Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria heading to Las Vegas as the Mandarin Oriental hotel rebrands

If you were looking for a luxurious but quiet hotel option in Las Vegas, the options have historically been few. 

Even the Four Seasons Las Vegas, which I reviewed here, is effectively just an extension of the Mandalay Bay hotel which occupies the lower floors of the building.  Whilst Four Seasons has its own reception, restaurants and (modest) pool you are always aware that you are still part of a massive casino.

The Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, which opened in 2009, was different.  It is part of a 47-floor tower block (reception is on the 23rd floor) but it is purely a mix of luxury hotel and apartments, not luxury hotel / mid-range hotel / casino as you get with Four Seasons.  It is exceptionally well regarded and one of only six hotels in the US to hold a ‘triple’ Forbes Five Star rating for its rooms and restaurants and spa.

The CityCenter complex which includes the Mandarin Oriental has had a tangled history, being caught up in the financial crisis of 2007/8 which occurred during construction.  The project was eventually bailed out and, earlier this year, the owners – which included MGM – sold to an unknown group.

The new owners have decided to terminate Mandarin Oriental as operator of the hotel.  The good news, for anyone looking for a good way to use hotel points in Las Vegas, is that it will be replaced by Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria brand.

Waldorf Astoria opened a property in Beverly Hills in 2017 which has been a major critical success (never a given with any chain-owned luxury brand) so I have high hopes for this.

The hotel is not yet bookable on hilton.com.  The Mandarin Oriental lease ends on 30th August but – with a $50m renovation plan being reported – it isn’t clear if it will switch brands overnight or if it will close for a period to undergo a facelift.

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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.