News: British Airways Singapore lounge reopens, new Hilton on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah

News in brief:

British Airways reopens its lounge in Singapore

British Airways reopened its lounge at Singapore Changi Airport yesterday after a closure of exactly a month for refurbishment.

This is good news for British Airways passengers because, even though Qantas and Qatar Airways operate lounges you can use, they can restrict access at peak times.

No press release has appeared yet with formal photographs, but a reader send us a picture of the celebratory cake.

The oneworld website has not yet been updated with opening hours and still shows the lounge as ‘closed’. The lounge is in Terminal 1 on Level 3.

Hilton adds a new resort on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah

Hilton has added a new hotel in Dubai – Tumbi West Palm Beach, image above.

This is described as ‘located on the trunk of Palm Jumeirah, steps from Palm Sand Beach’. Some rooms are sold as having sea views although it is not on the beach itself.

The 171-room hotel has joined Hilton’s Tapestry Collection. Tapestry Collection is the 3-4 star equivalent of Hilton’s 5-star Curio Collection. Both brands allow independent hotels to join the Hilton ‘system’ without having to rebrand or meet strict ‘brand standards’, although obviously there are still strict quality standards in place.

In terms of location, it appears to be almost directly behind IHG’s voco Dubai The Palm. Being off the beach may save it from the noise issues which plague the voco – the website used to say “Due to the bars and beach clubs nearby, you can expect some noise in certain rooms. If you are a light sleeper, we suggest you use the ear plugs.” although the warning now appears to have vanished.

One point to note is that the hotel is 100% alcohol free.

You can find out more on the website 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.