Bits: new InterContinental London The O2 now bookable, see Madonna with Hilton

News in brief:

Bookings open for the new InterContinental London The O2

The new InterContinental London The O2 is now taking bookings from 19th December.

This is a slightly risky hotel project but the owners have had the sense to include what they are calling ‘one of the largest column-free ballrooms in Europe’.  This should guarantee them the conference and exhibition business that will keep the 453 bedrooms full.

With five food and beverage outlets, including a panoramic ‘sky bar’, and what looks like an impressive – albeit small – swimming pool (does any other IHG hotel in London have a pool except for Holiday Inn Wembley?), it certainly has a lot to offer without the guest needing to leave the building.

Surprisingly, it is not offering any opening deals for redemptions as you often see with new IHG hotels.  From Day 1, it will cost 50,000 points per night.  This is a pretty bad deal given that the cash cost is under £150 from what I can see.

I am hoping to check the hotel out with a Head for Points review early in the New Year.  You can find out more at the dedicated website here.

See Madonna with Hilton HHonors points

Finally, Hilton @Play still has some tickets left to see Madonna in Birmingham on 16th December and in Glasgow on 20th December.

The cost is 75,000 Hilton HHonors points for two ‘premium’ tickets.  It is not a giveaway at that price but, if you have Hilton points you are struggling to use, it would make a pleasant change.  The Hilton @Play site is here.

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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.