A TravelSort reader writes “I have a Hilton HHonors AMEX and am trying to decide whether to book an AXON or GLON award for either a Category 7 property such as the Conrad Maldives or a Category 6 hotel such as the Conrad Punta del Este. At what stay length would an AXON be a better deal than GLON and vice versa? Also, is there a list of Hilton hotels by category?”
This question on Hilton HHonors AXON and GLON awards is very relevant to me and probably many readers right now, due to the upcoming Hilton award chart devaluation. But first, an explanation of what these awards are and who qualifies.
What is a Hilton AXON Award and Who Qualifies?
Hilton AXON awards are only available to American Express cardholders and only for stays that are a multiple of 4 nights (4 nights, 8 nights, 12 nights, etc.)
- AXON5 (4 nights in a Hilton Category 5 hotel): 125,000 points (Save 15,000 over standard award of 140,000 points)
- AXON6 (4 nights in a Hilton Category 6 hotel): 125,000 points (Save 35,000 over standard award of 160,000 points)
- AXON7 (4 nights in a Hilton Category 7 hotel): 145,000 points (Save 55,000 over standard award of 200,000 points)
To redeem an AXON award, you must call 1-800-920-5649. This is the Hilton HHonors Diamond number, but it also handles AXON award redemptions. Note that they cannot book a stay that is more than 1 year in advance.
What is a Hilton GLON Award and Who Qualifies?
A Hilton GLON (also called VIP) award is available to any Hilton elite member, including Silvers. And since you receive at least Silver status with Hilton HHonors credit cards, by having any Hilton credit card you qualify.
- 4 Night Stay: 15% discount
- 5 Night Stay: 20% discount
- 6 Night Stay: 25% discount
You receive these discounts for Category 3-7 properties plus Waldorf Astoria hotels. And best of all, you can redeem these online AND for Conrad hotels, you can redeem them over 1 year in advance.
AXON Awards vs. GLON Awards: Which Stays Offer the Best Deal for Category 6 Hilton HHonors Hotels?
For Category 6 Hiltons, the standard HHonors award is 40,000 points per night.
AXON is a better deal than GLON for 4 night stays: AXON = 125,000 points, GLON = 136,000 points
For ALL other Category 6 awards, GLON is a better deal.
AXON Awards vs. GLON Awards: Which Stays Offer the Best Deal for Category 7 Hilton HHonors Hotels?
For Category 7 Hiltons, the standard HHonors award is 50,000 points per night.
AXON is a better deal than GLON for stays that are 4 nights or a multiple of 4 nights (8 nights, 12 nights). For example:
- 4 Night Stay: AXON = 145,000 points, GLON = 170,000 points
- 8 Night Stay: AXON = 290,000 points, GLON = 300,000 points
AXON and GLON awards, as I predicted in Hilton HHonors Massive Devaluation, are being replaced by 5th Night Free. This is also a devaluation, since you'll need to only redeem in increments of 5 nights to get a free night, and there will be no discount for 4 night, 6 night, 7 night, etc. stays.
Is There a List of Hilton Hotel Categories?
Crazily enough, no. Hilton is probably the worst I've seen of the major U.S. based hotel chains in terms of not providing a list of its hotels by categories. Even many of its hotels don't clearly state on the hotel Web site which Hilton HHonors category they're in. You basically have to do a Hilton HHonors award search for a specific destination to see the hotels and number of points needed.
Even the list of hotels and categories effective as of the devaluation date of March 28 is organized by region then alphabetized by hotel name. Not too helpful, especially as it's in pdf format with no opportunity to resort by category.
Bottom Line: For high end category 6 and 7 Hilton hotels, AXON is always a better deal for a 4 night stay. AXON is also a better deal for 8 night, 12 night etc. stays at category 7 hotels. But for all other awards, GLON is a better deal. Also note that if you hope to reserve a Conrad resort further than a year out, you'll need to do this online and use GLON.
Will you be booking an AXON or GLON Hilton Honors award before the devaluation?
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