Use Hilton points for a private concert by Jess Glynne in London

Hilton @Play is the Hilton HHonors equivalent of Starwood’s SPG Moments scheme, allowing you to redeem your points for ‘once in a lifetime’ experiences rather than more hotel stays.

Hilton@Play launched earlier this year and, to be honest, has been underwhelming.  The difference between @Play and SPG Moments is that Starwood is happy to lose money on Moments because they genuinely want to reward their top customers.

As an example, I redeemed 50,000 Starwood points last year for two Centre Court tickets at Wimbledon with full hospitality including a ‘meet and greet’ with ex-champion Stan Smith.  Starwood would have paid at least £3,000 for that package.  Had I transfered the same 50,000 points into 60,000 airline miles, Starwood would have spent no more than £600.

Hilton seems to be trying to cover its costs with @Play which means the rewards are more expensive.   This intimate gig is the exception.

On Thursday 22nd October, singer Jess Glynne is doing a private concert at the new Hilton Bankside hotel near Tate Modern in London.  If you don’t know her, note that “Glynne is the second British female solo artist to have five number-one singles in the UK.  Her album “I Cry When I Laugh” debuted at number one on the UK charts.“

Via this page on the Hilton site, there are three good value packages on offer:

30,000 Hilton points – two tickets for the concert with a ‘food and drink’ reception beforehand

50,000 Hilton points – two tickets for the concert with a ‘food and drink’ reception beforehand, plus a ‘meet and greet’ session with Jess

80,000 Hilton points – two tickets for the concert with a ‘food and drink’ reception beforehand, plus an overnight stay at the Hilton London Bankside

It is worth noting that a free night at Hilton London Bankside is usually 70,000 points so the last package is worth a look.

Remember that American Express Membership Rewards points transfer to Hilton HHonors at 1:2.  You can also transfer Virgin Flying Club miles to Hilton at 2:3.  If you do this, of course, there is a risk that the packages sell out before your points arrive.  An Amex transfer will usually take 48 hours.

I won’t be there but only because it is half-term in London and we are away.  Given that I tend to value Hilton points at 0.3p it would be a decent redemption for an intimate private gig.

How to earn Hilton Honors points and status from UK credit cards (December 2021)

There are various ways of earning Hilton Honors points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

Do you know that holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Hilton Honors Gold status for as long as they hold the card?  It also comes with Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Radisson Rewards Gold and MeliaRewards Gold status.  We reviewed American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.

The Platinum Card from American Express

30,000 points and an unbeatable set of travel benefits – for a fee Read our full review

Did you know that the Virgin Atlantic credit cards are a great way of earning Hilton Honors points? Two Virgin Points can be converted into three Hilton Honors points. The Virgin Atlantic cards are the only Visa or Mastercard products in the UK which can indirectly earn Hilton Honors points. You can apply here.

You can also earn Hilton Honors points indirectly with American Express Gold (20,000 bonus points), the American Express Rewards Credit Card (5,000 bonus points) and – for small business owners – American Express Business Gold (20,000 bonus points) and Business Platinum (40,000 bonus points).

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which can be used to earn Hilton Honors points. 

(Want to earn more hotel points?  Click here to see our complete list of promotions from the major hotel chains or use the ‘Hotel Offers’ link in the menu bar at the top of the page.)