $95 annual fee is well worth the free Gold elite status.
I Like 2 Free Weekend Nights. The 2 free weekend nights (weekend = Friday, Saturday, or Sunday) can be redeemed at any Hilton hotel after spending $2,500 within 4 months. 1 night at a top category Hilton hotel in New York, London, or French Polynesia costs 50,000 points or hundreds of dollars, so this will save you money for a weekend hotel stay.
Even if you don’t stay in a top category Hilton hotel, the 2 free nights are certainly worth more than the $95 annual fee.
I Don’t Like the Weekend Night Restriction. I like the free nights, but I don’t like the restriction on using the free nights only on the weekends. This makes it harder for a couple or family to have a vacation of more than 2 or 3 days, using the free night certificates with the card.
I Don’t Like Spending $10,000 for the Annual Free Night. You have to spend $10,000 within your membership year to get a free weekend night certificate. Again, I don’t like the restriction on using the certificate on the weekend. But I understand the business case for a $10,000 requirement for the annual free weekend night.
But the card has many more positive features (no foreign transaction fee, Chip & Signature, and the ability to earn top tier Hilton Diamond status just by spending on the card) than drawbacks.
How to Enter to Win Free Gold Elite Status
Just leave a quick comment, 11:59 pm on Sunday, September 2, 2012, on what you like or dislike most about the Citi Hilton Reserve card and if you’re going to apply for the Citi Hilton Reserve card or not.
I’ll pick a random winner from the comments in this post. Good Luck!
I have earned and redeemed millions of airline miles and hotel points to travel the world for free. Now I'm blogging to help more people do the same! 
Indefinite old status and multiple free nights for $2500 spend make it a really good deal to me. Definitely looking at it for my next round of apps.
I will be appying in October.Love to be the winner!
The 2 free weekend nights, added to the points I already have will make my futur vacation all that much better.
Its on my plan of cards in the future. Just got to wait it out
The best of all is the status, but can’t apply now bcs we’re buying a new home soon.
This is my target CC for Spring Break 2013 in New York
I like the no foreign transaction fee
I don’t like Weekend Night Restriction
I’m going to apply on sep 2nd
probably not right now – we prefer Marriott now, but have preferred Hilton in the past
I will wait until I have an international trip planned before applying.
I am not able to stay at a Hilton every year, so I prefer to earn Hilton points so when I do stay, I can stay for free. Rather than the Citi HiltonHonors Reserve Card, I prefer my Hilton Honors American Express points card.
Getting gold status with the card is great. The 10,000 spend to get a free night is not.
I don’t like the weekend only free nights. It should be like Chase Hyatt which gives two free nights without restrictions.
I currently have Gold status and the Amex Hilton card, so I probably won’t be applying for this card.
I do like that it earns 10x HHonors Points at Hilton properties versus 6x for the Amex card, though.
I like the earning of 10x points when staying at the Hilton properties, but I don’t like the Weekend Night Restriction for the two free nights. I will apply the card in the next four months. Thanks.
I love the two free weekend days. I will be applying for this card in the next couple of months. I don’t have any stays coming up, so I want to wait to make sure the certificates don’t expire before I could use them.
I have the American Express Surpass card. Although the 50,000 bonus points is only good for one Category 7 night, it can be used during the weekday. And the ability to get Diamond status by spending $40,000 was the kicker.
However, my sister who isn’t a big spender plans to get the Citi® Hilton HHonors™ Reserve Card in the next few months.
No foreign transaction free!
I like the free weekend nights and yes I will be applying for it
Like the card with the exception of the weekend night stay. It should be for any day …
i have the Reg. Citi HH card and the AMEX Surpass i’m almost at 40k YTD to reach Diamond
so i don’t have in plan to apply for this new card
Gold Status makes the annual fee worthwhile alone; the free weekend nights are a great bonus on top of that!
Having Gold Elite!
Just applied for the card. No instant info, guess I’m spoiled. Look forward to the gold status and the 2 weekend nights
I like that its a Visa card so its accepted everywhere. I do wish it had a perk that is comparable to the AXON awards.
2 free nights!! whoo hoo!
I am not able to always buy everything with a credit card, but when I do I prefer the Citi Hilton Reserve card for the Gold status. Stay sleepy my friends!
Love the two free weekend nights but the spend for the annual free night is too high. Will get the card later this year.
Like: No foreign transaction fee
Dislike: Annual Fee AND minimum spending limit to get free annual nights. There are many great cards without a foreign transaction fee…I’d skip this one.
I do plan on applying for this card.
I like that it has Chip & PIN, and I’m going to use the 2 free nights on a trip to Europe this fall.
I love the gold status as long as you have the card and the free weekend nights. I have already applied for the card!
No foreign transaction fee is nice! Free nights are nice! If only it cam with more Hhonors points. Am probably not going to apply right now but may do so eventually.
I am thinking about getting this card. I like the 2 free nights. Getting elite status would be incredible.
No foreign transaction fees!
love the instance gold status, but not the weekend restriction
love the instant gold status
Too bad this card is not available to ppl outside the USA.
Still, my HHonors Gold would love the bonus.
Cheers.
I love the No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Have not yet applied for the card, but am considering doing so later this year as my travel entails more Hilton stays than in years past.
Am impressed by two weekend nights, although it would be better if not restricted to weekends.
Gold status sounds great !
I generally travel on weekends, and often see heavy HHonors points markups on these dates. I’d take two weekend nights over points any [Satur- or Sun-]day of the year!
Gold status and 40K spend to get Diamond is attractive but the limitation on the initial free weekend night which is only valid for one year a draw back. I’d prefer a big big points bonus instead, so that I will not have to use the free weekend nights within a year else it expires. Can’t expect to have everything…. oh well… I’ll just stick with GOLD status for $95 will apply in my next round of applications.
Having no foreign transaction fees are the best for me! plus two free nights isn’t too bad
I dislike paying an annual fee for this or most any other credit card.
I will be getting this card in the future.
I Like 2 Free Weekend Nights
I like the automatic elite status!
Always like Gold Status
The Gold Elite Status is REALLY nice and would be the most appealing part of this card. But there are several other features I like too so this is a MUST GET card for me in my next round of apps.
I don’t like its annual fee and no free night upon renewal.
Im just waiting 3 months to apply for this wonderful card…. one of teh best on its category.
Love the Gold status perks … love the free nights too! Will be getting this card!
The free night with 10k spend makes it a great card for everyday spending.
I do like that it offers the Gold Elite. Too often the loyalty credit cards for hotels do not offer as good of values for me because I can ALWAYS find bookings and upper-end hotels far cheaper elsewhere (on opaque or limited access sites), unlike airline tickets. These perks give additional incentive to book directly with the hotel.
I like that I can use the 2 free weekend nights at any Hilton Property
I don’t like the restriction that free nights need to be redeemed on weekends. If that restriction was removed, I’d consider the annual fee fully justified.
Citi, by putting that weekend night restriction, gives the impression that it’s expecting the Citi Hilton Reserve cardholder to use the free nights for LEISURE. On the contrary, the card (with no foreign transaction fees and the benefits/status for frequent travelers) could be a hit with businesspeople, too – many of whom would prefer to use the free nights at ANY time of the week.
Citi, you need better strategists
3sarkar on Twitter
I really like what this card offers, so I am planning on applying for it.
I would like this card better IF it could be used ANY day of the week.
I like the no foreign transaction fee and the gold status with card is great but I don’t like to spend 10,000 to get a free night. I will apply this card!
Hilton Gold, 2 free nights at any Hilton, no foreign transaction fee, what is not to like. The $10000 spend is not a problem, I currently have the Amex Hilton but ill also apply for the Citi Hilton Reserve.
I too have Amex Hilton, and Gold status, ill be applying for the Citi Hilton Reserve SOON.
I do like the free nights, and the comp gold status very generous. Even with the weekend restriction, this is still pretty sweet….
I like two free nights at the Conrad Hong Kong. I’m applying for a Hilton credit card, but haven’t decided which one yet.
I like that it offers gold status, but I don’t need to apply for the Citi Hilton Reserve Card to get gold status thanks to an earlier post on your blog!
Thanks for the free internet and room upgrades!
I like the free gold status. I do not like the weekend restriction but since i’ll be using it at a weekend night during a vacation, it isn’t a big deal. the 10k for the free night is decent, but i think i might have rather them just limit the category and then if you spend 10k it gets no category limit.
I like the Gold status that comes with the card, and dislike the weekends-only restriction on the two free nights. I am waiting for my scores to bump back up, but will be applying for it.
I like the free gold status, it has come in handy for wifi and breakfast when I have had it in the past.
I will probably apply for it next year.
The weekends only restriction works out OK for us…
Me want me want!
I agree, free nights shouldn’t be restricted
how does one get diamond status with this card?
I like the Gold status. It gives me an incentive to stay at Hilton’s.
I definitely like the gold status that comes with the card. Free breakfast that comes with the gold status never disappointed me, especially on trips to Europe.
Gold status is a nice perk and pretty much justifies the annual fee. I spend alot more on Biz cards than personal. For me, a Business version of this card would be a sure winner,
I like the Hilton Reserve card because it gives you Gold status which means free internet and breakfast, but also a different level of attention from hotel employees. When we were recently inconvenienced by a smoky smelling room, we not only got a better room, but got Executive privileges too!
Since my husband still works, weekends are a great time fir a quick getaway. I won’t get this credit card until I know we have several stays planned…maybe after converting my Virgin Atlantic miles to HH points would be a good time!
No business card available
This Hilton card is far better than the Hilton card offerings in some other markets!
The annaul fee is ok – given the nature of the benefits on the card. Importantly the Gold status.
The earn rate is ok too, especially for all Hilton hotel stays, regardless of currency. On non-Hilton ‘other spend’ it is certainly acceptable.
I would get this card.
Gold status is a nice perk and my family uses it whenever we travel. At least, we will try to stay at a Hilton property. I was not aware about this card – so might consider applying for it if we lose our Gold status. Is this is the best Hilton card out there?
I love the 2 free nights stay. I am definitely going to apply for this card once I get my minimum spending requirements taken card of on my SPG Amex Card.
I LOVE Gold status because I LOVE free breakfast because I dislike roving around strange cities looking for a place to have a cup of coffee that is not $9.95 from room service!
Thanks for the review.
I think the fact that the free nights are weekend only makes this card less appealing, although the other perks kind of make up for that drawback.
Definitely was considering this Hilton card – my company is split between Marriott fans and Starwood fans but after some terrible experiences at Sheratons (Chicago, I’m looking at you), and plenty of pleasant ones at Hilton properties, I’m a believer.
Will definitely pick up the card if my current Gold status expires.
I like the free weekend nights perk. I don’t plan to get this card because I’m Canadian.
Its the gold status for me…dont stay at enough Hilton’s but will be nice to have when I do
Thanks for your review. I agree with your likes and dislikes on this card. I find that hotel rewards pay out better than airline miles for me. My trips tend to be longer vacation type trips, so my logging expenses are typically higher than my airfare. I also feel I get more payout for hotel points than I do for airline points.
I will probably apply for this card. I have the HHonors Visa Signature now, but the added benefits seem worth the annual fee. I have been trying out the AMEX Platinum card for several months, but the high annual fee for that card just doesn’t seem to pay off for me. I’ll probably cancel that one before my next annual fee and upgrade my Signature card to the Reserve. I’ve heard that the executive lounges are hit and miss based on the property, but I figure it’s better than nothing. Plus I may hit the diamond level with this card, so the possibility of free room upgrades would be another additional bonus.
I dont like the 10000 dollars spend for a single night as Hyatt, PC give same for just keeping the card. I like the Gold status as it comes up with free breakfast, internet etc.
Hit me.. Gold status is always a plus for the free breakfast and who can live without the internet… but the would love those Hilton points
Gold status for free upgrades and free internet!
The free breakfast is a big plus! Not sure yet if we will apply, but thinking about it
.
I just got a taste of the free breakfast. I stayed at a Hilton for business and my cohort told me to meet them upstairs in the morning. We then had the continental breakfast for free. One nice perk of being a gold member. I am only at silver status, but I would certainly enjoy the gold!
I have applied for this card. It is a game changer. I have preferred the Starwood Amex since the 90′s for the excellent European and New York hotels and better point value. However, the lack of free Internet for SPG Gold members and the steep foreign transactions fees have me looking elsewhere. This card comes with free Internet from day 1, no foreign transactions fees, the greater acceptance of a Visa card over Amex and chip-and-pin (finally!). The free weekend night as an offset for the $95 will keep me a card member.
The free internet sounds like a major draw but I probably will not be a applying for a card since I’m trying to keep them to a minimum and because of the restrictions.
Annual fees are a turn off for me. . . .
Gold status is good but I won’t apply for the Citi card.
The spend requirement is to high for the reward. I won’t apply.
I like the no foreign transaction fee. I will not apply this card, however.
I like the new card and plan on applying for it later this fall. I think it will earn my Hilton spend and be a good card to have in my portfolio. I would much prefer to not have the 10K requirement for an annual free night, as that free night would help defray the annual fee, but the gold status that comes with the card is a good benefit that might help.
Gary
The new Citi Hilton reserve card is great. I like the gold status and the free weekends but it will be difficult for me to hit the spending requirement going forward. Overall a great card and if you have points from stays or other sources you can use your gold status to get cheaper award stays. I’m still on the fence with this one.
I have Gold status and would like to continue the benefits. The annual fee is a turn-off. Still debating on this card.
May apply if there is a big trip in planning.
The gold status alone is worth the annual fee for me — even if I only have 2 Hilton stays, I’ll get more than $95 worth of value on those 2 stays. I’ve received some *very* nice upgrades as a Hilton Gold. I just got this card last week.
The annual free night is also a solid rebate on 10k spend — minimum of 30k HH points and a free night from that spend yields a rebate value that’s competitive with almost anything else out there.
I like Hilton Gold status, but I’ve found it easy enough to maintain Gold (so far) without adding a card with an annual fee. If I ran out of other ways to get Gold, I’d definitely consider this card.
The two free weekend nights when played right is an easy 100,000 Hilton points or $500-600 dollars in value. I’ve got Gold status through 2014, but could really use the 10k Hilton points!