Is there a better time of year than summer? If you’re asking me, the answer is no. I love the warmer months when the days are longer, kids are out of school and, hopefully, there’s a vacation on the books to look forward to.
If you don’t have something planned, it’s not too late to book for some last-minute summer fun. If you’re curious about where to actually go, Hilton might have the answer — at least if you’re trying to book in the U.S. The company pulled some data that revealed the most popular domestic destinations booked by Hilton Honors members for July. And, if that’s not enough to sway you, TPG has rounded up some of our favorite Hilton hotels which are worthy of redeeming (or earning) Hilton Honors points in each destination.
But even if these places don’t speak to you, be sure to check out some of our other favorite Hilton Hotels, including our favorites from around the world; the best of the best across the U.S., ranging from luxury to budget-friendly; and even the best Hilton beach hotels spanning the globe, because nothing says summer like a beach vacation.
Nashville
As a former Nashvillian myself, I can say that Music City is a quintessentially American destination that everyone should visit at least once in their life. It has something for everyone — even if you don’t like country music.
From a thriving food scene that ranges from staples like Nashville Hot Chicken and barbecue to southern takes on ramen, you won’t go hungry. As far as culture goes, Nashville has plenty of it: Visit the Frist for a world-class art museum, head to the National Museum of African American Music to learn where some of the most influential sounds in the world came from, and then hit up the Country Music Hall of Fame to get a feel for what made Nashville what it is today.
As for where to stay, Hilton has options that run the gamut, but there are two that really stand out.
For families, the largest Embassy Suites in the country, Embassy Suites Downtown Nashville, checks all the boxes — and then some. This Embassy Suites, like all of them, offers free breakfast (Embassy Suites has the best free hotel breakfast, according to our taste tests), an indoor rooftop pool with incredible city views and a downtown location that makes it easy to walk to major attractions.
How to book: Rates for July stays at the Embassy Suites Downtown Nashville start at $195 a night, though most night are between $200 and $300 with weekends being even higher. Hilton Honors members can redeem points starting at 71,000 points per night.
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For a more upscale stay, the newly opened Conrad Nashville is also a solid choice, especially for people traveling without kids. Its Midtown location is still close to all the action, but removed enough from Downtown that you won’t have to worry about the honky-tonk crowds on Lower Broadway. Plus, there’s a great bar, Thistle & Rye, with a patio that looks out onto the city, and wellness rooms with Pelotons, if that’s up your alley.
How to book: Rates at the Conrad Nashville for July start as low as $227 or 90,000 Hilton Honors points.
Related: The best hotels in Nashville
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
In South Carolina, droves of people head up to Myrtle Beach every summer for an easygoing beach vacation, plus all the slightly kitschy attractions that come with touristy places like it (think: mini-golf, go-kart racing and those slightly horrifying but you’ve always secretly wanted to try bungee jump platforms). It’s the perfect place for a multi-generation vacation that’s heavy on fried shrimp, sunscreen, love and laughter.
If you do end up taking the whole family, save big by booking a room at the newly renovated Embassy Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort, which has a waterpark with slides, a pool with lounge chairs and cabanas, free made-to-order breakfast and large suites to spread out in.
How to book: Rates at Embassy Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort in July start at $315 per night or 70,000 Hilton Honors points.
Related: The best hotels in Myrtle Beach
Chicago
In Chicago, the Windy City, you can really do it all. Spend a day exploring world famous art, like Grant Wood’s “American Gothic,” at the Art Institute of Chicago then head up to the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center to see the city from above. If you didn’t know, Chicago has public beaches on Lake Michigan, so you can even pretend to live that island life for a second. Just whatever you do in Chicago, don’t forget to stop for some classic deep dish pizza and a comedy show at Second City.
As for where to stay, the options are nearly endless, so check out our list of best hotels in Chicago. This summer, Hilton Honors members are keen to stay at theWit Chicago, located near the Riverwalk in the Theater District. The hotel has an eclectic, urban feel and features chic rooms with pops of color, a 27th-floor rooftop bar and even a spa.
How to book: Rates at theWit Chicago in July start at $169 or 51,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Cincinnati
Though Cincinnati might not be a top-of-mind vacation destination, the Ohio city is charming, affordable and really does have a lot to offer. For starters, the Cincinnati Zoo is considered one of the best in the country — and zoos are fun for the whole family. There are art, history and children’s museums to enjoy, plus tons of outdoor fun to be had, including more than a dozen miles of hiking trails at Mt. Airy Forest. The great Cincinnati area is also home to more than 80 breweries, so visitors can easily spend an entire day learning about and tasting craft brews.
Hilton Honors members love The Cincinnatian Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, which lives in a historic building dating to 1882. Today, however, the building is a modern and charming hotel where you can earn and redeem Hilton Honors points and offers cozy rooms and a restaurant, Maverick’s Restobar, which serves small plates, beer and bourbon
How to book: Cash rates in July start at $148 per night or 46,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Saratoga Springs, New York
Upstate New York has no shortage of charming towns to visit, but Saratoga Springs, not far from Albany, is one of the best.
Home to natural springs that people have flocked to for years, Saratoga draws visitors looking to relax and soak up the healing natural elements in the area. On the other hand, people are also attracted to the horse race track, Saratoga Race Course, which hosts popular events at various times throughout the year.
While there are a lot of charming hotels and inns in Saratoga Springs, Hilton loyalists are booking at Homewood Suites by Hilton Saratoga Springs, which offers free breakfast, has in-suite kitchens, is pet friendly and offers “social hours” with drinks and snacks every Wednesday night.
How to book: Rates at Homewood Suites by Hilton Saratoga Springs in July start at $165 per night at 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Seattle
You don’t have to be a fan of “Grey’s Anatomy” to love Seattle (but it does make it more fun to roam around wondering, “Did Meredith Grey shop here?”). Outside of that, there are so many wonderful things to do in Seattle, such as eating your way around Pike Place Market, admiring the city from the top of the Space Needle, trying incredible Asian food in Chinatown and getting out on a boat to see the skyline from the water.
For a luxe stay in Seattle, we’re big fans of the Hotel 1000 Seattle, part of Hilton’s LXR collection. With a prime downtown location, this hotel offers rooms with great views of the water, a spa that’s perfect for indulging on a rainy Seattle day, a seafood restaurant serving Pacific Northwest Cuisine, and a special pet program so even four-legged guests will feel like royalty.
How to book: Rates at Hotel 1000 in July start at $305 a night or 90,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Miami
Few cities in the U.S. command the beach and sunshine like Miami, a place with big Latin flavors, one of the country’s most distinct architectural styles and lots and lots of cruise ships.
Travelers to Miami can set up by the beach and never feel the need to leave, they can hit up the eclectic art scene of Wynwood, or try mouthwatering Cuban food in Little Havana. As a great starting point for a road trip down to the Florida Keys or Everglades National Park, Miami offers that perfect mix of city, beach and the great outdoors.
Curious where Hilton Honors members are resting their heads? One popular hotel is Hilton Bentley Miami South Beach, a beachfront property with beach chairs lining the sand, a pool, a Greek restaurant and rooms with balconies where you can relax and enjoy the salty ocean air.
How to book: Rates at Hilton Bentley Miami South Beach in July start at $236 per night or 80,000 Hilton Honors Points.
Related: The best hotels in Miami
How to save with Hilton Honors
If you’re looking to earn more Hilton Honors points, it might be time to consider one of the best Hilton co-branded credit cards, which offer sign-up bonuses in the form of Hilton Honors points once you spend a certain amount. Right now, with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card you could earn 130,000 points and a Free Night Reward after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first three months of cardmembership. Cardholders will also earn 12X Hilton Honors bonus points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
