- lsktravelz@gmail.com
What do you do when you need to redeem a Hilton Honors Free Night Reward? I save my free night rewards for travel during Spring Break. However, I only traveled to Arizona and Virginia in 2025. I redeemed a free night with Marriott Bonvoy for a two-night stay in Phoenix. In addition, I redeemed a free night with World of Hyatt for a two-night stay in Alexandria. I then realized my free night reward with Hilton Honors expired on April 30. There was no way I was going to waste my hard-earned reward.
Depending on which credit card you carry, you may receive an award annually with your card membership. Because I am a timeshare owner with Hilton Grand Vacations, I tend to maximize earning rewards with Hilton. For example, with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card, I earn a free night award each time I spend $15,000. In addition, when I reserve a room with Hilton Honors Points for five nights, I receive the fifth night free. I strongly recommend researching a hotel rewards program based on how and where you travel. Although Hilton has a large footprint, you can earn a free stay with the World of Hyatt starting at 3,500 points.
I could have redeemed my Hilton Honors Free Night Reward in Chicago, but I checked my SWA Rapid Rewards account. After playing with the low-fare calendar, I discovered an inexpensive flight to New York. I applied a promo code to the flight and used 20,500 points and $5.60 to book my flight. When I checked the fare a week later, the fare increased to 36,000 points or $554. I booked this flight 14 days in advance. By the way, I forgot about my American Express Platinum Card when I booked my first flight. I only paid half the taxes because of an airline hack. If you carry the AMEX Platinum Card, choose your airline based on your loyalty program.
I called Hilton to reserve my free night. The customer service representative added a note to the reservation to upgrade my room if available. I am a Diamond Member. Of course, I received two DoubleTree cookies when I checked in, and my room was on the 23rd floor. Rooms on a high floor are considered an upgrade. In addition, I received a $18 Food & Beverage Credit. Room 2307 was clean and well-maintained. Yes, it is small. I was surprised the windows opened. Even though I earned a free night reward, I checked the rates on the Hilton website, which started at $403 for Hilton Honors Members.
Shortly after I checked in, I headed to VUE180 Rooftop for a light snack. The view is gorgeous, but the space is small. I met a couple from the UK, and a gentleman from Baltimore joined me at my table. Again, seating is scarce. I ordered a sharable charcuterie board. If you like Elderflower, try the Central Park. Although I wanted to sit outside longer, the rain came in with a vengeance. Indoor seating is available, but I did not want to sit inside at a rooftop bar.
I never use rideshare in New York. I knew exactly where to purchase my MetroCard, loaded $14.50 ($1 service charge) on the card, and boarded the Q70 SBS bus to Roosevelt Av & 74 St. After a quick walk from Penn Station, I arrived at the DoubleTree by Hilton in 49 minutes. Trust me, the time will pass by quickly. Enjoy the ride on public transportation.
In summary, staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton New York Times Square South provides excellent convenience for accessing attractions like the Empire State Building (12-minute walk) and Madison Square Garden (4-minute walk). The hotel is also near several subway lines and Penn Station. Finally, the DoubleTree offers a range of amenities (Vue180 and complimentary Wi-fi) to make your stay comfortable.
I spent $51 at VUE180 w/tip minus the $18 Food & Beverage credit. Transportation costs included $5.60 for my roundtrip flight, $15.50 for a MetroCard, and $30 for garage parking at Midway. Of course, I did not leave New York without purchasing souvenir stickers and a patch ($18.25). I also left a tip ($8) at Club MDW and LGA Centurion Lounge. Remember, I only needed money for one meal because I enjoyed a complimentary breakfast at Club MDW and the Centurion Lounge at LGA. My total cost for a one-night stay in New York to redeem a free night reward was $110.35. Have you signed up for an airline or hotel rewards program? What are you waiting for?