ADVERTISER DISCLOSURE: The Frugal Tourist is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as MileValue.com and Cardratings. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. All information about the American Express Schwab Platinum has been collected independently by The Frugal Tourist.
EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
In this blog post, I will talk about my favorite Hilton Honors perk: the fifth-night free benefit when booking 5-night stays using points.
If you’re anything like me, you love a good deal, especially when it comes to luxurious travel experiences.
There’s something thrilling about securing a lavish stay for a fraction of the cost or for zero dollars.
In this blog post, I will share one of my favorite travel tips that has saved me hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars and points on some of the most luxurious stays around the world: the Hilton fifth-night free benefit.
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What is the Hilton Fifth-Night Free Benefit?
If you’re new to the Hilton Honors program and unfamiliar with the fifth-night free benefit, here’s a brief overview.
This benefit lets you book four nights using your Hilton Honors points and enjoy a complimentary fifth night, allowing you to extend your stay without additional cost.
Yes, that’s correct! You pay for four nights but enjoy five.
This perk is perfect for anyone looking to maximize their travel rewards and experience luxurious properties at a huge discount or for free.
You Need to Be a Hilton Honors Member
To enjoy this remarkable benefit, you must first become a Hilton Honors member.
Don’t worry; it’s easy and free to sign up here.
My Personal Experience with the Hilton Fifth-Night Free Benefit
I’ve had the pleasure of using this benefit on multiple occasions, and trust me, it’s a game-changer.
Below are the properties where I’ve taken full advantage of this generous Hilton perk.
Conrad Rangali Island, Maldives
95,000 Hilton Honors Points Per Night (2021 Rates) |
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Total: 380,000 Points with 5th Standard Reward Night Free |
This property now costs 120,000 Hilton Honors Points per night (2024). |
Imagine staying an extra night in paradise without spending any extra points. That’s what my friends and I experienced at the Conrad Rangali Island, Maldives.
As the room accommodates three guests, I invited two friends to join and split the points with me.
Thankfully, Hilton allows the free transfer of points between members, making it easy to plan vacations with friends and family.
While we did not get upgraded to an overwater villa, we did get a beach villa that came with its own plunge pool.
Breakfast was complimentary for all three of us and was offered at two stunning beachfront restaurants.
Since I have Diamond status from the Hilton Aspire Credit Card, we were also invited to afternoon hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
Our highlight was visiting Ithaa, Conrad Rangali’s popular underwater restaurant.
Even though it was not free, we saved some money by selecting the cheapest option: champagne and an appetizer.
We were so fortunate to see several sharks swim overhead when we went.
We actually had a phenomenal time at this property and hope to return back someday.
Conrad Tokyo
95,000 Hilton Honors Points Per Night (2023 Rates) |
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Total: 380,000 Points with 5th Standard Reward Night Free |
Tokyo can be expensive, but not when you get a free extra night in one of the city’s most luxurious hotels.
The Conrad, which spans floors 28–37 of the Shiodome skyscraper, offers great views of Tokyo Bay and the historic Hamarikyu Gardens.
It is also conveniently next to the Shiodome Subway Station, making it easy to reach central Tokyo, Haneda International Airport, and the famous Toyosu Fish Market.
Thanks to my Hilton Honors Diamond Status from the Hilton Aspire, we received complimentary breakfast and lounge access throughout our stay.
We were also fortunate to have been upgraded to a one-bedroom suite during our entire stay at this property.
This property’s cheapest nightly paid rate is around $600 per night, but with Hilton points, we spent a total of $0.
The highlight of our stay here was the superb breakfast. My favorites were the matcha pancakes and lobster omelet.
Our room was also outstanding. It featured a generous living area, a roomy bathroom, and a dedicated office space.
Since I shared this room with a friend, he transferred 190,000 Hilton points to my account so we could complete this booking.
It felt like we hit the jackpot—190,000 points each for a 5-night stay at a fantastic hotel in Tokyo is an extraordinary deal. Thanks to Hilton Honors points!
Hilton Northolme, Seychelles
95,000 Hilton Honors Points Per Night (2024 Rates) |
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Total: 380,000 Points with 5th Standard Reward Night Free |
This property is the height of luxury, and snagging a free night here felt like winning the lottery.
Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and the lush tropical gardens of Seychelles, the Hilton Northolme is not too far from the airport and downtown Victoria and only a 10-minute drive from one of the island’s top beaches, Beau Vallon.
Guests can enjoy free snorkeling, kayaking, and an infinity pool. The highlight here was that each villa has views of the stunning Indian Ocean.
I invited ten friends to join me on this bucket-list vacation – and they all said yes!
We managed to find and book six rooms for five nights at this gorgeous location using our Hilton Honors points.
Thankfully, Hilton makes pooling and transferring points among friends so simple and convenient.
Also, thanks to our Hilton Honors credit cards, all of our villas were booked under either a Gold or Diamond member.
Therefore, my friends and I received complimentary breakfasts and secured villas with some of the finest views of the Indian Ocean.
Each room also got a bottle of wine and a coupon book with complimentary cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, and spa discounts.
DoubleTree Edinburgh City Center
60,000 Hilton Honors Points Per Night (2024 Rates) |
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Total: 240,000 Points with 5th Standard Reward Night Free |
Exploring the historic city of Edinburgh while enjoying an extra night in a cozy DoubleTree room was such a treat.
The property is just a short walk from Edinburgh’s most famous tourist attraction, Edinburgh Castle. Some rooms even offer breathtaking views of it.
It’s also just a 10-minute walk to the Royal Mile and the tram stop with connections to the International Airport.
During my first two nights in Edinburgh, I was assigned a tiny room since the hotel was fully booked due to a Taylor Swift concert.
However, on the third day, they upgraded me to a spacious junior suite, for which I was quite grateful.
Conrad Osaka
95,000 Hilton Honors Points Per Night (2024 Rates) |
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Total: 380,000 Points with 5th Standard Reward Night Free |
In 2025, we will attend the World Expo in Osaka and eagerly anticipate staying at this highly acclaimed Conrad.
Since I’ll be sharing with three friends, we’ll pool our Hilton points, each contributing 126,000 Hilton Honors points, to enjoy a 5-night stay at this property.
Additional Perks with Hilton Credit Cards
Hilton Aspire Card
If you’re serious about maximizing your Hilton stays, the Hilton Aspire card is a must-have.
Aspire cardholders get Diamond status, which means you’re entitled to complimentary breakfast, suite upgrades, and even lounge access at some properties.
Hilton Surpass and Hilton Business Cards
Both the Hilton Surpass and Hilton Business Credit Cards grant you Gold status.
My favorite Hilton Gold status perk is that you’re eligible for complimentary breakfast at properties overseas.
This is a money-saver, especially at upscale properties like the Conrad and Waldorf Astoria.
Credit Cards That Earn Hilton Honors Points
Why This Benefit Stands Out
Luxurious Stays, Less Cost
Let’s face it, staying at luxurious properties like the Conrad or Hilton can be pricey.
But with the fifth-night free benefit, you’re essentially getting more for less.
Whether you’re lounging on a beach in the Maldives or exploring the bustling streets of Tokyo, that free night significantly impacts your travel budget.
Maximize Your Points
Points enthusiasts know the importance of maximizing every single point.
The fifth-night free benefit allows you to stretch your points further, giving you more nights to enjoy your destination without shelling out extra points.
In fact, whenever I think about staying at a Hilton hotel, I try my best to take advantage of this generous fifth-night free benefit.
Perfect for Longer Stays
This perk is ideal for longer stays where you want to immerse yourself in the local culture without feeling rushed.
Five nights give you ample time to explore, relax, and enjoy your vacation.
How to Book and Maximize the Benefit
Booking with points is straightforward.
Log in to your Hilton Honors account, search for your destination, and find award availability.
When you book five nights with points, the fifth night will automatically be free.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for promotions and limited-time offers. Sometimes Hilton offers additional bonuses or discounts, making your stay even more rewarding.
Hilton Honors Fifth Night Free Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I combine points and free night certificate reservations?
Yes, you can combine points and free night certificates when booking your stay.
However, the fifth night free offer applies only to bookings made entirely with points.
My recommendation is to book the free night certificate/s either before or after a 5-night stay to make your vacation longer.
Can I put the award room on hold while I’m earning the points?
Unfortunately, Hilton Honors does not offer an option to hold award rooms while you are earning points.
It’s best to accumulate the necessary points before making your reservation.
An option is to borrow points from family or friends as Hilton allows easy and free transfers of points between members.
Can I book this fifth-night free reservation for anyone else?
Yes, you can book a reservation for someone else using your Hilton Honors points.
Ensure the reservation is in the name of the person who will be staying at the property.
What are other ways to earn Hilton points aside from credit cards?
Besides using Hilton-branded credit cards, you can earn points through stays at Hilton properties, dining at participating restaurants, renting cars with partnered companies, and shopping through the Hilton Honors Shopping Portal.
You can also purchase Hilton Honors points when they go on sale.
Is there a limit to the number of 5-night reservations you can have per year?
There is no limit to the number of 5-night reservations you can make per year, as long as you have enough points to cover them.
Is it free to cancel 5-night bookings?
Cancellation policies vary by hotel and the rate type booked.
Be sure to check the specific hotel’s cancellation policy when making your reservation.
If I only intend to stay for 4 nights, do you recommend that I still book 5 nights?
If you only plan to stay for 4 nights, it may not be worth booking a 5-night stay unless the additional night is free.
However, the fifth night free offer is most beneficial when you intend to stay for 5 nights.
I am unable to find 5 consecutive nights available at the property I want to visit. What should I do?
If you can’t find availability for 5 consecutive nights, try looking at different dates or nearby properties.
Alternatively, contact Hilton Honors customer service for assistance. Agents will sometimes contact the property and request that the hotel open up more standard room space.
I can’t find standard room availability. Can I still use the fifth night free offer for other room types?
The fifth night free offer is typically applicable to standard room rewards.
If standard rooms are unavailable, you may need to use more points for premium rooms, and the fifth night free offer may not apply.
Do Hilton points expire?
Hilton points expire if you have no account activity for 24 consecutive months.
Account activity includes earning or redeeming points.
Final Thoughts
The Hilton fifth-night free benefit is undoubtedly one of the most generous perks offered by Hilton as it allows you to experience longer luxury stays without breaking the bank.
If you are a new Hilton Honors member, don’t forget to take advantage of their generous fifth-night free benefit.
You not only get a free night at your destination, but you can also save those extra Hilton points for future bucket list redemptions.
Feel free to drop any questions or share your own experiences with the Hilton fifth-night free benefit in the comments below.
Happy travels!
ADVERTISER DISCLOSURE: The Frugal Tourist is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as MileValue.com and Cardratings. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. All information about the American Express Schwab Platinum has been collected independently by The Frugal Tourist.
EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
USER-GENERATED CONTENT DISCLOSURE: The comments section below is not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all questions are answered.