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Obli‑cation Travel: Turning a Must‑Travel Trip into a True Vacation with Hilton Honors

Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton
Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton

Every year, we book a hotel because we have to. Whether it’s needing a place to stay after dropping our children off at college, attending our cousin’s wedding in another state, or spending a weekend at our child's sports competition, some travel may seem more an obligation than a vacation. It matters where you stay and with more than 7,000 hotels across the globe—combined with added benefits enjoyed by 146 million Hilton Honors members, you can turn your trip into a true vacation with Hilton, even booking your accommodations with Points. Here is just a sampling of properties to consider for your next obli-cation.

Hilton Honors 101

This story is part of our Hilton Honors 101 series – check out the Beginner’s Guide to Hilton Honors and how to plan a dreamy honeymoon with Points. Check back for more articles in the series.

Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton

Chicago

With its seemingly endless event space, waterfront views and the largest rooftop bar in the world, Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton not only sets the stage for plenty of high school and college competitions in the Chicago area, but is a great place to stay while visiting the city, no matter your reason. Steps from some of Chicago’s most popular attractions, Gold and Diamond Hilton Honors members can enjoy an $18 Daily Food & Beverage Credit, which pairs well with a drink at Lirica, the hotel’s Latin-inspired restaurant, where you can take in views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline. And be sure to keep an eye on the one-of-a-kind Hilton Honors Experiences platform, where you can use your Points to bid on exciting and immersive experiences like the recent TAO Sushi & Sake Experience in Chicago. For a free night's stay, book with Hilton Honors Points, starting at 70,000 Points per night. 

Hotel Marcel New Haven, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Hotel Marcel New Haven, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

New Haven, Connecticut

Located near the home of one of America’s most esteemed universities, Hotel Marcel New Haven, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is a great option when visiting colleges in the surrounding area. The first anticipated net-zero hotel in the U.S. to achieve Passive House and LEED Platinum certification, you’ll feel good about a stay in the landmark climate-first hotel, and you can park your electric vehicle at one of 12 charging stations. Yale alum will want to try the Handsome Dan blue and white cocktail at the hotel’s BLDG Bar, in honor of the school’s mascot. For a free night's stay, book with Hilton Honors Points, starting at 60,000 Points per night. 

Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs Area

Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs Area

Orlando, Florida

Thousands of athletes and parents descend upon Orlando throughout the year for championship events, such as the Cheerleading Worlds and the Walt Disney World Marathon. During your travels, stay at Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Palace Disney Springs Area, where an oasis of relaxation and fun for the entire family awaits. Amenities include two large pools with private cabanas, a lazy river Float Lagoon with beach entry, kid’s splash pad, fun family games on the Shades lawn and seasonal live music. Guests can enjoy a sprinkle of Disney magic with incredible views of Disney Springs® and evening fireworks from EPCOT®. As an official Walt Disney World® hotel, guests also have access to early entry and complimentary transportation to Disney theme parks. For a free night's stay, book with Hilton Honors Points, starting at 55,000 Points per night. 

Hampton Inn by Hilton Boston Seaport:Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Seaport

Hampton Inn by Hilton Boston Seaport/Homewood Suites by Hilton Boston Seaport

Boston

As home to nearly three dozen colleges and universities, more than 150,000 students attend school in Massachusetts’ capital city. For parents visiting during family weekends, sporting events and graduations, Hilton’s dual-brand Homewood Suites and Hampton Inn in the Boston Seaport provide two options for adventures by land or sea. The pet-friendly hotels provide free hot breakfast, so guests can begin the day on the right foot before walking the nearby historic Freedom Trail. For a free night's stay, book with Hilton Honors Points, starting at 70,000 and 80,000 Points per night. 

Hilton Garden Inn Temecula

Hilton Garden Inn Temecula

Temecula, California

Nestled into California’s wine region where weddings are in abundance, Hilton Garden Inn Temecula welcomes thousands every year for more than wine sipping. Car enthusiasts visit for semi-annual Rod Runs with classic cars cruising the streets, hot air balloons fill the sky during the annual Balloon & Wine Festival and horses race by during the Galway Downs international equestrian event. Plus, extend your trip as a Hilton Honors member knowing that with every standard room reward stay, every fifth night is free. For a free night's stay, book with Hilton Honors Points, starting at 50,000 Points per night. 

Hilton New Orleans Riverside

Hilton New Orleans Riverside

New Orleans

Besides being renowned for its Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, New Orleans throws one heck of a wedding, as nearly 7,500 weddings took place in the Big Easy in 2021 alone. Located at the foot of Canal Street, Hilton New Orleans Riverside is within all the best downtown has to offer and perfect for exploring the Garden District and the French Quarter when you’re not busy at rehearsal dinners and receptions. Elite Hilton Honors members will find a host of places to use their $15 Daily F&B Credit, from the signature seafood fare of Drago’s to the Old World speakeasy of Public Belt to casual and breakfast dining at River Blends Café and Le Croissant, respectively. The credit is also good at the hotel’s “grocery store,” Crescent City Marketplace, where you can grab something to go for a picnic by the Mighty Mississippi River. For a free night's stay, book with Hilton Honors Points, starting at 60,000 Points per night. 

Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Midtown

Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Midtown

Atlanta

Atlanta is a popular city for obli-cations, including events like the world’s largest science competition, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. When you’re bringing the brood, stay at the all-suites Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Midtown as it provides ample room to spread out after a day in the greater metropolitan area. Families and groups can start their day with made-to-order omelets for breakfast and end it with drinks at the complimentary evening reception. Plus, redeem your Hilton Honors Points on Lyft rides and earn even more Points on every dollar you spend using Lyft when getting around. For a free night's stay, book with Hilton Honors Points, starting at 60,000 Points per night. 

Even if you don’t have enough Points to book your stay, Hilton’s Flexible Points & Money allows you to combine Points with cash to complete bookings and provides a more flexible way to travel. And, with Double Your Stay, Hilton Honors members can earn double Hilton Honors Points on all stays to get free nights faster and head to places on your bucket list (terms apply).

Not a Hilton Honors member? Sign up for free and start earning Points toward your next free night.