Is this the unwelcome future of Hilton hotel executive lounges?

If you read our two articles this week explaining the Hilton Honors scheme in detail, you will remember that a key benefit for top tier Diamond members is guaranteed Executive Lounge access.

The problem is that, due to generous status matches (which is how I got my Diamond status) and a US credit card which gives away Diamond status to all holders, lounges are getting busy.

The Conrad Centennial Singapore has just unveiled an unwelcome new development.  The 31st floor executive lounge has just received what is, by all accounts, an impressive makeover (see photo above).  Whilst the work was going on, guests had to use a makeshift facility on the 4th floor in what I think was the poolside bar.

The hotel has now announced that only guests who have paid for club-level rooms will be allowed to use the new lounge.  Diamond members as well as guests upgraded to club-level rooms will have to use the makeshift – albeit apparently to be upgraded – 4th floor facility which is going to become permanent.

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.)