Hilton Honors Devalues Points, Raises Award Rates at Select Properties

Hilton Honors has quietly increased the number of points required for award redemptions at some of its most sought-after properties. This change, which took place late on December 20, 2024, should frustrate loyal members, and it further highlights the challenges of dynamic award pricing.

Let’s dive into what’s changed and what it means for Hilton Honors members.

Hilton Increases Points Pricing at Some Hotels

Members have reported significant increases in the number of points required for standard room redemptions at high-end Hilton properties when redeeming their Hilton Honors points. While not all hotels are affected, these increases primarily target properties already known for their high award costs.

Here are some examples of the changes in nightly award rates:

Remember that these rates won’t be available every night. You can see prices in the millions of points when standard rooms aren’t available, such as this calendar for the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal in Baja California, Mexico:

These increases typically range from 5,000 to 20,000 points per night and disproportionately impact properties where members aim to maximize the value of their points.

Putting This Into Perspective

This is far from Hilton Honors’ first devaluation. Over the past decade, Hilton has slowly chipped away at the transparency and value of its loyalty program:

• 2013: Hilton moved to price ranges rather than a fixed award chart, resulting in redemption rate increases of up to 90% at some properties.
• 2017: The elimination of award charts marked a significant shift. While Hilton promised not to raise rates initially, increases soon followed.
• 2022: The maximum rate for standard room redemptions rose from 95,000 points to 120,000 points, initially “just for 1 property.”
• 2024: Hilton now has a 150,000-point cap for standard redemptions at certain properties, such as the Waldorf Astoria Maldives.
• 2024: Hilton increased points rates at some Small Luxury Hotels partner properties.

Dynamic pricing means that redemption rates often rise without formal announcements, leaving members to discover these changes on their own. Hilton has also introduced variable pricing tiers at some properties, where standard room rates fluctuate by 5,000 to 20,000 points per night depending on the date.

Despite these increases, Hilton Honors points can still provide value at high-end properties, particularly when cash rates are astronomically high. For example, redeeming 140,000 points per night at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos may still represent good value compared to paying $1,500+ per night. However, for members seeking to maximize points at midtier properties, the program continues to lose its appeal.

Final Thoughts

No one enjoys a devaluation, and Hilton’s latest changes are yet another reminder of the challenges posed by dynamic pricing. The lack of transparency only amplifies the frustration, as members are left in the dark about what their points will actually get them. While these increases aren’t catastrophic, they do erode the value of Hilton Honors points, particularly for aspirational redemptions.

For those planning Hilton stays, the takeaway is clear: If you’re eyeing a redemption at a high-demand property, book sooner rather than later. With Hilton Honors’ history of creeping devaluations, it’s only a matter of time before award rates climb higher still.