Hilton has many different brands of hotels in its portfolio. But what are the differences between these brands and what should you know about them in terms of quality, price, and history?
In this comprehensive article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the different types of Hilton hotel brands, including what brands are best for families or business travel and which brands don’t earn you as many Hilton points.
And to provide you some insight into the differences between these brands when booking, I’ve supplied both cash prices and points prices for these properties. Some of these prices are depressed because of the current pandemic and prices may be updated in the future to reflect the current climate of travel.
Table of Contents
How many hotel brands does Hilton have?
Hilton has a total of 18 Hilton brands and they include the following:
- Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
- LXR Hotel & Resorts
- Conrad Hotels & Resorts
- Canopy by Hilton
- Signa
- Hilton Hotels & Resorts
- Curio Collection by Hilton
- Doubletree by Hilton
- Tapestry Collection by Hilton
- Embassy Suites by Hilton
- Tempo by Hilton
- Motto by Hilton
- Hilton Garden Inn
- Hampton Inn & Suites
- Tru by Hilton
- Homewood Suites by Hilton
- Home2 Suites
- Hilton Grand Vacations
Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!
Maximizing Hilton stays across brands
If you’re curious about the different Hilton hotel brands, you probably are also curious about maximizing your stays at those brands.
It’s a good idea to get familiar with the Hilton Honors program and I would start by finding out what some of the elite status benefits are for Hilton.
You can start with a mid-tier status like Hilton Gold status which is one of the best hotel statuses if you ask me because they provide you with real benefits like free breakfast.
If you think you might be more of the overachiever type, then you can look into the top-tier status known as Hilton Diamond status. It’s very similar to Gold status but offers more perks like better upgrades and lounge access.
Something that is really interesting about Hilton is that it allows you to take a shortcut and get the top level of status just by getting approved for a credit card like the Hilton Aspire. You can also easily get the mid-tier Hilton Gold status by getting approved for the Hilton Surpass Card.
In addition to getting elite status, these cards will allow you to earn tons of bonus points on your Hilton stays and usually come with some great welcome bonuses that allow you to stay at some top Hilton properties for free.
And finally, be on the lookout for free weekend night certificates that come attached to these cards. If you maximize your free weekend night by using it at one of the most expensive properties like the Conrad Maldives, you could potentially receive over $1,000 in value from this single perk alone.
Tip: Looking for the best hotel credit cards? Check out the full list here.
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts (formerly The Waldorf-Astoria Collection) is the flagship luxury brand for Hilton and was launched in 2006, receiving its name-sake from the historic Waldorf Astoria in New York City.
These properties are designed to “reflect the culture and history of their extraordinary locations” and they can often be best be described with words like “epic,” “legendary” (and “expensive”). These are ultra-luxurious properties that provide exceptional service to their guests at high-impact moments, such as the pre-arrival welcome, the arrival, and the invitation to return.
Whether it’s in a converted landmark or a newly sprouted building, if you’re looking for that over the top luxury experience with elegant lobbies and rooms, while not losing out on the local connection and feel, the Waldorf will offer you just that.
Some of the top locations include the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, and Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel. At some of these more expensive properties, you can get exceptional value for your Hilton points (.7 cents per point).
Similar brands that you might encounter from other hotel companies include Four Seasons, The Peninsula, Mandarin Oriental, and the Ritz-Carlton.
Locations
- Properties: 32
- Countries and territories: 15
Prices
- Waldorf Astoria Chicago
- Points: 90,000
- Cash: $361
- Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
- Points: 95,000
- Cash: $782
- The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
- Points: 47,000
- Cash: $187
LXR Hotel & Resorts
LXR Hotel & Resorts properties are “found in the worlds most alluring locations.” There are less than a handful of these properties located around the globe but they offer a very exclusive guest experience and can be ultra luxurious like the Habtoor Palace Dubai, which is the former St. Regis Dubai.
Individual attention to the guest is a top priority and Hilton claims, “Each property delivers a singular travel experience native to its place, history, and tradition.” While still a small luxury collection, this small group of hotels packs a big punch with beautiful properties like the Zemi Beach House, an intimate boutique hotel consisting of 76 rooms and suites.
Locations
- Properties: 5
- Countries and territories: 3
Prices
- Habtoor Palace Dubai, LXR Hotels & Resorts
- Points: 42,000
- Cash: $156
- Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts
- Points: 95,000
- Cash: $515
Conrad Hotels & Resorts
Conrad Hotels & Resorts was the initial flagship luxury brand until the Waldorf stepped into the picture in 2006.
Still though, these hotels are ultra luxury properties but they rely more on art, technology, and a “cool” factor to offer unforgettable and modern travel experiences to guests. Style and service are big at the Conrad and you’ll be blown away and deeply inspired by some of their exotic locations like Bora Bora and the Maldives.
Similar brands that you might encounter from other hotel companies include Loews Hotels, Sofitel, Park Hyatt, and Shangri-La.
Locations
- Properties: 39
- Countries and territories: 22
Prices
- Conrad Miami
- Points: 55,000
- Cash: $229
- Conrad Indianapolis
- Points: 56,000
- Cash: $226
- Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
- Points: 95,000
- Cash: $480
Canopy by Hilton
Canopy by Hilton is a hotel brand that aims to create a positive state and is meant for those seeking an energizing experience. With Canopy, Hilton is focused on creating a refreshing experience that fits right into the neighborhood.
You’ll find open and welcoming lobbies and cafes that have a sense of flow and offer vibrant spaces to work and rest, often with plenty of natural light. There’s an effort to integrate these properties right into their localities as a “street lamp of the neighborhood” with an intent to create a comfortable and homy feel.
Similar brands that you might encounter from other hotel companies include Kimpton, Hyatt Centric, and Ace Hotel.
Locations
- Properties: 13
- Countries and territories: 5
Prices
- Canopy by Hilton Dallas Uptown
- Points: 51,000
- Cash: $202
- Canopy by Hilton Jersey City Arts District
- Points: 52,000
- Cash: $209
- Canopy by Hilton Charlotte Southpark
- Points: 56,000
- Cash: $229
Signa
Signa is a new portfolio of premier hotels in popular urban and resort destinations. These Hilton properties offer dynamic meeting and event capabilities along with state of the art technology and signature food and beverage experiences.It’s primarily targeted at meeting professionals and sophisticated business travelers.
Locations
- Properties: 13
- Countries and territories: 5
Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Hilton Hotels & Resorts is the foundation of the Hilton brand and arguably the most recognized name in the industry. Located in over 90 countries and territories, it’s pretty easy to find a Hilton hotel just about wherever you go. Hilton Hotels will come in all sorts of different varieties and the level of luxury can fluctuate pretty widely.
Locations
- Properties: 584
- Countries and territories: 94
Prices
- Hilton University of Houston
- Points: 39,000
- Cash: $115
- Hilton Time Square
- Points: 61,000
- Cash: $219
- Hilton Auckland
- Points: 38,000
- Cash: $176
Curio Collection by Hilton
The Curio Collection by Hilton is a global group of hotels hand-picked for their unique character and personality (Curio Collection is a “soft brand,” so hotels are supported by Hilton, but retain their own branding).
These hotels embody the “culture and spirit” of the community in which they reside. Because these are a hand-picked collection of properties, you won’t find a ton of consistency across the properties but I personally have loved the Curio properties I’ve stayed in.
One of my last Curio stays was at the H Hotel in Los Angeles just outside of LAX. It was a modern hotel with a great observation deck of incoming flights and also a cool robot butler that would serve you snacks. It was nothing like the Sam Hotel in Houston I stayed at that was also a Curio collection hotel. I guess it was a perfect example of how different these properties can be.
Locations
- Properties: 91
- Countries and territories: 27
Prices
- H Hotel Los Angeles, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Points: 29,000
- Cash: $119
- Boulders Resort & Spa Scottsdale, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Points: 57,000
- Cash: $199
- The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton
- Points: 54,000
- Cash: $214
Doubletree by Hilton
The full-service Doubletree by Hilton brand is one of the largest brands by Hilton and one that you will find in a lot of places. At these properties, the idea is to make the guest feel as comfortable as possible with thoughtful touches like warm chocolate chip cookies at check-in.
In fact, those warm chocolate chip cookies are somewhat famous. The cookies, which have been made by Nashville-based Christie Cookie Company for over 30 years, were originally made in the early 1980s for VIPs but these days they are given to all guests.
And the best part? Doubletree recently released the recipe!
While you might see some new buildings pop up, most DoubleTree hotels are converted from other properties. Also, most DoubleTree hotels are independently owned and operated by franchisees.
You can find these hotels located within cities and also near airports.
Locations
- Properties: 587
- Countries and territories: 47
Prices
- DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Seattle Airport – Southcenter
- Points: 25,000
- Cash: $100
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Juan
- Points: 47,000
- Cash: $169
- DoubleTree by Hilton Baton Rouge
- Points: 30,000
- Cash: $144
Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!
Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Tapestry Collection by Hilton is another collection of hotels. This one is a global portfolio of upscale and unique hotels that have vibrant and welcoming personalities. These properties focus on experiences that emphasize the intersection between the hotel and its location.
Locations
- Properties: 31
- Countries and territories: 3
Prices
- The Verve Hotel Boston Natick, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
- Points: 33,000
- Cash: $134
- The Sire Hotel Lexington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
- Points: 42,000
- Cash: $169
- The Sound Hotel Seattle Belltown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
- Points: 70,000
- Cash: $284
Embassy Suites by Hilton
Embassy Suites by Hilton is an upscale all suite hotel with a mix of two room and studio suites and along with spacious rooms. It’s known for its atrium space, cooked-to-order breakfast (can’t go wrong with the omelets), and evening receptions. It also has a very long history of offering great customer service.
While fan-favorite Embassy Suites serves business travelers, these are also great properties for families on vacation and often work out perfectly with their conjoined suites, which allow for privacy and space for parents. (Embassy Suites was once ranked the #1 hotel brand for families in the category by Parents magazine.)
Small details like in-room mini fridges and in-room microwaves make them a great choice for convenience. Interestingly, they’ve also been one of the more popular brands during economic recessions.
Locations
- Properties: 257
- Countries and territories: 5
Prices
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown
- Points: 37,000
- Cash: $155
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Denver Downtown Convention Center
- Points: 39,000
- Cash: $159
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Anchorage
- Points: 47,000
- Cash: $199
Tempo by Hilton
Tempo by Hilton is a brand new approachable lifestyle hotel brand “dedicated to exceeding expectations of an emerging and discerning class of traveler the modern achiever.”
Several special amenities are offered to help ambitious guests continue their journey without disrupting their routine like one-of-a-kind Power Up and Power Down collections and “curated assortments of morning and bedtime rituals created in partnership with Thrive Global.”
You’ll also find bright, oversized bath suites, which include mirrors with built-in Bluetooth speakers to help your recharge and renew. The dining experience here is supposed to be elevated yet approachable and includes a signature of coffee and tea fuel bar.
Motto by Hilton
Motto by Hilton is another new brand that is in the process of being launched. This is a new micro hotel with an urban vibe located in prime global locations. The hotels are designed to be centrally located, reasonably priced, and also less traditional than typical lodging.
Hilton Garden Inn
Hilton Garden Inn is a mid-priced hotel found in almost 50 countries and territories. Hilton Garden Inn’s typically range from 150 to 250 rooms with some buildings taking on unique characteristics depending on the location. Rooms are designed to be comfortable and appealing and to basically just get the job done.
Some of these Garden Inn properties can be much more impressive than you might anticipate, though. I recently stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn at the Frankfurt Airport and it was a pretty beautiful hotel as far as airport hotels are concerned.
Locations
- Properties: 862
- Countries and territories: 49
Prices
- Hilton Garden Inn New York/Central Park South-Midtown West
- Points: 37,000
- Cash: $144
- Hilton Garden Inn Fargo
- Points: 23,000
- Cash: $99
- Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Waterfront/Downtown
- Points: 41,000
- Cash: $169
Hampton Inn & Suites
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton is an industry leading upper-midscale brand. Hampton is one of the largest Hilton brands as they have over 2,500 properties. You’ll find a very consistent experience at these hotels and be able to take advantage of amenities like a free hot breakfast and complementary Wi-Fi.
Each Hampton is committed to what’s called the, “100% Hampton Guarantee,” which is “providing an exceptional guest experience and consistent, high-quality accommodations and amenities.” While most Hampton Inns seem to offer the same type of experience, there are some outlier properties that are a bit unique like the Hampton Inn Savannah Historic District.
The Hampton brand has consistently been named one of the best and largest franchises in the lodging category and one of the top franchise brands overall. It’s sort of the McDonald’s of Hilton.
Locations
- Properties: 2,544
- Countries and territories: 30
Prices
- Hampton Inn Philadelphia Center City-Convention Center
- Points: 35,000
- Cash: $143
- Hampton Inn & Suites Phoenix Glendale-Westgate
- Points: 29,000
- Cash: $119
- Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park
- Points: 45,000
- Cash: $179
Tru by Hilton
Tru by Hilton is a fun hotel brand that embraces vibrant simplicity in a back to the basics type of way. The brand was designed to disrupt the midscale hotel category and it’s definitely a bit funky.
You’ll find interesting exteriors at these properties along with bright and colorful accent colors. Natural light in the lobbies will be plentiful and simplistic, modern landscape designs can be found surrounding the buildings.
In common areas, you’ll find bright furniture pieces situated along with workstations and game areas. And fitness centers will contain both traditional and nontraditional equipment and accessories that “leverage modern wellness trends.”
Rooms are designed with space in mind as you have open closets and hanging bars. Bathrooms will be spacious and in-room furniture such as desks and shelves will be minimalistic. The Tru properties definitely have a distinctive feel and look to them that you will probably either love or hate.
It’s worth noting that when it comes to earning Hilton points you only earn five base points (versus 10) when staying at these properties.
Locations
- Properties: 116
- Countries and territories: 2
Prices
- Tru by Hilton San Antonio Downtown Riverwalk
- Points: 30,000
- Cash: $112
- Tru by Hilton Meridian Boise West
- Points: 25,000
- Cash: $109
- Tru by Hilton Charlotte Ayrsley
- Points: 34,000
- Cash: $139
Homewood Suites by Hilton
Homewood Suites by Hilton is an upscale all-suite residential style property designed for extended stays that competes with Staybridge Suites by IHG and Residence Inn by Marriott.
It’s meant to help business and leisure travelers stay in their routines when on these longer stays and you will find amenities such as free breakfast provided at these properties. Also, there is the free evening social reception Monday through Thursday, consisting of draft beers, house wine, soft drinks, and light snacks.
I once stayed at Homewood suites in Dallas for two weeks and it was a pretty interesting experience. Having the extra space of the suite was definitely helpful in a situation like that and I dare say that it did begin to feel slightly like home by the end of my stay
Locations
- Properties: 505
- Countries and territories: 4
Prices
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Dallas Downtown, TX
- Points: 37,000
- Cash: $149
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Halifax-Downtown Nova Scotia, Canada
- Points: 37,000
- Cash: $149
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Jacksonville Downtown-Southbank
- Points: 33,000
- Cash: $139
Home2 Suites by Hilton
Home2 Suites is a mid-scale, all suite hotel targeted to those on extended stays who are more budget conscious and it competes with TownePlace Suites by Marriott and InterContinental Hotels Group’s Candlewood Suites. So if you’re looking to really stretch your cash or points on a long stay, this might be an appealing brand for you.
Home2 Suites properties, which target both leisure and business travelers, feature an open lobby area space called the “Oasis” designed to foster an environment where guests can easily socialize. In these, you’ll find both communal and individual work zones along with 52″ flat-screen TVs.
It’s worth noting that when it comes to earning Hilton points you only earn five base points (versus 10) when staying at these properties.
Locations
- Properties: 384
- Countries and territories: 2
Prices
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Harvey
- Points: 34,000
- Cash: $138
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Atlanta Midtown
- Points: 36,000
- Cash: $139
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Oklahoma City South
- Points: 24,000
- Cash: $97
Hilton Grand Vacations
Hilton Grand Vacations develops, manages, markets, and operates a system of brand-name vacation club ownership resorts. The resorts villas are jointly owned by different members who have exclusive use of the properties for a designated period of time — this is known as a timeshare.
A word about hotel brands
Above, I’ve included descriptions of the different Hilton brand based on published descriptions by Hilton and based on my own experiences with these brands. There are a couple of things to note, however.
The first is that hotel companies are notorious for using abstract and even vague language when offering descriptions of their hotel brands. It’s not always clear exactly what they are describing, and I don’t completely blame the hotels because a lot of what goes on in a hotel stay is experiential.
So in many ways the only way to get a true appreciation or understanding of what a brand offers is to visit them.
The second thing to note is that the descriptions used for these properties are not always universal. While some brands are very consistent across the board, other brands do not always fall in line with each other.
Final word
Hilton has quite a few different type of hotel brands. Some of these brands have very distinct identities that are unmistakably unique. Meanwhile some brands don’t necessarily have a defining characteristic that is readily visible. But generally speaking, you can expect to encounter similar experiences within these brands just be aware that when traveling outside the US some brands can often feel quite different.
Note on pricing:
The prices above were based on the cheapest room that I found for the properties and those prices can obviously fluctuate based on seasonality.
Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo. He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio.
Thanks for this nice breakdown. Really enjoying your blog!
Thanks, Connie — that’s great to hear. Have a good Memorial Day Weekend!
Very thorough, super helpful, I appreciate all this information.
Very clear. Thank you.