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Ever since announcing a partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World back in February, we've been waiting for Hilton to fill us in on the details. What will this partnership look like? How many Hilton Honors points will a free night cost?
From a round-table discussion with Hilton executives this week, we know a bit more — not everything, but a clearer picture of how this partnership will unfold, what it should offer, and estimated timelines.
Hilton Prepares To Roll out Partnership With Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Hilton sent a press release on a regular old Wednesday morning in February, teasing that Hilton Honors members could soon book Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) stays through Hilton channels. This was big news, as it almost immediately spelled the end of SLH's near-perfect partnership with World of Hyatt, which will officially cease on May 15, 2024.
Aside from the vague “here's what you can do in a few months,” Hilton didn't share much else in the original press release. We knew Hilton Honors members would be able to earn and burn Hilton points on stays, but that was it.
At a press event in Nashville this week, we learned more from key players at Hilton Honors: Dan Reynolds (Global Head of Content, Media, and Partnerships, Hilton) and Jenn Chick (Global Head & Senior Vice President, Loyalty & Customer). They shared a few more details about the ongoing integration. Specifically, around 100 SLH properties (20% of SLH's portfolio) are expected to be bookable through Hilton channels by mid-summer. Hilton didn't specify if or when more properties will come online.
“The goal,” they reiterated, is for as many SLH properties as possible to start participating. SLH properties will have to opt into participating in Hilton Honors, however.
You'll also be able to book these properties with points. And if you're wondering how many points a stay at a SLH property will cost, we have a few minor details. Reward nights will price similarly to Hilton's own hotels, and one night should not cost more than 150,000 Hilton Honors points. We'll hold out hope that rates are far lower than that, but properties will have points caps for standard rooms.
If you have a free night award, Hilton shared you can redeem them for SLH stays. Plus, you will receive standard benefits like complimentary breakfast or a food and beverage credit if you're a Hilton Honors Gold or Diamond elite member. Reynolds reiterated multiple times that the goal is for a Hilton Honors member to enjoy as many of their traditional benefits as possible on SLH stays, “Though the exact details are still being ironed out.”
All to say, Hilton's partnership with SLH is trending toward fruition. Hopefully, more details, such as a launch date, will drop soon. “Later this year” was all the execs could share for a timeline.
Related: Do Hilton Honors Points Expire?
Final Thoughts
Hilton signed a partnership agreement with Small Luxury Hotels of the World in February 2024. We've been waiting for more details, and we now know a bit more. As soon as this summer, Hilton Honors members should be able to book SLH stays through Hilton channels.
The goal is for as many of the properties to be bookable with points as possible, that your elite benefits should be honored, and that you should earn, burn, and experience very similar to what you'll find at Hilton's own properties.
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