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INSIDER SECRET: Having elite status from one of the Amex Hilton cards, especially the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, can improve your chances of getting an upgrade to a more spacious room or suite for your family.
Hilton hotels are a top pick for many families, including my own, thanks to their incredible kid-friendly resorts and properties in popular family vacation spots like Hawaii and Orlando. There are also Hilton hotel brands which cater to larger families, like Embassy Suites and Homewood Suites. Some Hilton brands even offer free breakfast for everyone (a huge money saver), and Gold and Diamond Hilton status holders get free breakfast for two at all Hilton hotels.
My family has had wonderful experiences at Hilton hotels, and it’s easy to earn Hilton Honors points for more stays. Right now, the Amex Hilton cards are offering the following welcome bonuses:
- Hilton Honors American Express Card – Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $1,000 in purchases on the card in the first three months of card membership. Terms Apply.
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card – Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the card in the first three months of card membership. Terms Apply.
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card — 150,000 Hilton points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Terms Apply.
- The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card – Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points reward after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the card in the first three months of card membership. Terms Apply.
There are dozens of Hilton hotels that fit the bill, but I’ll share five of the best Hilton hotels for families.
The information for the Hilton Aspire card and Hilton Surpass card has been collected independently by Million Mile Secrets. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
5 of the Best Hilton Hotels for Families
Find out about the Hilton credit card current offers
Read our guide: Do you know the difference between Hilton hotel brands?
1. The Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort
I can’t say enough about our stay at The Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort in Maui earlier this year. Our five-night vacation at the Grand Wailea was nearly free with Hilton Honors points (including the fifth night free), and we received an upgraded ocean view room and complimentary breakfast for two each morning, because I have Hilton Diamond status from the Amex Hilton Aspire. It truly is an ideal resort if you have young kids, with multiple waterslides, pools, a lazy river and — get this — a water elevator. TripAdvisor reviewers agree!
Be prepared to do a lot of walking as the resort and beach is massive. The kids especially enjoyed boogie boarding and the delicious and entertaining luau right on the property.
You’ll pay 95,000 Hilton Honors points per night at the Grand Wailea, which might seem like a lot. However, considering rooms here can go for $700 or more per night in peak season, it’s a very good value (especially if you book five or more consecutive nights and get the fifth night free). Remember, any of the Amex Hilton cards come with Hilton status that’ll qualify you for the fifth night free perk.
2. Hilton Los Cabos Beach and Golf Resort
The Hilton Los Cabos Beach and Golf Resort is consistently ranked highly as a top spot for families. Reviewers on TripAdvisor rave about the gorgeous grounds, views and infinity pool.
Families with younger children can take advantage of the on-site kids’ club which offers activities and special events for the little ones. They even have parent-and-child spa packages! Parents will also appreciate the hotel’s babysitting services to enjoy a romantic evening without the kiddos or a round of golf.
Nights at the Hilton Los Cabos Resort typically cost 70,000 Hilton points, where in peak season the paid rate can exceed $800. While the average value of Hilton points is usually 0.5 cents each, you can get much more when you book an expensive night here.
3. Hampton Inn Times Square Central
New York City has something to offer for folks of all ages, and the Hampton Inn Times Square Central is right in the heart of the action. It’s easy walking distance to Times Square attractions, Broadway shows and dozens of restaurants to suit even the most finicky eaters. Guests on TripAdvisor rate the staff and location very highly, and everyone gets a free hot breakfast which can save a family tons of cash in an expensive city like this.
Cribs are available if you’re traveling with an infant, and kids of all ages will get a kick out of the observation deck on the 32nd floor of the hotel.
Using Hilton points at the Hampton Inn Times Square Central can be an excellent deal. I saw rooms for 70,000 Hilton points per night that would otherwise cost over $500 in cash, so you’ll get an above-average value from your points here.
4. Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
A Walt Disney World is on the bucket list of many families, but it’s not cheap. While there lots of ways to save money on a Disney vacation, one of your best bets is using points for a free hotel stay. The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is popular with families for its convenient location near the parks, Disney shuttle, free kids meals at the bistro, lazy river and waterslide. And TripAdvisor reviewers frequently mention the gracious staff and incredible pool.
It’s also an official Walt Disney World hotel, which means guests get access to Disney’s FastPass+ service 60 days before arrival and Disney’s Extra Magic Hours benefit.
Rooms here typically cost 60,000 Hilton points per night, and in peak season the cash rate can approach $600 for a standard room. Factor in the kids eating free and easy transportation to the parks and it’s easy to see why so many families recommend this hotel.
5. Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa
As a parent I know sometimes a vacation with the kids is anything but relaxing with all the running around and logistics to worry about. That’s why the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa is on my family’s list of properties to visit soon. It’s an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica, so if you’re looking for a truly hands-off experience it’s an excellent choice because your food, drinks and activities are all included.
Parents will appreciate the numerous activities for children, especially the newly-renovated water park and pools. Folks on TripAdvisor rate the property highly and comment frequently on the wide variety of activities and food options for adults and children alike.
Depending on the season, you’ll pay 62,000 to 70,000 Hilton points per night at the Hilton Rose Hall, where rooms can cost $400 or more. One important note: The room rate includes two adults, and children under 5 stay and eat free. Kids ages 6-14 cost an additional $75 per night (paid at check-in), and teens ages 15 and older will be charged an adult rate.
Bottom Line
Hilton hotels are an excellent choice for families, and there are so many appealing properties to choose from whether you’re looking for a tropical escape or a big-city adventure.
Using Hilton Honors points for free stays is a key money-saving strategy for family travel, and now’s an excellent time to top up your Hilton Honors account with the welcome offers on the Hilton credit cards:
- Hilton Honors American Express Card – Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $1,000 in purchases on the card in the first three months of card membership. Terms apply.
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card – Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the card in the first three months of card membership. Terms Apply.
- Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card — 150,000 Hilton points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Terms Apply.
- The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card – Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points reward after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the card in the first three months of card membership. Terms Apply.
Find out more about redeeming Hilton points to save on your family vacation by reading our guides:
- Hilton Honors Review
- Hilton Points Value
- Hilton Status
- Best Use of Hilton Points
- How to Earn Hilton Honors Points
- How to Setup a Hilton Account
- How to Use Hilton Honors Points
- Hilton Award Chart
- Do Hilton Points Expire?
- Current Hilton Promotions
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