Use Hilton hotel 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.

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How to earn Hilton Honors points and status from UK credit cards (April 2025)

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

There are two dedicated Hilton Honors debit cards. These are especially attractive when spending abroad due to the 0% or 0.5% FX fee, depending on card.

You also receive FREE Hilton Honors status for as long as you hold the debit cards – Gold status with the Plus card and Silver status with the basic card. This is a great reason to apply even if you rarely use it.

We reviewed the Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card here and the Hilton Honors Debit Card here.

You can apply for either card here.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 30th April 2025, the annual fee on the basic Hilton Honors debit card is halved from £60 to £30. The sign-up bonus is also easier to earn – you need to spend £1,000 either in the UK or abroad within three months. The usual bonus rule requires you to spend the full £1,000 outside the UK.

NEW: Hilton Honors Plus Debit

10,000 bonus points, Hilton Gold status and NO FX fees Read our full review

NEW: Hilton Honors Debit

2,500 bonus points, Hilton Silver status and 0.5% FX fees Read our full review

There is another way of getting Hilton Honors status, and earning Hilton Honors points, from a payment card.

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 Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status.

We reviewed American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

The Platinum Card from American Express

80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

You can also earn Hilton Honors points indirectly with:

• American Express Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

and for small business owners:

• American Express Business Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Business Platinum (50,000 bonus Amex points)

The conversion rate from American Express to Hilton Honors points is 1:2.

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