The Curio Collection remains a standout within Hilton’s portfolio, encompassing more than 200 independent hotels worldwide. This allows travelers to enjoy boutique-style accommodations while retaining Hilton elite status benefits and earning points for future stays.
Unlike the standardized feel of many large hotel chains, Curio Collection properties are designed to reflect their specific locales. These upscale hotels offer distinctive character, often serving as attractions in their own right.
“The hotel is the hero,” says Brooke Thomas, Hilton’s brand leader for Curio Collection. This philosophy enables properties to maintain their unique identity while delivering standard Hilton conveniences such as online check-in and digital keys.
Drawing from personal and professional travel experiences, here are the Curio Collection properties I would book again using points, along with a few on my bucket list.
LondonHouse Chicago occupies a prime spot on the Chicago River, and its rooftop bar offers one of the city’s most spectacular views—though it can get crowded. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the building’s original 1923 facade, which integrates seamlessly with a modern glass tower. Staying on Michigan Avenue places you within easy walking distance of high-end shopping and landmarks like the Bean.
Room rates frequently exceed $500 per night, sometimes surpassing $1,000, making this an excellent candidate for points redemption. Standard rooms typically require 75,000 points per night, though we have seen rates as low as 54,000 points.
The Hotel del Coronado, affectionately known as Hotel Del, sits just outside San Diego, California. This sprawling beachfront resort features multiple dining options, including a Nobu outpost, and several pools. Opened in 1888, the property blends historic charm with modern amenities. Exploring the grounds is a delight, and paranormal enthusiasts will appreciate the hotel’s reputed hauntings.
That historic beachside appeal comes at a premium; cash rates started at $524 per night in our search, and on-property dining is pricey. Award prices for standard rooms ranged from 100,000 to 110,000 points per night. Notably, resort fees are waived on Hilton award stays.
The Hale Hokuala Kaua’i has not yet opened but is accepting reservations for stays beginning October 1, 2026. It will be the first Curio Collection property in Hawaii, and I am eager to see how the brand’s ethos translates into its amenities, which will include an outdoor pool and a golf course. The hotel is near a beach, though it lacks the direct beachfront access typical of Hawaiian resorts.
Standard rooms are expected to price between $500 and $600 per night, or 120,000 points. Standard award availability is currently wide open, making now an opportune time to book.
4. Royal Senses Resort and Spa Crete
This property operates seasonally from spring to late autumn, as most of Crete shuts down during the off-season. Every room and suite offers sea views, and select units feature private pools. Guests also enjoy access to a private beach, multiple pools, and a charming fisherman’s village a short drive away.
Rates start around $225 per night, but peak summer prices climb to $400–$500. Award pricing during high season is 95,000 points per night.
5. The Caledonian Edinburgh
For a central location steeped in history, The Caledonian Edinburgh delivers. Once a railway station, the hotel retains soaring ceilings and grand Victorian opulence. It offers excellent views of Edinburgh Castle and sits beside Princes Street Gardens, providing a peaceful retreat slightly removed from the bustle of the Royal Mile.
The best deals appear from January through March, though daylight is limited and temperatures are low. Rates can drop to $200 or 57,000 points per night. During other seasons, expect $300–$800 per night, or roughly 100,000 points.
Nerdy Tip
Hilton elite status (included with all Hilton credit cards) unlocks the “Fifth Night Free” perk: stay five nights on points and pay for only four.
6. The Trafalgar St. James
London is expensive, particularly in the central area where The Trafalgar St. James resides. The five-story hotel overlooks Trafalgar Square, and its rooftop bar provides superb skyline views. The National Gallery, Covent Garden, and Buckingham Palace are all within walking distance.
Base cash rates hover around $400 but can exceed $800 during peak periods. Standard award availability is scarce—we found openings only within the next month—due to the prime location. Expect to pay 105,000 Hilton points per night if a room becomes available.
Ever wanted to sleep in a former bank headquarters? The Aleph Rome, an 80-room property in the heart of the Italian capital, occupies exactly that. Guests are a short walk from the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and Villa Borghese. The hotel spa is uniquely housed inside the building’s original bank vault.
Pricing fluctuates significantly with demand, ranging from $250 to over $900 per night. Standard award rates vary accordingly, from 94,000 to 120,000 points per night. Compare cash and point values carefully before booking.
8. Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel
Iceland is not known for affordability, and the Reykjavik Konsulat Hotel, a converted department store in the capital’s downtown, is no exception. It sits near favorite attractions like Rainbow Street, the harbor, and Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur, the famed hot dog stand.
Cash rates start near $300 per night but can reach $1,000 seasonally. A standard room typically costs 90,000 points per night. Redeeming points makes far more sense when the cash rate is $870 than when it is $297.
9. Royal Palm Hotel Galapagos
A trip to the Galapagos Islands is on my bucket list, and the Royal Palm Hotel would be an exceptional base. Located in the forested Santa Cruz highlands, the property features lava tunnels, an infinity pool, and giant tortoises roaming the grounds. I am particularly intrigued by the Lava Lounge, a fine-dining restaurant set inside one of the tunnels.
Lowest cash rates are $269 per night, though they can peak at $800 (when standard award availability is likely nonexistent). Standard room awards generally run 79,000 to 80,000 points per night.
Other Notable Curio Collection Properties
While Curio Collection offers premium experiences, it generally sits a tier below Waldorf Astoria in luxury, meaning cash rates can be quite reasonable at certain properties.
For instance, Turkey’s Elika Cave Suites Cappadocia—Hilton’s first cave hotel, opened in 2026—is stunning, but cash rates under $200 per night make it a better candidate for paid stays, preserving points for higher-value redemptions.
I applied the same logic at Al Seef Heritage Hotel Dubai, situated in an open-air market along Dubai Creek. The cash rate was affordable, and my Hilton elite status from a co-branded credit card covered the excellent breakfast buffet.
Highly rated U.S. properties include The Candler Hotel Atlanta, HALL Arts Dallas, the Art Hotel Denver, and Mills House Charleston. However, these also tend to offer better value when paid with cash rather than points.
