What happened to our Hilton / McLaren competition winner?
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The first weekend in April saw the winner of our exclusive competition with Hilton Honors head to the prestigious McLaren Technology Centre in Woking to enjoy their prize.
The lucky winner, Petros Kipouropoulos, was able to experience an unforgettable sleepover hosted by Hilton inside the home of McLaren Racing during the weekend of the Australian Grand Prix.
When talking about the experience, he commented:
“The event was what I’d call ‘a once in a lifetime’ experience, one of those things money simply can’t buy. Visiting the McLaren Technology Centre is like going to the F1 Mecca, the ultimate cathedral of the sport and an amazing opportunity to get through Hilton Honors.
Petros had a full tour of the centre and enjoyed activities including the Pit Stop Challenge, before a delicious evening meal with a menu curated by Anthony Marshall, the head chef at London Hilton on Park Lane. He was joined by other Hilton Honors members who redeemed points for access.
After a few hours sleep on the iconic Boulevard – in a bespoke bedroom that replicated a hotel stay, complete with finishing touches from Hilton including personalised bathrobes and bespoke welcome boxes – Petros was then invited to watch an exclusive live screening of the Australian Grand Prix.
“What really topped everything was the way we experienced the Australian Grand Prix. The pre-race briefing, our visit to the strategy and monitor room during the race, the chance to listen to McLaren team talks and, of course, having McLaren’s people around us explaining every small detail. It’s forever changed my perception of F1.
This Hilton Honors experience is one of the best, if not the best way, for Hilton Honors members to spend their points. Experiences like these are truly unforgettable – plus they make great presents for loved ones! I couldn’t imagine a better reward for being a loyal Hilton Honors member!”
I can’t thank Head for Points and Hilton enough for this opportunity. I am eternally grateful and can’t wait to experience another Hilton Honors event.”
For any F1 fans who missed out on this prize, there are other F1 experiences available with Hilton Honors Experiences and redeemable with points, including VIP access to the Canadian Grand Prix.
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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.
