Earning Rewards: Understanding F&F Stays and Hilton Honors

The Hilton Honors program offers a world of rewards for frequent travelers, and one of the most valuable benefits is access to the Friends & Family rate. This exclusive program allows Hilton employees to share discounted rates with their loved ones, making dream vacations more accessible.

But did you know you can also earn Hilton Honors points on these discounted stays, further maximizing your travel rewards? Let's dive into how you can leverage the Hilton Friends & Family program to earn points and elevate your travel experiences.

What is the Hilton Friends & Family Program?

The Go Hilton program provides discounted rates for Hilton employees and extends savings to their friends and family members. Hilton employees can add up to 30 people to their Friends & Family list. The Friends & Family Travel Program allows these individuals to book up to 70 nights per year at a discounted rate.

Unlike fixed employee rates, the Friends & Family discount is up to 50% off the Standard Flexible Rate. These discounts are applicable across Hilton's entire portfolio of hotels, including brands like Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria, and DoubleTree. However, availability isn't guaranteed, especially during high-occupancy periods.

Earning Hilton Honors Points on Friends & Family Stays

Yes, bookings made under the Go Hilton Family and Friends rates are eligible to earn Hilton Honors points on room rates and incidental charges, similar to standard bookings. Friends & Family stays earn at least 10 Hilton points per USD paid at the room rate.

Food and beverage purchases (excluding room service) also qualify for earning Hilton Honors points based on the amount paid after any discounts. Bonus points related to elite status are calculated based on the reduced room rate.

Maximizing Your Earnings and Benefits

Even with the discounted Friends & Family rate, you can still enjoy the perks of your Hilton Honors status. For instance, if you have Hilton Honors Diamond status, you're still eligible for room upgrades (subject to availability), executive lounge access (if available), and complimentary breakfast.

To maximize your Hilton Honors earnings and benefits with the Friends & Family rate, consider these strategies:

• Combine with Promotions: Keep an eye out for Hilton Honors promotions that offer bonus points on stays. Register for these promotions to stack your earnings. For example, Hilton Honors often has ongoing promotions offering bonus points on stays.
• Use a Hilton Honors Credit Card: Using a Hilton co-branded credit card can further boost your points earnings. These cards often offer bonus points on Hilton purchases, allowing you to accumulate points even faster.
• Take Advantage of Elite Status: If you have Hilton Honors elite status, be sure to take advantage of your benefits, such as bonus points, room upgrades, and complimentary breakfast.
• Link Accounts: Link your Hilton Honors and Lyft accounts to earn points on rides.
• Monitor for Extra Rates: Look for Extra rates in the Go Hilton portal, which don't count toward the 70-night annual limit.

Booking Tips and Considerations

• Plan Ahead: Availability is often limited, especially during peak travel seasons. Book early for the best chance of securing your preferred dates.
• Be Flexible: Use the flexible dates tool to find available rates and adjust your travel plans accordingly.
• Check Extra Rates: These don't count toward your annual night limits and are perfect for last-minute trips.
• Book strategically: All Friends & Family bookings count toward your friend's annual 70-night limit, so use them strategically.
• Book one night at a time: When searching for deals, start by checking one night at a time. If you book two nights together and only one night has the discounted rate, it may not show up.

Alternative Ways to Maximize Hilton Honors Points

Even if you don't have access to the Friends & Family rate, there are still plenty of ways to maximize your Hilton Honors points:

• Redeem Points for Hotel Stays: Using points to book hotel nights is the most valuable use of Hilton Honors points.
• Maximize the Fifth Night Free Deal: Hilton Honors members with Silver status or higher get the fifth night free on all standard room award bookings.
• Pool Points: Hilton Honors allows members to pool their points with up to 10 other members, enabling larger groups to combine their points for high-value redemptions.
• Points & Money: Use the Points & Money option to pay for part or all of your stay with points.

Conclusion

The Hilton Friends & Family program is a fantastic way to save money on hotel stays while still earning Hilton Honors points and enjoying elite status benefits. By understanding the program's rules and implementing smart booking strategies, you can maximize your rewards and create unforgettable travel experiences.

Whether you're using the Friends & Family rate or other methods to earn and redeem points, the Hilton Honors program offers a wealth of opportunities to elevate your travels.